A new restaurant will keep Detroiters from having to trek to Dearborn for quality Middle Eastern cuisine.
Motown Kabob has opened on Woodward just south of W. Grand Boulevard, serving up schwarma, falafel and fresh raw juice. The restaurant is both carry-out and dine-in, with seating for about 30.
Owner Mike Sleiman is new to the restaurant business, but his brother and partner, Haysan Sleiman, is no stranger. "He's run seven La Shishes," says Mike. The third partner, Wissam Majjar, also has extensive restaurant experience.
The trio chose New Center for their restaurant because of the potential they see in the area. "There's a lot of new attractions," says Mike Sleiman.
Karen Gage of the
New Center Council, the area's community development corporation, couldn't agree more. "Motown Kabob adds to the growing variety of restaurants in New Center," says Gage, NCC's vice president. "It's a healthy option for residents and visitors, and we are glad to have them in our community."
Mike Sleiman, a lifelong Detroiter, is keen on the rebirth of the entire city. "All my life, my dream has been to see Detroit prosper," he says. "I'd like to be a part of it."
Motown Kabob is open Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Sources: Mike Sleiman, Motown Kabob and Karen Gage, New Center Council
Writer: Kelli B. Kavanaugh
Enjoy this story?
Sign up for free solutions-based reporting in your inbox each week.