Engineering Your Business: How Problem-Solving Skills Translate Into Entrepreneurship
Before I opened my first restaurant or managed food operations in a busy airport, I was an engineering student at the University of Michigan. I came to the U.S. with the intention of getting my degree and returning to Kuwait to build a traditional career. But life had other plans. I fell in love with […]
Why Adaptability is the Key to Long-Term Business Success
If there’s one thing I’ve learned over the years in business, it’s this: nothing stays the same for long. Trends shift, customer preferences evolve, technologies advance, and unexpected challenges—like a pandemic—can turn entire industries upside down. The ability to adapt isn’t just a nice skill to have; it’s the difference between surviving and thriving. Looking […]
Building a Business in a New Country: Challenges, Triumphs, and Lessons Learned
When I first arrived in the United States, I had plans that were very different from the path I eventually took. I came here from Kuwait to study engineering at the University of Michigan, with every intention of returning home once I earned my degree. But something about America—the energy, the opportunity, the diversity—captured my […]
From Street-Side to Airport Dining: Lessons from a Restaurant Industry Evolution
A Look Back at Where It All Began When I opened The Sheik Restaurant in West Bloomfield, Michigan in the 1990s, I had no idea where the journey would take me. Back then, my focus was on delivering good food, warm hospitality, and creating a space that reminded people of home—especially those who, like me, […]
Why I Chose America: How Falling in Love with the U.S. Changed My Life
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 […]
Lessons from Running a Restaurant: The Key Ingredients for Business Success
Running a restaurant is one of the most challenging yet rewarding experiences a person can undertake. When I opened The Sheik Restaurant in West Bloomfield, Michigan, I had a passion for food and a desire to bring people together over great meals. However, I quickly learned that running a successful restaurant is about much more […]
From Engineering to Entrepreneurship: How to Pivot Your Career Successfully
Embracing Change: My Journey from Engineering to Entrepreneurship Life has a funny way of taking us down paths we never expected. When I first came to the United States to study engineering at the University of Michigan, my plan was simple: earn my degree and return to Kuwait to build a career. But as I […]