La Shish Restaurants No More
Monday March 3, 2008
La Shish introduced many of us in the Metro Detroit area to Lebanese cuisine. The original restaurant opened in Dearborn in 1989 but became such a favorite that restaurants rapidly spread throughout the Metro Detroit area – a real American success story.
Charges of tax evasion and possible terrorism ties against the chain’s owner in 2005, however, started a downward spiral for the chain. While the food didn’t change, perception did, especially after the owner fled to Lebanon. According to The Detroit News, the restaurant chain went on to lose half its business, but Federal liens and the the Michigan Department of Treasury prevented it from selling off the restaurants. The chain finally just closed all of its 11 locations.
It’s a sad end to the story and a great loss to the palate. Shish Tawook with Lemon-Oregano, you will be missed.
Does anyone have any suggestions of other restaurants in the Metro Detroit area that serve similar cuisine?
Charges of tax evasion and possible terrorism ties against the chain’s owner in 2005, however, started a downward spiral for the chain. While the food didn’t change, perception did, especially after the owner fled to Lebanon. According to The Detroit News, the restaurant chain went on to lose half its business, but Federal liens and the the Michigan Department of Treasury prevented it from selling off the restaurants. The chain finally just closed all of its 11 locations.
It’s a sad end to the story and a great loss to the palate. Shish Tawook with Lemon-Oregano, you will be missed.
Does anyone have any suggestions of other restaurants in the Metro Detroit area that serve similar cuisine?
Comments
sure do; La Pita in Dearborn is wonderful! love their chicken tawook with the garlic sauce. They are a little pricey but probably no more than La Shish was.
damn! loved the food!
yeah they’re changing the name, but the same food and service is still available at this locations. 16 and half on Rochester Rd Troy, MI 17 mile and Orchard lake road(mezza). come and see to believe.
I just got a job at Sheesh, it is in Clawson, fourteen and Crooks. Come and see me. It is basically all the people that were employed from La sheesh. The owners are different. Same exact food just new name. They are trying to reestablish themselves.
I ate at La Shish at least three times a week while on a contract job in Detroit. Yes, this chain introduced me to Lebanese food and today in 2009 I continue to crave it. Next time I’m up there I will have to check out Sheesh, thanks Alicia. Right around the corner from where I lived in Royal Oak!