OUR LANDMARK
Sahara Oak Park isn't just our oldest location—it's the one that set the standard. From iconic flavors to unforgettable moments, this space has seen it all. It's the booth you grew up in, the dinner you still crave, and the energy that built a brand. Decades later, it's still the heartbeat of who we are.
OUR JOURNEY
From our humble beginnings in Ferndale to our original location in Oak Park, here are some highlights of our journey.
1981 — Where It All Began
Sahara is founded by Saad Attisha in Ferndale, Michigan. With a focus on fresh Mediterranean flavor and genuine hospitality, Sahara quickly becomes a local favorite.
1984 — A New Home in Oak Park
To accommodate a growing customer base, Sahara relocates to Oak Park. This location becomes the foundation of everything Sahara stands for—serving the community with tradition, warmth, and authentic flavor.
1990s — Becoming a Household Name
Sahara earns its reputation across Metro Detroit for its generous portions, welcoming service, and consistently delicious dishes. The Oak Park location becomes a go-to destination for families, friends, and regulars who've been coming for decades.
2010 — Breaking New Ground
Led by co-owner Zeana Attisha, Sahara Oak Park becomes a trailblazer by advocating for the city to lift its dry ordinance. In 2015, Sahara is awarded the first liquor license in Oak Park history—ushering in a new era for local dining and making headlines across the region.
2000s–2010s — Expanding the Brand
With Oak Park thriving, Sahara opens new locations in Farmington Hills and Sterling Heights. Each new restaurant carries the same values of authenticity and hospitality, while reaching new communities across Metro Detroit.
2015 — Sterling Heights Becomes the Flagship
The Sterling Heights location evolves into the flagship—featuring an elegant main dining room, lush indoor patio, and a grand banquet hall that hosts 400+ guests. It becomes the go-to destination for large events, celebrations, and high-capacity gatherings.
2023 — Heart of Detroit
Sahara opens its newest location in downtown Detroit's entertainment district—across from Comerica Park and between the Fox and Fillmore Theatres. Selected by Little Caesars to join their World Headquarters campus, Sahara Detroit brings Mediterranean tradition to the center of the city.
Today — The Spirit Lives On
Over 40 years later, Sahara Oak Park remains the heart of our story. It's the place where it all began—and the place that still feels like home. As the brand continues to grow, Oak Park stands proudly as the original landmark that shaped everything Sahara is today.