Domino's Goes 'Halal', Boost In Sales

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oi-Staff

By Staff

Friday, February 20, 2009, 10:59

The Domino's Pizza outlet in the Hall Green area of Brimingham is the first of its kind to offer 'Halal Only' menu. This has reportedly not gone too well with the locals.

The locals view this as a case of discrimination against the mixed race population. The customers who wish pork or ham will have to visit another outlet all together. "It's a disgrace, I can appreciate them having it as an option but to have it completely halal is just not on. I'm all for racial and religious tolerance but if anything this is intolerant to my beliefs and discriminatory against me," Chris Yates, a 'Meteor' pizza lover said.

Peter Merholz, 38, from Hall Green, added, "This is a global pizza chain that is isolating western values and choice. It's alienating people and that's just not on."

Surprisingly, the business has picked up within four weeks of introducing the new Halal menu, as compared to the business earlier. As reported by a Domino's spokesman, the profits have raised up by 33 percent. "In that particular area of Birmingham there are a large number of Muslims so there is naturally more of a demand for halal based products." he said.

However the regular customers of the food joint blame Domino's for having to travel miles to enjoy their favorite pizza and also for encouraging racial and religious discrimination in the area. All the protest has been turned down by the Domino's branch, who are currently enjoying their success.

"We appreciate we cannot please everybody but there are alternatives, such as turkey ham, and we have thought long and hard about this decision and we are sure it is the right one," the Dominos spokesman said.

Masood Khawaja, President of the Halal Food Authority, said, "It's good news for Muslims, with changing pallets, who want a bit of variety in their diet. This is only the beginning and we are delighted that Domino's has participating in this trend."

According to the Islamic tradition 'Halal' is a form of hygiene and cleanliness. Meat is considered Halal if its is cut along with a prayer and allowing the blood to completely flow out of the animals body. The Islamic faith prohibits consuming Pork, as it is considered unclean/dirty and falls under the 'Haraam' category. AGENCIES