Sameer Eid, the esteemed founder of the renowned Lebanese restaurant Phoenicia in Birmingham, died at the age of 85, as per a family statement released last Friday. A spokesperson for the Eid family, Justin Near, conveyed the solemn news to ClickOnDetroit, noting that Eid passed away surrounded by his family. Eid's journey began with his arrival in the U.S. in 1961, leading to over five decades of meticulous devotion to his establishment, which has been a mainstay in Michigan's dining scene.
Phoenicia, a fine-dining staple in metro Detroit, was purchased by Eid in 1971 and moved to Birmingham a decade later. Eid, a figure revered in the community for his uncommon dedication to his craft and heritage, was remembered for his hands-on approach in running the restaurant, as detailed in an obituary obtained by the Detroit Free Press. The restaurant not only served generations of loyal patrons but also attracted the likes of Hollywood celebrities and even a U.S. president over the years, and in recognition of its excellence, the Free Press named Phoenicia the inaugural Restaurant of the Year Classic in 2018.
Eid's legacy in the hospitality industry extends beyond Phoenicia; he founded Chickpea Hospitality, which included other fine-dining establishments, Forest, Wilder's, and Leila in downtown Detroit. His son, Samy Eid, has continued the family tradition, earning accolades such as a James Beard Award semifinalist nod for Outstanding Restaurateur and Phoenicia's nomination for Outstanding Hospitality, as noted by the Detroit Free Press. Amid the outpouring of tributes, Mark Kurlyandchik, a former critic for the Free Press, described Eid as "a magnetic showman filled with passion and generosity." Kurlyandchik recalled Eid's charisma, wit, and exceptional memory for names, even sharing a personal anecdote about Eid gifting him a special olive oil shipment from Lebanon in a pickle jar.
The hospitality community mourns the loss of a cherished figure, Sameer Eid, whose impact on metro Detroit's dining landscape remains indelible, emphasized by the accolades and heartfelt remembrances from food critics and patrons alike. Funeral arrangements for Eid have not been disclosed; still, the story of his contributions will undoubtedly continue to be echoed in the culinary creations at Phoenicia and beyond, as reported by The Detroit News. Samy Eid ensures that his father's rich culinary legacy remains vibrant, upholding the traditions that made Phoenicia a treasured landmark for nearly six decades.
