BIRMINGHAM, Mich. – Sameer Eid, a well-known Metro Detroit restaurateur, died on Friday. He was 85.
Eid was the founder of Phoenicia, a popular Lebanese restaurant in Birmingham.
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“On behalf of the Eid family, I share with profound sadness that Sameer Eid, beloved founder of Phoenicia in Birmingham, passed away today at the age of 85, surrounded by family,” Eid family spokesperson Justin Near said in a statement. “Sameer came to the U.S. in 1961 and built a life rooted in family, hospitality and his Lebanese heritage, and for more than 54 years, he personally oversaw every detail at Phoenicia, creating one of Michigan’s most celebrated restaurants.”
Eid purchased the Highland Park restaurant on a whim in 1971 and relocated to Birmingham a decade later.
“In 1967, Sameer moved to Detroit to work in the drapery business. But on a fateful summer day four years later, he walked into his favorite Lebanese-owned diner for lunch and walked out as its new owner, having bought the place on a handshake deal for $5,700 despite having no previous restaurant experience,” according to Eid’s obituary. “Over the years, Phoenicia went on to receive national acclaim, serving four generations of regulars as well as Hollywood celebrities, titans of industry, and even a sitting U.S. president.”
He’s also remembered for being a “devoted husband, father, and doting grandfather.”
To read more about his story and funeral arrangements, visit here.