A titan of the Detroit-area restaurant industry, Sameer Eid has died at age 85.

He's best known as the founder of Lebanese restaurant Phoenicia in Birmingham, which he first opened in Highland Park in the 1970s.

"Sameer came to the U.S. in 1961 and built a life rooted in family, hospitality and his Lebanese heritage, and for more than 54 years, he personally oversaw every detail at Phoenicia, creating one of Michigan’s most celebrated restaurants," reads a statement from the family that was sent to the media Friday afternoon, noting that Eid was surrounded by his family when he died.

Funeral arrangements will be shared in the next few days.

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