When the three friends behind La Marsa finally had the chance to open their own restaurant, they had more than enough experience among them. Adel received chef training at some of the finest hotels in Egypt; Fadhel was a veteran server known for his customer service; and Mo had worked about every job in the restaurant industry, from washing dishes to management. It's hardly surprising, then, that the restaurant they opened—an intimate, eight-table space—always had a line out the door.

Luckily, La Marsa has since expanded to 9 locations around SE Michigan. Adel, Fadhel, and Mo now serve their signature Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine in several more sizable dining rooms that, similar to the first space, also have doors. Entrees include Shish Tawook---Lemon Oregano, tender grilled chunks of chicken breast bursting with flavor—as well as marinated quail. There are more traditional favorites, too, such as Koshary or Mjadra and Meat or Chicken Shawarma.