Community Sparks Detroit Brick-and-Mortar Breakthrough

Restaurateur Ameneh Marhaba has fire in her belly — and it’s not just her “Hot Keyeh Sauce.”

Fueled by the legacy of a courageous father and guidance of a resilient mother, Marhaba has transformed a lifetime of cooking for survival into a  career slated to hit a major milestone in 2024 with the opening of her first permanent Little Liberia location. 

Marhaba’s rising star traces back to humble origins many aspiring chef-owners will recognize, leaning on imagination and grit to gain traction through pop-up operations.