GARDEN CITY – While the restaurant business has changed dramatically in recent years, the success of Al Sultan Restaurant in Garden City since its opening in 1997 is proof that things like attentive customer service, quality food and good value never go out of style.

The restaurant, which rests on the first block of Garden City west of Dearborn Heights on Inkster Road near Cherry Hill, keeps customers coming back by dishing out generous portions of Middle Eastern favorites using homemade recipes for a little extra flavor.

“Other restaurants may have similar names for their food but I guarantee they don’t taste like our food does,” said Abraham Hachem, son and assistant of Al Sultan owner Dave Hachem.

Many customers can’t get enough of those recipes, traveling from places as far away as Novi and also straight from Detroit Metro Airport upon their arrival from out of state to visit Al Sultan.

“They’re very good, the service is friendly and the food is good as well,” said Cindy Anthony, a customer from Garden City.

“I used to go to Dearborn all the time for my work and I’ve never had food from other Middle Eastern restaurants there that’s as good as it is here,”she said.

Al Sultan restaurant, 415 Inkster Rd. in Garden City

With a menu as diverse Al Sultan’s, everyone is bound to have different favorites, but Hachem said that the de-boned chicken with Al Sultan’s special sauce is probably the most popular dish, while chicken fattoush salads with fresh-baked breads are among the lunch favorites. Customers also have taken a liking to the restaurant’s creamy hummus with many saying it’s the best they’ve ever tried. American items like the New York steak and classic-style chicken sandwich are also popular.
With weekly hours from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m., seven days a week, Al Sultan also fills an important need for local customers looking for quality food after a hard day’s work instead of making a pass through an unhealthy fast food drive-thru.

“We pay good money for high quality ingredients to make sure we satisfy our customers and we always get complimented for our speed and customer service,” Abraham Hachem said. “I tell people we’re not McDonald’s fast, but we’re pretty fast.”

Some customers stop in and order at the front counter for carry-outs while others prefer to relax with friends in the dining room adorned with colorful murals.

“People also come here for the atmosphere, it’s very conversational and laid back; we like people to feel at home here,” said Abraham Hachem.

“We’ll greet you at the door and shake your hand, and we’ll do whatever it takes to make sure the customer leaves with a smile on their face.”

Al Sultan also features a banquet room that can fit up to 100 people, catering for virtually any event, and delivery for big orders (over $100). All meat is also certified halal.

The phone number is 734.522.1500 and Al Sultan is located at 415 Inkster Road in Garden City. Visit www.alsultanrestaurant.com.