BIRMINGHAM, Mich. – Sameer Eid, a well-known Metro Detroit restaurateur, died on Friday. He was 85.
Eid was the founder of Phoenicia, a popular Lebanese restaurant in Birmingham.
“On behalf of the Eid family, I share with profound sadness that Sameer Eid, beloved founder of Phoenicia in Birmingham, passed away today at the age of 85, surrounded by family,” Eid family spokesperson Justin Near said in a statement. “Sameer came to the U.S. in 1961 and built a life rooted in family, hospitality and his Lebanese heritage, and for more than 54 years, he personally oversaw every detail at Phoenicia, creating one of Michigan’s most celebrated restaurants.”…