Inspiring Conversations with Zeana Attisha of Sahara Restaurant & Grill

Today we’d like to introduce you to Zeana Attisha. 

Hi Zeana, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
Sahara Restaurant & Grill and Sahara Restaurant & Banquet Center first opened in 1981 in the city of Ferndale by Saad Attisha, born in Iraq. He then moved to a bigger space in Oak Park a few years later. Subsequently, opened in Sterling Heights, Farmington Hills and a new location is in construction in Detroit with a prospective opening date in November 2022. Sahara Market & Bakery is another business owned by Saad Attisha in Warren, Michigan. I met Saad in 1993 when he had the one location in Oak Park. 

I encouraged him to open more locations throughout Metro Detroit. My background is in Finance and accounting. I attended Michigan State University and Wayne State University and graduated in 1992. 

For 41 years, Sahara has been serving the community with fresh, house-made middle eastern cuisine. Everything is prepared onsite at each venue. We only use top-quality choice angus meats, tender poultry, fresh on ice seafood and purchase our own produce daily from the Detroit Eastern Market and Produce Terminal. We support local farmers and expect top quality from our suppliers to ensure good taste in our entrees. 

Sahara Restaurant & Banquet Hall at 2390 Metropolitan Parkway, Sterling Heights, is a beautiful venue for dining and special occasions with a hall that seats up to 400 people. 

Sahara Restaurant & Grill at 77 Columbia Street, adjacent to FOX Theater and across the street from Comerica Park, is an exciting new location built in the District Detroit, conveniently located in the Little Caesars Global Resource Center. 

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Overall, it has been a smooth road, except during the Covid 19 lockdowns, restrictions, and curfew of 10 pm. Many of our employees have been with us for over 15-20 years. 

It was difficult to stop operations suddenly from a full venue to just carryout available in Michigan. 

The front-of-the-house servers, bussers, etc. were immediately out of a job with the restrictions. And when it was time to open back up, there were issues with the new rules mandated by state with seating, spacing, etc. Servers were anxious to work and make money, and some servers found other jobs. So that was an unpredictable time. 

For the most part, everything was stable over the years. Inflation on food cost and supplies forces restaurants to increase prices. It’s incredible to see supplier pricing go up so high so quick. 

As you know, we’re big fans of Sahara Restaurant & Grill. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about the brand?
Sahara Restaurant & Grill, founded in 1981, is known in the area as an Iraqi-Chaldean middle eastern restaurant. We specialize in Chaldean dishes. Known for our top-quality ingredients, meats, poultry, seafood, and produce. Vendors can attest to our high-quality selections we purchase to pass on to the consumer only the best-tasting meals. Everything is made fresh onsite at each location. We are known for our house-made ranch dressing and great food. Sahara Restaurant & Grill is a staple in the community, known for catering large events, hosting parties in our banquet hall, offering great food and service in our dining rooms. 

Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
Saad Attisha grew up in Iraq until the age of 16 when he migrated to America and then started the restaurants at the age of 19. He is the eldest of 8 children. With a staff of chefs and anxious employees, they began the first Chaldean restaurant in Michigan. Saad did not ever attend school in the United States but had an eye for the restaurant business. 

He loves music, theater, movies and is well known in the community as a friendly, humble person. He has many friends and cherishes his family. He is an easy-going person, and all of his employees love him for that. 

I, Zeana Attisha, born in Detroit, the second of five girls, raised in Southfield for most of my life, attended Private Catholic Schools for 12 years, and then Michigan State University and Wayne State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance. Ironically, my major at MSU was Hotel, Restaurant & Institutional Management. 

I love music, art, and am dedicated to my children’s success in school. I find education to be of utmost importance. 

Together, we manage all of the businesses. We come from very different backgrounds and lean on each other for strength and ideas for the restaurants and market. 

Pricing:

• 4.00-9.00 Alcoholic beverages
• 6.00-9.00 sandwiches
• 40.00 -70.00 banquet
• 35.00 family trays
• 20.00 buffet

Contact Info:

• Website: newsahara.com
• Instagram: sahara_restaurants
• Facebook: Sahara Restaurant and Banquet Center @TheOriginalSahara