Our Story

A tale woven with the threads of resilience, vision, and indomitable spirit. A journey born from the heart of Lebanon, which underscores the transformative power of passion and perseverance. Dare to dream with us, and be inspired by the incredible journey that follows. Scroll down and step into our story…

November 1998 witnessed the start of an extraordinary journey for two determined individuals, Labib Cheaito and Hassan Khathoun, born and raised in their beautiful homeland, Lebanon. These ambitious souls embarked on a journey fueled by determination, tenacity, and a shared dream. Labib immersed himself in academia at HFCC, while Hassan navigated through the vibrant life of Fordson High-school.

The following year, they ventured into the hospitality realm at Mango's on Warren Ave. At that time, Mango's was a bustling hub of culture and energy in East Dearborn. For over three years, they tirelessly served and learned valuable life lessons, honing their natural hospitality skills, and fortifying their commitment.

By April 2002, an enticing opportunity surfaced. Albasha, a restaurant on Warren Ave, was on sale. Even though their savings were modest, their dream was significant, pushing them to overcome financial constraints. Pooling their resources and obtaining loans, they managed to kick-start the Albasha subs journey.

The initial phase was intense, reflecting their unwavering dedication. With daily 18-hour shifts, they played every role themselves, from the back to the front of the house. Their fervor spread like a wildfire, inspiring friends and loyal customers to lend a hand during peak hours. Over time, their relentless efforts were rewarded, and the restaurant began to stabilize and grow, enabling them to expand their team and broaden Albasha's reach.

Hassan decided to return to Lebanon in 2008. Labib, however, continued to nurture Albasha's journey, forming new partnerships and deepening its roots. A second Albasha Subs location opened in Dearborn Heights in 2010, in collaboration with Rabih and Ahmad Charaf. Their shared experiences and determination provided a robust foundation for Albasha Subs' next triumph.

In 2014, the Albasha Subs family celebrated another victory - the inauguration of a third location at Wayne State University. The collaboration with Issam Ali and Hussein Youssef, two loyal allies from East Dearborn, added yet another feather to the Albasha Subs cap.

The onset of the 2020 pandemic imposed a sudden pause in their expansion, yet they remained resilient. Despite the challenging circumstances, they bounced back in August 2023 with a brand-new location in Hamtramck on 9735 Conant St, symbolizing hope and unwavering determination.

Labib and his team have always embraced a deep sense of duty towards their community, not only by offering delicious food but also by nurturing local entrepreneurial spirit. They have proudly mentored numerous budding eateries, guiding them to mature into recognized brands within the community.

Albasha Subs is more than a restaurant; it symbolizes entrepreneurship, the value of relentless work, and resilience. More importantly, it signifies a commitment to community, shared success, and the steadfast belief that passion, dedication, and the love for good food can bring people together and craft inspiring success stories, insha’Allah.

Drawing inspiration from the profound words of the renowned Lebanese poet, Gibran Khalil Gibran:
"Work is love made visible."
The Albasha Subs narrative is a vivid embodiment of love, dedication, and an unwavering vision.