Local entrepreneur Sami Algohaim and his brother Nate have developed Unique Coney Island into a business that functions as both a restaurant and a community space. With more than 20 years of experience in the food service industry, including time with the National Coney Island chain, the Algohaim brothers established their location near the intersection of 14 Mile and Dequindre roads. Sami remarked in a statement obtained by the City of Sterling Heights, "We have fresh and tasty food. That’s our passion.”
Since opening in May 2019, the Algohaim brothers operated Unique Coney Island through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic with less than a year of business experience at that location. Despite the difficulties, the restaurant remained open and continued serving customers. Sami Algohaim, in a statement to the City of Sterling Heights, emphasized his approach to customer relations by saying, “If the food can bring them in, I can keep them coming back.” With over 40 years of combined experience in the food service industry, the brothers continue to offer items such as their $7.99 breakfast special and homemade lemon rice chicken soup, which remain regular features on the menu.
Anne Amodeo, floor manager at Unique Coney Island, is recognized for helping create a welcoming environment. According to the restaurant’s profile, she focuses on building customer relationships and aims to treat each guest as she would want to be treated. Amodeo’s approach to service is considered a contributing factor to the restaurant’s continued success.
Despite interest in expanding to additional locations in Sterling Heights and surrounding areas, Sami Algohaim continues to prioritize focused growth, maintaining the principles that have guided Unique Coney Island so far. Anne Amodeo, quoted in a release by the City of Sterling Heights, said, “There’s no other restaurant where you’ll find owners who care the way ours do.” Both staff and customers have described the environment at the restaurant as more of a close-knit gathering place than a traditional business.
Unique Coney Island is located at 33102 Dequindre Road, near 14 Mile Road, and is open daily from 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. For additional information about the menu and hours, visit the city’s alert on the official Sterling Heights website.
