News Summary
Sameer Eid, founder of the acclaimed Lebanese restaurant Phoenicia in Birmingham, Michigan, has passed away at the age of 85. Celebrated for his warmth and culinary contributions, Eid’s legacy is reflected in the restaurant’s reputation and ongoing family-run establishments. His life journey, from Lebanon to establishing a national dining destination, is a testament to his impact in the Metro Detroit community.
Birmingham, Michigan – Sameer Eid, a beloved figure in the Metro Detroit restaurant scene and the founder of the acclaimed Lebanese restaurant Phoenicia, passed away on August 15, 2025, at the age of 85. He died peacefully, surrounded by family members, at a local hospital.
Eid’s legacy is firmly established through Phoenicia, which has garnered national recognition over the years. The restaurant, located in Birmingham, Michigan, has been a staple of the community for over four decades, serving a variety of traditional Lebanese dishes that have won the hearts of both locals and tourists alike. Under his leadership, Phoenicia became noted for its exceptional culinary offerings and warm hospitality. The restaurant has welcomed celebrities from Hollywood and even a sitting U.S. president, underlining its status as a prominent dining destination.
Born in Marjayoun, Lebanon, in 1940, Eid immigrated to the United States in 1961 to pursue studies in banking. In 1967, he moved to Detroit, initially working in the drapery industry. His entry into the restaurant business began unexpectedly in 1971 when he purchased a Lebanese diner in Highland Park for $5,700, despite lacking any formal culinary training or restaurant experience. This leap of faith marked the beginning of a successful venture that would span over half a century.
After operating the Highland Park location for ten years, Eid relocated Phoenicia to Birmingham, where it has remained for more than 40 years. The restaurant gained significant attention following a review by the late Free Press restaurant critic Molly Abraham in 1973, which played a crucial role in elevating Phoenicia’s reputation. Subsequent reviews continued to praise Eid as a charismatic and generous figure within the restaurant industry.
Throughout his career, Eid was recognized with multiple accolades, including the prestigious Sylvia Rector Lifetime Achievement Award for Hospitality in 2018. That same year, Phoenicia was named Restaurant of the Year Classic by a local food critic, further cementing its status as a cornerstone of Michigan’s dining landscape. The restaurant’s popular recipe for toum (Lebanese garlic sauce) was also featured on the New York Times Cooking website, showcasing the widespread appeal of its culinary offerings.
Eid’s contributions to the restaurant industry extended beyond Phoenicia. He founded Chickpea Hospitality, a family-run group that includes other establishments such as Forest, Leila, and Wilder’s. His son, Samy Eid, currently manages Chickpea Hospitality and has been recognized as a James Beard Award semifinalist for Outstanding Restaurateur, indicating the continued influence of the Eid family in the culinary world.
As tributes pour in from various sectors of the community, Eid is remembered not just as a successful restaurateur but as a magnetic presence who brought people together through food. His impact on the Metro Detroit dining scene is undeniable, having established Phoenicia as a cherished destination for more than 54 years.
Funeral arrangements for Sameer Eid are currently pending and will be announced in the days to come, as friends, family, and patrons prepare to honor the man whose contributions to Michigan’s restaurant landscape will not be forgotten.
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Additional Resources
- Detroit Free Press
- Wikipedia: Sameer Eid
- WXYZ
- Google Search: Sameer Eid
- Hour Detroit
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Restaurant History
- Crain’s Detroit Business
- Google News: Sameer Eid
Author: STAFF HERE DETROITMI WRITER
DETROIT STAFF WRITER The DETROIT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDetroitMI.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Detroit, Wayne County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Movement Electronic Music Festival, Detroit Grand Prix, and America's Thanksgiving Parade. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Detroit Regional Chamber and Focus HOPE, plus leading businesses in automotive and healthcare that power the local economy such as General Motors, Ford Motor Company, and Henry Ford Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREGrandRapids.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
