A Journey That Wasn’t in the Plan
When I first left Lebanon, I never imagined I would end up living in America. My original plan was simple: move to Kuwait, get a good education, and eventually return to build a life closer to home. But sometimes, life has a way of surprising you, and what started as a temporary step turned into a permanent change that shaped every part of who I am today.
From Lebanon to Kuwait: The First Big Move
Growing up in Lebanon taught me about family, resilience, and the power of community. But due to political unrest and economic challenges, my family and I made the decision to move to Kuwait. That move was difficult but necessary, and it opened doors to new opportunities, including the chance to pursue higher education.
It was from Kuwait that I applied to study in the United States. I had always heard great things about American universities, especially in engineering. I was accepted to the University of Michigan and packed my bags with the idea that I would get my degree and return to the Middle East. That was the plan. But as soon as I arrived, I started to feel something different.
Falling in Love with Opportunity
America has a unique energy to it. There’s a sense of freedom and possibility in the air—like anything is possible if you’re willing to work hard. That hit me right away. I was surrounded by people from different backgrounds, all chasing their dreams. That kind of ambition is contagious.
I came for the education, but I stayed for the opportunity. There’s something inspiring about a place where you can build your own path, no matter where you come from. I realized I didn’t want to go back—I wanted to stay and see what I could build here.
From Engineering to Entrepreneurship
Even though I studied engineering, my heart kept pulling me in another direction. I loved food. Not just eating it, but everything about it—the way it brings people together, the way it tells a story, the way it comforts you when you’re far from home.
So I took a leap of faith and opened The Sheik Restaurant in West Bloomfield, Michigan. It was my way of sharing a piece of my culture with my new community. It wasn’t always easy, but it was rewarding. Watching customers enjoy dishes from my childhood and come back again and again made every challenge worth it.
The restaurant became a bridge between my old life and my new one. It reminded me that I didn’t have to give up my roots to grow new ones.
A Second Chapter: The Airport Industry
In 2001, I transitioned into the airport food and beverage industry. This was a whole new world—fast-paced, complex, and demanding. But it was also full of potential. I was able to take what I learned from running a street-side restaurant and apply it on a much larger scale.
For over two decades, I helped run food operations in airport terminals, serving travelers from all over the world. It was a way to keep connecting people through food, even in the most hectic environments. The work was challenging, but it taught me how to scale a business, manage big teams, and operate under pressure.
Why I Chose to Stay
Looking back, choosing to stay in the U.S. wasn’t about turning my back on where I came from—it was about building on it. America gave me the space to dream big and the tools to make those dreams a reality. It gave me a home where I could grow, both professionally and personally.
What I love most about this country is that it welcomes ambition. It respects hard work. It gives people second chances. And for someone like me—an immigrant with big dreams—it gave me the chance to create a life I never could have imagined.
Family, Freedom, and Fulfillment
None of this would have mattered without the people I’ve been blessed to share it with. My family has always been my anchor, and building a life here allowed me to give them a stable, loving home. Balancing ambition with personal life isn’t always easy, but being in a country that values both helped me find that balance.
I’ve had the freedom to pursue my passions, the opportunity to build businesses, and the support to grow into the person I was meant to be. That’s why I chose America—and why I continue to choose it every day.
Final Thoughts: Gratitude and Purpose
I often think about how different my life would have been if I had stuck to my original plan. I might have had a good life elsewhere, but I know I wouldn’t have had the same growth, the same challenges, or the same fulfillment that I’ve found here.
Falling in love with America changed my life—not just in a professional sense, but in a deeply personal one. It gave me a home where I could honor my past while building my future. And for that, I’ll always be grateful.
If there’s one lesson I’ve learned, it’s this: sometimes the best things in life happen when you let go of the plan and follow your heart. That’s what brought me here—and I wouldn’t change it for anything.