News 12 defaultlogo

The Cost Of: Paterson restaurant gears up for Eid celebrations

Many of New Jersey's estimated 300,000 Muslims focus on prayer, community, and fasting from sun-up to sundown during the month.

News 12 Staff

Mar 20, 2025, 12:30 PM

Updated 12 hr ago

Share:

Paterson's Al-Basha restaurant is gearing up to serve one of the largest Muslim populations in the U.S. as Eid, marking the end of Ramadan, nears in about a week.
Many of New Jersey's estimated 300,000 Muslims focus on prayer, community, and fasting from sun-up to sundown during the month.
Celebrations to break the fast could cost thousands, peaking in the final weekend.
"After a long month of fasting from sunrise to sunset, a lot of families want to go out and celebrate," said Saeed Yousef of Al-Basha.
The restaurant faces rising costs, with olive oil from the Middle East doubling from $150 to $300 in bulk.
USA Today named Al-Basha one of the best restaurants in the country last year.