The Journey of Mohammad Alhayek: From Jordan to Springdale’s Newest Restaurant
Hope and Ambition in a New Land
In 2017, Mohammad Alhayek arrived in the United States from Jordan with dreams stitched together with hard work and resilience. Like many immigrants, he embarked on a journey filled with challenges and aspirations. Armed with only $700, Alhayek envisioned opening his own restaurant—an establishment where he could share his culinary passion with the community. His dream began to materialize with the impending opening of Mr. Hayek’s Fish & Chicken.
A Labor of Love
Alhayek’s journey to entrepreneurship was not paved with ease. He hustled through numerous jobs, including washing dishes, cutting hair, and even shoveling snow, all to save for his ambitious goal. "People sometimes mention to me, ‘Man, come on. Your mind is only business.’ I say, ‘Yeah, that’s what I have in my mind,’" Alhayek remarked, emphasizing his unwavering commitment to his dream.
His culinary experience stemmed from years of hands-on learning, progressing from a dishwasher to a cook, harvesting knowledge to pour into his restaurant’s menu. “I have experience for everything,” he shared. “All of it, I put it in one menu.” This dedication reflected both his passion for food and the rich cultural tapestry he aimed to weave into his culinary offerings.
Facing Setbacks
However, just as the grand opening of Mr. Hayek’s Fish & Chicken was on the horizon, disaster struck. Vandals targeted the restaurant last week, wreaking havoc just days before he was set to welcome customers. The damage was extensive, with smashed TVs, lights, tablets, and even destruction of the kitchen’s sprinkler system. Alhayek described the feeling of loss: “Today ago, if you saw me now, I’m broke. My heart broke, seriously.”
The violence was compounded by the fact that all five security cameras around the building were cut, and the interior ones were unplugged. With no insurance to cover the estimated $35,000 in damages, Alhayek found his financial stability jeopardized.
Community Support and Resilience
In the aftermath of the vandalism, Alhayek turned to his community for support, launching a GoFundMe campaign to help recover from the damage. Social media played a pivotal role in sharing his story, and the outpouring of community support rekindled his spirits. “I’m very happy in Cincinnati now, even more than I loved Cincinnati before when I came in 2017. Right now, I love them more because of the nice community,” he reflected on the positive side of his circumstances.
Despite the setbacks, Alhayek’s message remains resolute: “Everyone who has a dream, don’t stop. Someday you do it.” This powerful encouragement not only showcases his hope but also serves as inspiration for others facing their own challenges.
The Ongoing Investigation
As Springdale police investigate the vandalism, Alhayek stands resilient. His journey symbolizes the vibrant entrepreneurial spirit that immigrants bring to the United States, illuminating the significance of community in overcoming obstacles. While the vandals may have temporarily shattered his vision, they could not diminish the tenacity and hope that Alhayek embodies.
The path ahead is fraught with challenges, yet Alhayek’s story resonates with the essence of perseverance, reminding us all of the dreams that can rise, even from the ashes of adversity.
