A new restaurant rooted in community, culture and online influence has opened inside the Flint Farmers’ Market. Golden Boys, created by food content creator Ahmad Alzahabi, known to millions online as The Golden Balance, marks his first brick-and-mortar venture and brings his viral recipes into a physical space for the first time.
“I’ve been on this journey for over six years now. One of the most common things I’ve heard from people all over the world is, ‘Your food looks incredible, I wish I could try it in person,” Alzahabi said.
That consistent feedback inspired Golden Boys, a passion project Alzahabi said he had been considering long before officially announcing it. What started as a casual conversation with close friends quickly evolved into a serious plan to build something lasting beyond social media.
The restaurant’s name reflects both personal identity and partnership. “My last name, Alzahabi, translates to ‘golden’ in Arabic, and I’m going into this journey alongside some of my closest friends, ‘Golden Boys just felt right.” He said.
The first featured dish will be a New York-style halal cart chicken over rice, a recipe that traces back to his early viral one-pot chicken and rice videos. As the restaurant grows, Alzahabi plans to introduce dishes representing different phases of his culinary evolution.
Although he had opportunities to open in larger cities, Alzahabi chose to launch Golden Boys in his hometown. “It was always important to me to start at home. I was born and raised in Flint, and this community has supported me from the beginning,” he said.
The Flint Farmers’ Market held particular significance. Alzahabi visited the market frequently for fresh produce and previously worked and attended the University of Michigan-Flint, which is nearby. He described the space as welcoming and collaborative.
The dishes blend Middle Eastern and North African influences with elements of American comfort food. Alzahabi said the goal is to create flavors that feel familiar while offering depth and personality. His travels and exposure to diverse cuisines heavily influence the menu’s international fusion approach.
Alzahabi’s online platform has also shaped the restaurant’s development. “Creating content has taught me the importance of consistency, quality, and really listening to your audience,” he said.
Years of real-time feedback from viewers helped refine recipes and understand customer preferences. Even before a public launch announcement, a quiet test run sold out in a single day, serving more than 200 customers, a response he described as proof of strong local support.
Opening a restaurant, however, has presented new challenges. “This is all new territory for me. Opening a food business comes with a lot of moving parts,” Alzahabi said.
Alzahabi said that he wants Golden Boys to become more than just a place to eat. “My biggest goal is to create a space where people can finally experience my food in person and feel the same connection they’ve had online,” he said.
For now, they will remain in Flint. Future expansion is possible, but Alzahabi said establishing a strong foundation in the community that supported him first is the priority.
