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Community Corner

Mediterranean Restaurant Reaches out to Community

Mezza Grille wants to pass it forward to residents in need with Mezza-Ami program.

"It has to start somewhere, right?"

Louann Saleh, owner of Mezza Grille in Rochester Hills, connects with her customers. She listens to their stories; she knows what's going on in their lives. And when she hears about the rough times, she realizes that some people might need help — help that she can give.

"I understand," Saleh said. "I've been through milestones, good and bad. One person can't do it all, but someone can start it."

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And so Saleh, along with her her husband, Sam, started Mezza-Ami.

"Ami means 'friend' and we consider ourselves everyone's friends. We're here for them and we want to give back to the community," Saleh said.

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It's personal

After a tragic loss in her family, Saleh realized the importance of giving to those struggling, grieving or in need.

"Sometimes it's just a delivered meal that reminds you that you're not alone," Saleh said.

It's a lesson she has passed on to her children, Mark and Mary. 

"You always have to give back," Saleh said. 

Through the Mezza-Ami effort, the Mediterranean restaurant will help individuals or groups in need. Mezza-Ami recently provided lunch for Hart Middle School staff on Teacher Appreciation Day.

Saleh said she would like to get more of the next generation involved by having high school students participate in Mezza-Ami. While the nonprofit is in its beginning stages, Saleh said she has great hopes for the change it can make in Rochester.

If your organization would benefit from the help of Mezza-Ami, or if you know someone in need, contact Saleh at 248-609-2121.

Like family

Saleh calls her restaurant regulars an "extended family." It's a fitting label because, in a sense, her family started in a restaurant.

She and her husband worked side-by-side as a waitress and busboy in a local Big Boy. It was the early 1990s and the couple was just starting out.

Now they own that restaurant along with seven other local restaurants. 

But the Mezza Grille on Rochester Road holds a special place with Saleh.

"This is where I live," Saleh said. "My family has been here for 13 years. This is where my kids go to school."

The regulars must feel like family, too. Saleh said she often prepares her family's dinner at the restaurant. "Some regulars will peek over and ask, 'What is that? I want that too.' So I make some for them. When they're happy, that makes me happy."

The restaurant's menu features baba ghannooj, kebabs, hommous and tabbouli, among other Mediterranean fare.

"Eating here is like visiting a friend," Saleh said. With Mezza-Ami, the friendships keep growing.

Mezza Grille is located at 1413 Rochester Road at the corner of Tienken Road. They are open 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Sunday.

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