The story of one downtown Dayton business weathering the pandemic storm
Does anyone remember the great TV comedy from the ‘80s, Cheers? You know, where everybody knows your name?
Well, here at Carmen’s Deli in the first-floor lobby of Stratacache Tower, formerly the Kettering Tower, in downtown Dayton, it’s true. Even with masks on he knows. It is uncanny.
Owner Haitham Iman, 57, a Palestinian immigrant from Jerusalem, divorced, single dad of two awesome kids, is Sam the barkeep, but in this case he’s also the owner operator, motivator, my therapist and, of course, chief cook and bottle washer who always offers a smile and plenty of laughs to go along with his French fries ala Haitham.
Here is a restaurant owner who not only takes pride in his guests and appreciates each one for their patronage and support, but also puts a little love in every sandwich, wrap and burger. Not to mention homemade soups and salads.
It’s the Haitham way.
“I was born in Jerusalem, Israel, to Palestinian parents, ended up in the United States because I had family members here and I always wanted to come to America. I became an American citizen in 1998 in Montgomery County with our mutual buddy Judge Walter Rice presiding,” Iman says.
It wasn’t easy, but this guy’s work ethic is incredible. He’s a member of the Just Happy to be Here Club. His personality is infectious. If you come by with a frown, I promise you’ll leave with a smile and a buddy for life. Trust me—we have become fast friends.
“I worked from the bottom up, cleaning floors, dishwashing to a line cook, then a regional manager. Got a little tired of working for corporate America, can’t deal with the politics of it. I decided in 2009 to open Carmen’s Deli & Bistro in downtown Dayton, choosing there because I love the community and the town. Everyone has been so very supportive to me since day one I arrived in this country.” Haitham says.
As they say, build it and they will come. Just by word of mouth and the fantabulous food, the lunch crowd was ginormous, with the line sometimes crossing Main Street to Courthouse Square. OK, that’s a bit of truth stretching, but popular, no joke.
Then the pandemic raised its ugly head and some 5,000 jobs in a two-block area began working from home. Doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out the devastating consequences he and many downtown eateries suffered.
It was, for lack of a better word, horrendous. Unless you were living under a rock, everything just stopped.
But you can’t get a guy like Haitham down. Yes, he had to lay off some dedicated employees, which completely broke his heart.
“It’s been tough surviving. We have a little business, but don’t misunderstand, we are not even covering our daily expenses. So, I cashed out all my savings and work every other weekend in Cincinnati in a restaurant to generate and earn some money so I can live and support my family. But most importantly we live in a country of the impossible and opportunities to make it possible. We got to fight this, and I believe with my hard work and five-star staff things can turn around,” he says.
Guests agree. “I love the environment. He’s a really good guy, always very friendly. The food is amazing. Never had anything I didn’t like,” says Jamie Robinson.
“Coming to Carmen’s is a personal experience. Haitham knows the name of everyone who comes in the door. You come here once he knows you for life,” says Chris Kershner, president and CEO of the Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce.
Dan Edwards, longtime Dayton area broadcaster, adds, “You talk about a wrap, I mean he gives you a wrap with his arms when you come in. He makes you feel welcome when you walk in the door. Plus, the food is outstanding.”
Now, Haitham did receive a little paycheck protection program cash, but it only goes so far.
“But we don’t want to continue getting assistance from the government. We need sales and need people back to work,” Haitham says.
Right now, rumor is some of the office buildings downtown will house workers sooner rather than later. You can order to-go and there’s free 10-minute pick-up parking right out front to zip in and grab your order. Parking enforcement will cut you a break, just put those flashers on.
“Next for Carmen’s is to survive and hopefully right here, but I may need to look for another location where I have more people to continue and support my dream and my business so I can continue to help the community and do what I love the most. What makes me happy and rewarding is every day when I go home knowing that I did the best of my ability to serve and communicate and put smiles on both my staff and my customers and of course getting back to my kids at the end of the day,” he says.
I can’t stress enough how much he believes in the values of the good old USA. We should all take a cue from Haitham.
“This country has a lot to offer. It’s not only because the opportunities, it’s the freedom and what I mean is you can make things happen here,” he says. “Nowhere else in the world will you find opportunities in freedom like the United States. What’s missing is a little bit of love and kindness.”
Cheers to you my brother!
Buch
