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 heart. I knew I wanted to stay and build my life here. What I didn’t know was that staying would mean starting over completely, both personally and professionally.
Building a business in a new country is no small task. It’s exciting, yes, but it’s also filled with challenges that test your patience, your grit, and your belief in yourself. I want to share what that journey was like for me—the setbacks, the wins, and the lessons that still guide me today.
Understanding the Culture
The first major hurdle I faced was cultural. While I had been exposed to Western ideas and lifestyles growing up in Lebanon and Kuwait, living in the U.S. was different. Social norms, business etiquette, and even food preferences were unfamiliar. As someone passionate about hospitality and food, I realized early on that success would depend on truly understanding the American customer.
When I opened The Sheik Restaurant in West Bloomfield, Michigan, I wanted to share flavors from my heritage but also offer something that felt familiar to locals. It was a balancing act—keeping the authenticity of my food while making it accessible. Over time, I learned that listening to customers and being open to feedback was key.
Learning the System
There’s a lot you don’t know when you’re building a business in a new country. From licensing and permits to tax laws and labor regulations, the U.S. business system was a learning curve. I had to study not only what was required but also what was smart. What would help me grow sustainably? What could get me into trouble if I ignored it?
I spent hours researching, asking questions, and leaning on mentors who had done it before. Sometimes, trial and error was the only teacher. There were moments I made costly mistakes, but each one taught me something valuable. Over time, I became more confident navigating the system, and those early lessons laid a solid foundation for everything that followed.
Building Trust
As an immigrant entrepreneur, I knew I had to work twice as hard to build trust—with customers, with vendors, with landlords, and with employees. It wasn’t just about proving that my food was good or that I was reliable. It was about showing that I understood and respected the way business was done here.
That meant being on time, keeping promises, handling challenges with professionalism, and being transparent. I learned that trust is built in small moments and through consistency. It doesn’t happen overnight, but once it’s earned, it opens doors.
Facing Setbacks
There were definitely moments when I wondered if I’d made the right decision. Running a restaurant is already tough, and doing it in a country where you’re still learning the ropes adds extra pressure. There were times when business was slow, when staff quit unexpectedly, or when unexpected costs threw off our budget.
But I learned to keep going. Resilience became my most valuable trait. I reminded myself why I was doing it—for the freedom to build something of my own, for the chance to provide for my family, and for the opportunity to contribute to the country I had come to love.
Transitioning to a New Industry
After a successful run with The Sheik Restaurant, I made another leap—this time into the airport food and beverage industry. It was a big change but one that allowed me to grow and scale in ways I hadn’t before. The lessons I had learned running a street-side restaurant were all still relevant: know your customer, run a tight operation, and never stop learning.
In many ways, this transition was a second chapter in my immigrant entrepreneur story. It reminded me that the journey never really ends—you just keep evolving.
The Role of Community
One of the most powerful parts of building a business in the U.S. is the sense of community. I found mentors, friends, and fellow entrepreneurs who were willing to share advice, lend a hand, or just listen. I also made it a priority to give back—whether through hiring locally, supporting community events, or mentoring others who were just getting started.
Community creates a sense of belonging. It turns business into something more than just transactions—it becomes a way to connect, to grow together, and to make a difference.
What I’ve Learned
If I had to sum up the biggest lessons from building a business in a new country, they would be:
- Adaptability is everything. Be ready to learn and change. What worked in one place might not work here.
- Relationships matter. Build trust and treat people well—it will carry you further than any single business strategy.
- Patience pays off. Success doesn’t happen overnight. Keep showing up, keep improving, and keep believing.
- Respect the process. Learn the rules, follow the system, and be thorough.
- Stay true to your roots. Your background is your strength. It gives you a unique perspective that can add real value.
Final Thoughts
Looking back, I’m grateful for every step of the journey—from Lebanon to Kuwait to Michigan. The challenges were real, but the rewards have been greater. I’ve had the chance to build something meaningful in a country that gave me the opportunity to dream big.
To anyone thinking about starting a business in a new country, my advice is simple: don’t let fear stop you. Yes, it’s hard. But it’s also worth it. If you bring passion, integrity, and a willingness to learn, you can build more than just a business—you can build a life you’re proud of.