DEARBORN — Restaurant owner Samir Saleh proves that perseverance in the face of adversity can result in great success.  When the West Bloomfield La Shish that he owned suffered from rapidly declining business after the restaurant franchise’s legal troubles, Saleh decided to turn it into a newer, more improved establishment: Mezza Mediterranean Grille.

La Shish, the widely popular restaurant franchise that served the Metro Detroit area for over a decade, faced legal troubles in 2005 when its owner, Talal Chahine, was charged with income tax evasion. The franchise, which was officially closed for business last month, had succeeded in popularizing Middle Eastern food and penetrating the non-Arab market. 

The Mezza restaurants are quickly growing to take its place, with its authentic food and ambitious expansion projects. With two successful restaurants open in Michigan, and plans for four additional locations currently underway, Saleh, a Lebanese American, has successfully begun to pick up where La Shish left off.

Saleh claimed that the charges against Chahine had a drastic impact on his business. “As soon as the news broke, business fell almost overnight,” he stated.  “People were scared off by the charges against Chahine, and the restaurant suffered as a result.”

Saleh added that it took significant efforts to gain back the restaurant’s reputation.  After renaming the restaurant and making changes to the menu and décor in January of 2007, Saleh was able to create an entirely new establishment.  As word of mouth spread, Mezza became a hugely popular dining spot for people in the West Bloomfield area.

Soon after, a second location was opened in Novi.  This marked the beginning of the expansion process for Saleh.  Two more restaurants, one set in Southfield and another in Rochester Hills, are currently under construction.  In addition, plans for locations in Livonia and Hamburg are currently in progress.

Perhaps the biggest factor that contributed to the success of the La Shish restaurant franchise was its exceptional ability to appeal to non-Arab customers. Saleh is confident that Mezza can fill the void that La Shish left behind when it was shut down.  He said that the customers at both locations come from various backgrounds and ethnicities, who all come together to enjoy the restaurant’s Middle Eastern cuisine.

“In order to be the leader in Middle Eastern food, you have to appeal to different markets,” Saleh claimed. “We have done just that with our restaurants. There is a gap to fill, and we are ready to do that.”

Mezza’s Novi location includes a large banquet hall where business conferences, gatherings and engagement parties are held.  It also features live entertainment at night, including performances from local Arabic singers, which tends to draw in a large crowd.  Saleh said that while the restaurant offers nighttime entertainment, he is dedicated to maintaining its family-friendly atmosphere.

“One thing that our customers have always appreciated is that this is a very family-friendly establishment,” he stated.  “Many customers who try our restaurant for the first time come back again because they like the relaxed, friendly atmosphere.”

Saleh said that lunchtime during the week brings in the busiest rush of customers.  Both locations are set in busy areas with heavy traffic, drawing in patrons from surrounding businesses and establishments.

Najat Sareini, who works as an agent at a local insurance agency, often takes business associates to Mezza’s West Bloomfield location for lunch meetings.  She said that the restaurant provides an impressive cuisine in a professional atmosphere.

“My co-workers and I always suggest Mezza as a meeting place for business lunches with clients,” Sareini stated.  “The people I take there are always impressed by the food and great service.  For many clients who have never tried Middle Eastern food, this place tends to leave a lasting impression on them.”

Mezza serves traditional Middle Eastern dishes like hummus, fattoush, and shawarma, as well as its signature lamb chops dinner.  The deboned chicken, another specialty of theirs, is extremely popular with customers, as is the bread, which is baked fresh in the restaurant. Saleh claimed that the key to running a successful establishment is to remain consistent with the food that is served. 

“Our customers really appreciate the fact that our food is consistent,” Saleh said.  “When you are working with Lebanese food, you really have to be. This is the main factor that keeps customers coming back.”

The food for both Mezza locations comes from a commissary in Southfield, and all the meat that is served is halal.

Saleh said that Mezza’s expansion project is not limited to Michigan.  A Mezza restaurant is set to be built in Toledo, Ohio, inside of the upscale Franklin Park Mall, as well as another in Henderson, Nevada, just minutes away from the Vegas strip.  He added that the restaurant is looking into several more locations, including East Dearborn.

“Our goal is to become the largest Middle Eastern restaurant in the country,” Saleh stated.  “We want to grow our brand by starting out on the right foundation and taking the proper steps.  We are committed to creating a family atmosphere, a well-respected place where people can enjoy themselves and enjoy wonderful food.”