by Stephen Coats – The Yemeni American News
Located in the heart of Hamtramck, Michigan, Delite Café & Deliis a local, family-owned business that has captured the heart of the city.From the bright purple, eye-catching, storefront, to the cozy front room with excellent lighting, to the large party room in the back,the restaurant has plenty of atmosphere and energy to inspire an artist hovering over their laptop. Delite Café & Deli is a growing gathering place in the community and it’s thriving.
Tamer and his partner Jamal
“We offer gourmet subs made with Boar’s Head,” Tamer Alhalemi, co-owner of the quaint establishment says. “Boar’s Head is one of the top deli meats in the country:all natural, no coloring, no trans fat. It’s very popular in the New York area. Here in Michigan, it’s new.We are one of the very first places to offer it here in the city. We have a variety of subs, almost 26 different subs,and the list goes on. We are family-owned, we make sure everybody walks out of here happy and everything is made with perfection.”
Tamer and his partner, co-owner Jamal Jawany, are from Yemen and thoroughly enjoy the multi-ethnic community in which they live and work. Tamer moved to Hamtramck in 1989 when he was about nine years old. He was raised in in the city but tried moving away several times but always came back home. “Most of my customers come from all over,” Jamal Jawany continues.“Actually,this idea came fromthree years ago, when my partner and I used to sit and talk of having something unique and different in this city. So, we came up with this idea of Delite Café & Deli. We brought unique healthy food that does not exist in Hamtramck.”
With their second location about to open in Detroit, the future is exciting and full of opportunity for these two young entrepreneurs. “We decided to open a second location because we want to be closer to a much more populated area than Hamtramck,” Tamer adds.“Hamtramck is a good start for us, it was a challenge. It’s working out for us, so if we can make it in Hamtramck, I am sure we can make it everywhere else in the States.” They hope to franchise one day as well. As Tamer puts it, “This is our third year in business and the second location came right along. I am hoping within the next five to six years if we succeed, we will keep on going to different cities. This city right here, Hamtramck, is the melting pot of this country.”
Jamal attributes his success to his attitude and work ethic. “First of all, you have to have a positive energy, charisma.You have to work hard day and night,” he says.“These types of businesses don’t come easy. If you have a partner, you have to communicate pretty well.” Tamer jumps in, “In other words, we use each other’s knowledge or background of previous experience. For example, I have had other businesses before, family-owned businesses, and we failed. If there is a will there is a way. You have to have a will to succeed, if you don’t have a will to succeed, you will never succeed at anything you do.” Jamal and Tamer are both fathers. They know the value of hard work is to have an iron will to overcome difficulties with patience and vision.
When it comes down to what they do best, making tasty food, both partners light up with excitement.“The top seller is the caramel lattes, hazelnut lattes and cappuccino. It has beautiful, delicious sandwiches along with the coffee and specialty coffees that we have,” Jamal replies. His partner Tamer has a glimmer in his eyes as he pulls out thefresh ciabatta bread and slices it open. “I will make you the most popular sandwich here: the Sausalito Turkey. It’s spicy,” Tamer says.“Of course, there’s other people who have it, but not with our perfection, our touch. Which is Delite’s touch!”
Their personal touch is evident.Anytime you walk into their aromatic establishment, you will find one or both of the owners present, greeting, chatting, making subs, and brewing perfect coffees.They know pretty much everyone who comes through the door. Welcome home!
