Today we’d like to introduce you to Assaad Sobh.
Hi Assaad, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I came to the United States from Lebanon 50 years ago, looking for the opportunity to build a better life through hard work and determination. When I first came here, I understood that nothing would come easy, and I was willing to work for what I wanted to achieve.
Over the years, I found my place in the restaurant industry and have spent decades working and owning businesses in Warren. Throughout my career, I have had the opportunity to own and operate multiple restaurants, and every experience has taught me something new about business, food, people, and the importance of serving your community.
One thing that has always remained important to me is providing people with good food at a fair price. I believe that families should be able to go out to eat, enjoy a quality meal, and not feel like they have to spend a fortune to do it. That philosophy has followed me throughout my career and continues today with Table 53 Pizzeria.
With Table 53, my goal was to create more than just another pizza restaurant. I wanted to create a place where people in the community could come for quality food, generous portions, friendly service, and a family-friendly experience. We put a lot of care into the ingredients we use and the food we serve because I believe that when someone spends their hard-earned money at your business, you should give them something you would be proud to serve your own family.
Warren has been a major part of my life for decades. I have worked here, built businesses here, and gotten to know so many people in the community over the years. Being able to continue serving the community through Table 53 is something I am very grateful for.
When I look back at my journey from Lebanon to where I am today, I think the biggest lesson is that success does not happen overnight. It takes hard work, consistency, sacrifice, and treating people the right way. I am proud of how far I have come, but I am equally proud that after all these years, I am still able to do what I love, serve people and be a part of the community that has supported me for so long.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely has not been a smooth road. I think anyone who owns a business understands that there are always challenges, especially in the restaurant industry.
Coming to a new country from Lebanon meant starting over and learning how to build a life and career through hard work. There were sacrifices along the way, long hours, financial risks, and many moments where I had to make difficult decisions. Owning multiple restaurants throughout the years also taught me that every business comes with challenges you cannot always predict.
The restaurant business is especially demanding because you are responsible for so many things at once. You have to manage employees, food costs, quality, customer service, competition, and the everyday challenges of running a business. There are good days and difficult days, but you have to continue showing up and finding solutions.
One of the biggest challenges has always been maintaining quality while keeping prices reasonable. It would be easier to cut corners or lower the quality of ingredients, but that has never been the way I wanted to operate. I believe customers deserve quality food at a fair price, and finding the balance between rising costs and remaining affordable is something that requires constant attention.
There have also been challenges that come with building and growing a business, but I have always believed that challenges are part of the journey. Every difficult experience has taught me something and helped me become a better business owner.
The most important thing I have learned is to never give up too quickly. There will always be setbacks, but if you believe in what you are doing, work hard, and continue learning, you can keep moving forward.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Throughout my professional life, I have learned that owning a successful business is about much more than simply having a good product. It requires hard work, consistency, patience, and a willingness to adapt and continue learning.
I have spent decades working and owning businesses in Warren, including multiple restaurants throughout my career. Every restaurant and every experience has taught me something different. Over the years, I have learned how important it is to understand your customers, take care of your employees, manage the everyday responsibilities of a business, and maintain the quality and standards that people expect from you.
One of the most important lessons I have learned is that your reputation is everything. In the restaurant business, people have many choices about where to spend their money. I believe that if you provide quality food, fair prices, good service, and treat people with respect, customers will remember that and continue to support your business.
My professional goal has always been to create businesses that serve the community. I have always believed in providing high-quality ingredients and good food at prices that are reasonable for families. I want customers to feel that they received value for their money and that they were treated like more than just another customer.
After decades in business, I would say the biggest lesson I have learned is to stay humble, work hard, and never stop improving. Building a business takes time, and there will always be challenges along the way. But when you take pride in your work, treat people well, and remain committed to the community you serve, you can build something that lasts.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
My advice is to build genuine relationships and never stop learning from the people around you.
When I was starting out, I learned that you do not always find one person who teaches you everything. Sometimes your mentors are people you work with, other business owners, employees, customers, or people who have simply been in the industry longer than you. You have to be willing to listen and learn.
For me, building relationships in the community has been one of the most important parts of my career. I have worked in Warren for decades, and over the years I have met many people and built relationships with customers, employees, other business owners, and members of the community. When you treat people with respect and do good business, people remember that.
Networking, in my opinion, is not just about handing out business cards or asking people what they can do for you. It is about being genuine, showing up, supporting your community, and building relationships over time.
I would also tell young people who are starting their careers not to be afraid to ask questions. Find people who have experience in the area you are interested in and learn from them. Most successful people have made mistakes along the way, and learning from someone else’s experience can save you a lot of time.
Most importantly, your reputation matters. Work hard, be honest, treat people well, and be consistent. Opportunities and relationships often come from the way people remember you and the way you treat them.
Pricing:
- Large 2 topping pizzas: $9.99
- Lunch combo meals: $10 Sub with a drink and a small pizza with a drink
- 2 slices of deep dish pizza and a drink: $5
- Family meals for 4+: starting at $20
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.table53pizzeria.com/
- Instagram: @ table53pizzeria
- Facebook: @Table53pizzeria
