Fire and Dough: An Arab-Owned Business Survives Israel-Hamas War with Resilience and Hope in Cleveland’s Growing Arab Community

In the growing Arab community of North Olmsted, there is a vibrant cluster of over a dozen Arab-owned businesses. One such business is Fire and Dough, owned and operated by Nizam Suliman. As the owner and chef, Suliman takes pride in serving fresh halal meat that is prepared daily using his own recipes and spices.

Suliman has been cooking since he was just 13 years old, hailing from the Middle East. His passion for cooking led him to pursue his dream of starting his own business in Cleveland on October 10, 2023. Unfortunately, just weeks after opening his doors, the Israel-Hamas war erupted.

Despite the challenges posed by the war, Suliman remains grateful to the North Olmsted community for their support. The war has had a direct impact on his business, with many Palestinians in the area mourning loved ones lost and feeling uneasy about gathering in public places. However, Suliman remains hopeful that peace will prevail not only in his home country but also around the world.

He encourages his workers to remain positive and believes that better days are ahead for both himself and his community. With its welcoming atmosphere and mouthwatering menu of halal dishes prepared with love and care, Fire and Dough is sure to continue to be a beloved destination for food lovers in North Olmsted.