Co-founder Kamal Turfah (fourth from left), Dearborn Mayor Jack O’Reilly (with scissors), and fellow co-founder and brother Dr. Fouad Turfah take part in the ribbon cutting. PHOTOS: Nick Meyer/TAAN

DEARBORN — More than two thousand people were on hand for one of the biggest business grand openings in recent memory as the new Dearborn Fresh Supermarket cut the ribbon on its nearly-60,000 square foot facility. 

New Dearborn Fresh employees greeted guests personally, handing out roses to the girls and women.  Once inside, they packed the market and socialized, enjoying a full buffet, coffee and sweets. 

While hundreds happily dined inside, founders Dr. Fouad Turfah and Kamal Turfe took part in the ribbon-cutting ceremony with Mayor Jack O’Reilly, members of city council, and other city and Arab American community leaders.

“When we purchased this facility and began working on it over a year ago, I never imagined such a beautiful facility…Kamal, my brother, job well done,” said Fouad Turfah, calling the customers their  “ultimate partners” and pledging to treat his new employees with respect while providing a positive work environment. He also noted the features of the supermarket, which includes a completely halal line of products, a Tim Hortons coffee shop, Hashem Nuts and Coffee Gallery’s second location, a cafe, full bakery, and more including an emphasis on organic and imported goods. 

Guests socialized and offered well-wishes over a buffet-style meal.

The facility had been the site of a former Kroger grocery store. O’Reilly said that the opening of the new market, which was a big risk in tough economic times, represents a “big turnaround” for the area and said he looked forward to shopping there. 

“This is very exciting, there had been some concern about this building but there is no need for concern now, this is a business that offers something we’ve been waiting a long time for.”

The supermarket, located at 13661 Colston St. near the corner of Schaefer and Michigan Avenue, will be open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. seven days a week. 

Those who attended the grand opening were impressed by the hospitality and the aesthetics. 

“I think it’s absolutely beautiful, I felt so welcomed here and the rose was an unbelievable touch,” said Angela from Lima, Ohio. “I have a daughter, in Ann Arbor; I’m going to tell her to get over here.” 

Ali Dbouk of Dearborn said the new supermarket could fill a void in the city. 

“I think it’s really a wonderful day for our community, I think it’s going to help Dearborn move forward and build the economy.” 

Fouad Turfah is also excited to see what it can do for the city. 

“Dearborn gave us so much, it’s time to give back, here is the pearl of Dearborn.”