Sameer Eid, metro Detroit restaurateur, dies

Longtime metro Detroit restaurateur Sameer Eid, the founder of Phoenicia in downtown Birmingham, passed away on Friday at the age of 85, according to a family spokesman.

“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,” according to the spokesman.

Eid, with his son Samy, developed in recent years the Chickpea Hospitality group which includes Phoenicia, Leila in downtown Detroit, along with Forest and the new Wilder’s in downtown Birmingham.

Funeral arrangement were not available late Friday.