By Simon Albaugh
Hamtramck, Mich. – Royal Kabob, one of the many staples of Hamtramck’s vibrant restaurant scene, experienced a small fire near the back of the restaurant. First responders from Hamtramck Fire Department were able to contain the fire before people were hurt and before any further damage to the restaurant.
“I wanted to send my thanks to the fire fighters for their first response from Hamtramck and Detroit,” said Mo Obeid, Manager of Royal Kabob. “Because they were working hard and came fast. They were helpful and contained it fast.”
The cause of the fire is still under investigation. Mo Obeid says that he’s looking to work through the proper channels in order to reopen his restaurant as soon as it’s safe. As of now, he will need to reopen under a new business.
Because of the Coronavirus Pandemic, Obeid says that it’s hard to reach the health department officials. Many governmental organizations have been working out of their office, so reaching the proper authorities on the matter can be difficult. But Obeid says he will wait for their advice on how to proceed.
This was Royal Kabob’s first fire, so before they reopen, the restaurant plans to replace everything that could have been affected by the fire. Obeid is still awaiting instructions from the Health Department, because of the change in requirements that new businesses have to follow.
Obeid says that there’s no timeline for when he will be able to reopen Royal Kabob. The fire is still under investigation, and the pandemic has made many services and products scarce.
“Hopefully by tomorrow, I get a call from the health department in order to explain the issue that we had,” Obeid said. “And hopefully they advise me what to do, what’s the process to reopen. From that time, I will know how long it’s going take, what we need to do to reopen and also the insurance company’s role.”
Until the restaurant reopens, fans of the Royal Kabob Restaurant can still go to Dearborn or Taylor for some of the other restaurants that Mo Obeid has helped develop.
“We believe everything happens for a reason,” Obeid said. “I will thank God every day that nobody got hurt. Restaurants can be brought back in one or two months and be back in business. But with lives, you can’t bring lives back.”
