In their September 2025 issue, Smart Business Magazine featured Fady Chamoun, founder and CEO of Aladdin’s Eatery and our parent company, Seasoned Brands, in an in-depth profile that celebrates his journey, vision, and the family legacy behind our restaurants.
We’re so excited for you to read this piece and get to know the family behind your hummus, your falafel, and your favorite top secret hot sauce.
From Lebanon to Lakewood, OH
The article follows Fady’s remarkable story, from leaving his small hometown in Lebanon to arriving in the U.S. as a college student, to working his way up at Little Caesars (Pizza pizza!). There, he learned the ins and outs of the food industry and developed a love for hospitality that would shape everything to come.
After two decades in the pizza business, Fady took a leap of faith. He opened the first Aladdin’s Eatery in Lakewood, Ohio, in 1994, introducing Lebanese flavors to Cleveland. What started as one cozy neighborhood spot grew into something so much bigger because, as Fady says:
“Everybody wanted to do pizza, but nobody knew about hummus. So, I said, my heritage is Lebanese. There’s got to be a market for that here.”
Growth Rooted in Our 3Hs
Today, Aladdin’s has grown to more than 35 locations across four states (and two continents!), with sister restaurants like Taza Lebanese Grill, Sittoo’s Lebanese Grill, and Boaz Fresh Lebanese rounding out the family.
At the heart of it all? Our values, lovingly nicknamed the 3Hs.
- Health: fresh, wholesome food you can feel good about.
- Heritage: recipes and traditions passed down through generations.
- Human Connection: gathering people around the table.
As Fady’s daughter, Sandra Daher, our VP of Brand Strategy (and also my boss, Hi Sandra!), explains in the article:
“Everything is made by hands that love to feed and teach people our Lebanese heritage. Health, heritage, and human connection really represent our brand.”
People First. Always.
The story also shines a light on our people, because behind every plate of hummus is a team member who brings warmth and hospitality to your table. Training, mentorship, and leadership development have always been part of Fady’s vision.
Our number one philosophy, “Our guests are our friends,” is more than words; it’s how we do things, every single day.
Or as Fady puts it:
“Stick with your standards and appreciate your employees. Loyalty is a big deal. If you take care of your people, they will take care of you.”
Looking Ahead
From one restaurant in Lakewood to a family of concepts serving thousands of guests every day, Fady’s vision has never wavered: to grow carefully, while holding tight to what makes us who we are, Lebanese flavors, heartfelt hospitality, and a place where everyone feels welcome.
We couldn’t be prouder to share this recognition with you, our guests, our extended family!
Your support is what makes this story possible.
Read the full feature in Smart Business Magazine here.
