Halal Pizza Shop Opens on Frankford Ave With Seven Staff

In Crust We Trust opened July 31 at 965 Frankford Ave., bringing New York-style halal pizza to Fishtown with a self-funded launch and a payroll of seven to eight workers. Owner Anya'e Wilson-Worley is 25.

The Mount Airy native chose the corridor deliberately. The shop sits across from The Fillmore Philadelphia and a short distance from Rivers Casino, on a stretch known for heavy foot traffic and neighborhood loyalty to local operators. "It's the perfect area. So much happens down here," Wilson-Worley said. "The neighborhood residents patronize and support their area a lot, so that's definitely important when coming to a place and opening up a business."

The unit marks a career pivot. Wilson-Worley, a University of Miami graduate, had planned a medical career and spent roughly five years in hospitality helping her mother, Felicia Wilson, owner of Amina Hospitality Collection. "This was not in my plans, so my inspiration was trying to create a legacy for myself, for my children to come and my husband," she said.

How did the opening week go?

Not smoothly. Her original staff quit during the restaurant's first week, forcing her to scramble for coverage. Her cousin, Erik Sims, stepped in to stabilize operations. "Just seeing her now have her own restaurant is pretty amazing," Sims said. "Being a Black business owner in general can be difficult, but she has done it effortlessly."

Sims reports a diverse customer base drawing from across the region and out of state. "Every customer that comes into the restaurant starts with a smile and leaves with a smile," he said.

What is on the menu?

The menu leans on Philadelphia identity through naming and toppings. Top sellers include:

• The 215 Pizza: mozzarella, tomato, oregano, garlic and Parmesan snow.
• The Broad Street Bully: a meat lovers-style pie with beef bacon, beef sausage, beef pepperoni, mozzarella and a hot honey drizzle.

All meats are halal. Salads, desserts and other specialty items round out the board.

What comes next?

Expansion, and soon. Within five years, Wilson-Worley wants a national footprint, starting with Miami before pushing into other markets worldwide. Philadelphia stays the brand's center regardless. "Everything is Philly. I wouldn't be who I am today without being born and raised in this city," she said.

She frames the venture as a platform for Black entrepreneurship in the city. "I'm all for Black empowerment, Black excellence," she said. "If I can be anything to any other Black individual within Philadelphia to expand whatever they have going on in their life, I would love to be that person."

Her advice to other young operators is blunt: stay visible, write a plan, gain experience and be patient. "Learn to crawl before you can walk," she said. Demand, she adds, has held since opening day: "People have been at my door nonstop. We have to believe in our counterparts. We can't just give up easily. It takes a village to get to the next step."

Wilson-Worley continues working with her mother's ventures and names faith, family and community as the core of her operating philosophy, a stance she intends to carry into the Miami opening and whatever follows it.