Dean Hachem is an American entrepreneur and engineer known for his work in the restaurant and airport food service industries. Born in Lebanon and raised in Kuwait, Hachem moved to the United States to study engineering at the University of Michigan. Although trained as an engineer, he followed his passion for food and community by opening The Sheik Restaurant in West Bloomfield, Michigan in the 1990s. The restaurant became a popular neighborhood destination, known for its Mediterranean cuisine and welcoming atmosphere.
In 2001, Hachem made a major career shift into the airport food and beverage sector. Over the next two decades, he managed operations in several major U.S. airports. His responsibilities included coordinating with vendors, managing union staff, meeting compliance standards, and handling high-volume service under tight time constraints. Hachem credits his engineering background for helping him manage complex systems and solve operational problems.
Throughout his career, Hachem has valued adaptability, clarity, and relationship-building. He believes in writing things down, focusing on what matters, and learning from each experience. After stepping away from full-time operations in 2023, he began mentoring young entrepreneurs and sharing his insights through writing.
Hachem lives in Detroit, Michigan, where he continues to cook, reflect, and support others navigating business transitions. His journey from Lebanon to the United States, from engineering to hospitality, reflects a lifelong commitment to growth, resilience, and practical leadership.
Dean Hachem on Success: “It’s Not About Speed. It’s About Staying the Course.”
When you think about success, what does it mean to you?
To me, success isn’t a title or a dollar amount. It’s waking up and knowing you’re doing work that matters to you, in a way that feels honest. Success means growth. If I’m still learning, still improving, then I’m moving in the right direction.
You’ve made several major career changes—from engineering to restaurants to airport food operations. What guided those decisions?
I never had a five-year plan. What I did have was a question I’d ask myself: “Am I growing?” When I stopped feeling challenged or useful, I knew it was time to pivot. I didn’t chase money or prestige. I chased progress.
Did you ever feel like you were starting over?
All the time. When I moved into airport operations, I had no blueprint. It felt like I was back at zero. But I told myself, “You’ve built something once. You can do it again.” Each step built on the last—even if it looked like a new path.
Was there a time you almost gave up?
Yes. Early 2000s. The airport business was brutal at first. Delays, supply problems, staffing headaches. I thought maybe I had made a mistake. But I reminded myself why I took the risk—to grow. I leaned on people with more experience. I asked for help. And I adjusted.
What role has failure played in your idea of success?
People love to say failure is always a lesson. Sometimes it is. Sometimes it’s just a sign you were wrong. The key is to recognize it early and adjust. Don’t hold on just because you’re afraid to let go. Success requires knowing when to walk away too.
What habits or routines have helped you stay consistent over the years?
I write things down. I make plans simple. If I can’t explain an idea in a few lines, I probably don’t understand it well enough. I also believe in keeping my space—mental and physical—organized. Clutter slows you down.
What advice would you give someone chasing success today?
Slow down. Most people rush and burn out. Don’t skip the boring stuff—build systems, learn how things work, form strong relationships. And be curious. Ask more questions. That’s how you grow.
Do you think your engineering degree helped shape your success?
Definitely. I never worked as an engineer, but the way it taught me to think—to solve problems, to structure things—that’s been useful in every job I’ve had. It gave me confidence that I could figure things out.
What’s one lesson that’s stuck with you through it all?
Trust the pivots. Change isn’t failure—it’s movement. If you keep showing up, keep asking better questions, and keep learning, success becomes a result of staying in motion.
How do you measure success now, in this phase of your life?
These days, success is being able to cook for my family, mentor someone going through a career change, or write something honest. It’s quieter, but more meaningful.