Dean Hachem: From Restaurant Owner to Airport Industry Leader

Dean Hachem’s story is one of growth, adaptation, and persistence. He grew up in Lebanon, and eventually moved out to Kuwait.

While in Kuwait, he was blessed with an opportunity to immigrate to the United States where he pursued an engineering degree at the University of Michigan. While many engineers stick to their field, Dean took a different path. His passion for food led him to the restaurant business. His engineering degree helped him in the restaurant business as he used it while planning and building many restaurants. Later, he transitioned into the airport industry, where he worked for over two decades.

“I never planned on being in the restaurant or airport business,” Dean says. “But life takes you places you don’t expect, and you learn as you go.”

The Sheik Restaurant: A Community Staple

In the 1990s and early 2000s, Dean owned The Sheik Restaurant in West Bloomfield, Michigan. It became known for its high-quality dishes and welcoming atmosphere. For Dean, running a restaurant wasn’t just about business—it was about creating experiences. The experience at The Sheik led to 2-3 hour waits on the weekends and many rushes throughout the day.

“I always loved food,” he says. “Cooking is more than just making something to eat. It’s about bringing people together. The restaurant was a place where families and friends connected.”

Owning a restaurant came with challenges. Long hours, unpredictable customer traffic, and rising costs made it a tough business. But Dean stayed committed. He learned how to manage people, control expenses, and adapt to changing tastes.

“You can’t get stuck in one way of thinking,” he explains. “Trends change, people’s preferences change. You have to be willing to listen and adjust.”

A Shift to the Airport Industry

In 2001, Dean and his team, including his wife, transitioned into the airport industry, a move that shaped the next two decades of his career. The work was different from running a restaurant, but many of the same principles applied—customer service, efficiency, and adaptability.

“The airport industry is about meeting people’s needs in a fast-paced environment,” he says. “Travelers are looking for convenience and quality, and you have to deliver both.”

From 2001 to 2023, Dean built a strong presence in the airport business. His ability to adapt helped him navigate the complexities of operating in such a regulated and competitive space.

“In business, you have to keep learning,” he says. “If you stop learning, you stop growing. The industry changed a lot over the years, and we had to change with it.”

The Role of Education in Business

Though Dean didn’t follow a traditional engineering career path, he credits his education for shaping his business mindset.

“Engineering teaches you how to solve problems,” he says. “You learn how to think logically and approach challenges with a step-by-step process. That applies to any industry.”

Dean believes that education is more than just getting a degree. It’s about gaining skills that help you in different areas of life.

“Formal education gives you a foundation, but real learning happens when you apply it to the real world,” he adds. “You have to stay curious and open-minded.”

Family and Entrepreneurship

For Dean, family has always been a guiding force, they are the reason he works as hard as his does, to provide them the best life. He believes that the same values that strengthen family relationships—patience, trust, and communication—are essential in business.

“Running a business is a lot like managing a family,” he says. “You have to take care of people, make smart decisions, and always think about the future.”

Balancing work and family hasn’t always been easy, but Dean was able to figure out the perfect work-life balance.

“You have to put in the time and effort,” he says. “Whether it’s with your business or your family, you get out what you put in.”

The Passion for Food Never Fades

Even after moving on from the restaurant industry, Dean’s love for food has never faded. Cooking remains one of his favorite hobbies, and he enjoys experimenting with new recipes.

“Cooking is relaxing for me,” he says. “It’s one of those things that never feels like work. It’s just pure enjoyment.”

He also believes that food has a special way of connecting people.

“Some of the best conversations happen over a meal,” he says. “Food brings people together, no matter where they come from.”

Looking Ahead

After over 20 years in the airport industry, Dean has stepped away from the business. But that doesn’t mean he’s done learning or growing. He remains passionate about education, entrepreneurship, and spending time with his family.

“I don’t think I’ll ever stop being an entrepreneur in some way,” he says. “Once you have that mindset, it’s hard to turn it off.”

Dean’s story is a reminder that success doesn’t follow a straight path. Sometimes, the best opportunities come from unexpected places. His ability to adapt, stay curious, and keep learning has been the key to his journey.

“If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that you have to stay open to change,” he says. “You never know where it might take you.”