The Arab American community continues to contribute to local economic growth in the Dearborn-Dearborn Heights area. Below is a preview of new businesses in town, run by Arab American entrepreneurs, who are looking to build a customer base through positive feedback.  

The Custard Hut

The Custard Hut on Warren Avenue in Dearborn Heights has received a make-over by new owner Zahra Collette Saad, who is now running the location. Saad, who graduated from the University of Michigan-Dearborn, says that she previously managed two pharmacies and worked with her father in other business ventures, prior to taking over Custard Hut. The shop specializes in frozen custard and ice cream and includes a wide variety of flavors for customers to enjoy on a hot summer’s day. 

According to Saad, her prices are comparable to other local ice cream shops, like Dairy Queen and Baskin Robins, if not slightly cheaper. Currently, they have 16 flavors of ice cream that include chocolate, vanilla, butter pecan, bear claw, moose tracks, along with rare flavors, like the “Superman,” which many kids should enjoy. Customers can also enjoy soft serve with rotating flavors that include a chocolate and vanilla twist and cappuccino. Hard dipped ice cream is also a popular item on the menu. 

If customers are looking for other options, The Custard Hut has five different flavors of custard and a variety of milkshakes and slushy flavors as well. Food items are also on the menu, including hot dogs, chili dogs, chili burgers and chili fries. According to the new owner, customers seem to be enjoying the shop’s new management, as they’ve been returning for more. 

For more information on the shop, visit their Facebook page, or follow them on Twitter at TheCustardHut. Hours of operation are Monday-Thursday, 11:30 a.m.-10:00 p.m., Friday & Saturday, 11:30 a.m.-11:00 p.m., and Sunday from 12:00-10:00 p.m. Location: 25947 West Warren Avenue in Dearborn Heights. 313. 278.5577.

Images

A new custom design center, owned by an Arab American, has opened at Fairlane Town Center. Images, located on the first floor, near JC Penny, specializes in custom made clothing, logos, engraving, pants, hats, jerseys, varsity jackets and trophies.

According to owner Abdul Hadi Ghalmi, what’s unique about the spot is that customers are able to do walk-in orders and then watch it be made on the spot. Bigger orders would require a couple days advanced notice. The location is a great spot for someone who is looking to get a friend, or family member a birthday gift, or graduation present with their very own custom message. According to employees, the store is a hot spot during Mother’s Day and during graduation season. They can also supply little leagues and other sporting teams with their very own jerseys.

The owner says that they are currently working on a website, so customers are able to place their orders online ahead of time. In the meantime, they can call 313.213.3646, or email them at imagesdetroit@gmail.com. Store hours run the same as the mall hours: Monday-Saturday, 10:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m. and Sunday, 11:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.  They are located at 18900 Michigan Avenue in Dearborn. 

Sweet Shop

This brand new sweet shop, located inside of the Fairlane Town Center, on the first floor near JC Penny, has drawn a diverse customer base thanks to its variety of baklava flavors that includes cashew, walnut and honey. According to the owners, Fairlane customers have been surprisingly enjoying the Middle Eastern pastries and have been coming back for more. 

Other items the shop offers are cookies, an assorted variety of pastries, pita chips, candy bars, fresh candy, chocolate bars and coffee (including a French vanilla flavor), all at a reasonable price. Store hours run the same as mall hours: Monday-Saturday, 10:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m. and Sunday, 11:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. They are located at 18900 Michigan Avenue in Dearborn. 

King’s Bakery

Owner Ali Houssaiky says that he’s been getting overwhelming feedback from his customers since opening up King’s Bakery in February. Customers have been appreciating that they don’t have to travel all the way to east Dearborn just to get groceries, bread, or other bakery items, making the bakery’s location on Greenfield Road a hot spot for customers who live in between the east and west side of the City. 

According to Houssaiky, his family has been waiting over ten years for a spot to open up on Greenfield, as they’ve been keenly aware of the demand for a bakery in that area. The bakery specializes in Middle Eastern baked goods, such as mana’eesh, which is made with traditional cheese, meat and oregano toppings. If customers are looking to try something new, then mana’eesh toppings, including steak and egg, chicken and shawarma could be of interest to them. Customers with a sweet tooth can also enjoy mana’eesh with toppings like strawberry and banana. The bakery also offers other popular items such as hummus, foul, and mulukhiyah. 

The bakery also includes a mini-mart for customers to conveniently shop for grocery items, along with a seating area that accommodates approximately 12 people. Houssaiky says that they are expanding their seating area and also looking to expand their menu, to include sweets and pastries. He says customers have been providing him with great feedback, especially when it comes to prices. He has scoped out other local bakeries and says that his prices are cheaper. 

The bakery is currently working on a Facebook page and website. Their hours of operation are Monday-Sunday, 6:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m. They are located at 4618 Greenfield Road in Dearborn. 313.551.3027.