Byblos Banquet Hall located at Chase and Warren Roads.

DEARBORN — Byblos Banquet Hall has been intertwined in the community’s fabric and history since it opened its doors in 2005. Yousef (Joe) Bazzi, co-owner of the lavish banquet hall, said the food they serve is the common factor that unites people, no matter their ethnicity.

Of all the tasteful dishes they offer, Bazzi said the hummus is the most popular. So popular, visitors from cities as far as Flint and Saginaw order the dish to carry out.

Bazzi said that soon Byblos hummus will soon be sold in major grocery stores.

“Our community knows good food,” he added.

U.S. Rep. John Conyers (D-MI) considers Byblos Banquet Hall the “house of the community.” In addition, some call Bazzi “Mr. Generous” and almost every local community leader and newlywed agree that the service and food is “amazing.”

Bass with his family.

Whether it’s Middle Eastern, African or Mexican cuisine, Bazzi said the dedicated chefs and eight kitchen staff serve food from four different menus that include more than 100 items and are able to concoct meals suitable for all occasions and cultures. He added that the halal meat comes from a trusted local butcher and most of the spices they use are imported from the Mediterranean.

He stressed that the consistency of the food’s taste and options are keys to the establishment’s success.

The menu reflects that success, as it’s written in several different languages.

However, the celebrated food is not the only contributor to Byblos’ success. Hundreds of people have gotten married there; several businesses have celebrated their anniversaries and politicians have addressed the community.

Most remarkably, Byblos hosts many charity events. The Make a Wish Foundation often books the venue and The Dearborn Fire Department hosts its “Burn Drive” fundraiser to help kids who have suffered burn injuries.

A couple of times a year, Bazzi donates the hall to the INS (Immigration and Naturalization Services) for immigrants to be sworn in as citizens.

“I really enjoy seeing people happy,” Bazzi said. “Once people come inside that door, I consider they’re in my house, regardless of their heritage.”

Bazzi said Byblos also hosts the most political and fundraising events in Michigan and is booked seven days a week during a local election season.

Police Chief Ron Haddad, who has hosted high profile events for new citizens, civil rights groups and law enforcement, said Byblos is highly valued in the community.

Variety of platters from Byblos Banquet Hall.

“On a personal basis, Joe Bazzi can be counted on to assist the city in any way possible,” Haddad said. “I’m very proud of him.”

Bazzi knows a thing or two about hospitality, as he strives to treat guests as he would in a traditional Arabic home. At every event, he personally checks up on tables and makes sure event-goers are satisfied.

Bazzi said he doesn’t like to turn down some who can’t afford to book events at the venue when they are in need. He told the story of a man who wanted to get married at Byblos five years ago but was struggling financially. Bazzi still ordered the couple a cake, sweets, fruits and a generous menu for their wedding.

Months later, another man wanted to book the venue well below the minimum capacity for a Saturday. The man offered a hefty payment to book the venue. Bazzi said he just wanted make up for helping his cousin when he needed it.

“The more you give, the more you get back,” Bazzi said.

Bazzi immigrated to the United States with his family at 14. He attended Fordson High School and Henry Ford Community College. His time at HFCC was cut short after he decided to work with his father and brothers in the gas station business in the mid-80’s.

While Bazzi had established a good business with his brothers for nearly 20 years, they saw a better opportunity when the property that is now Byblos went on sale in 2004.

He said that his brothers, Byblos’ co-owners, wanted him to oversee its operations because he is a “people person” and knows what it takes to run such a business.

Prior to becoming Byblos, the building was the home of the Lebanese American Heritage Club. Ali Jawad, founder of the club, said he is pleased to see the legacy and contributions to the community being carried on throughout new generations.

As for his plans for the next decade, Bazzi said he hopes to open a second or third Byblos.