Sami Algohaim’s pride in his work has followed him for more than 20 years. After starting his career with the National Coney Island chain—bouncing between locations from Detroit to Shelby Township—he found the perfect spot near 14 Mile and Dequindre roads to open his own restaurant: Unique Coney Island.
“We have fresh and tasty food. That’s our passion,” Algohaim said of the business he runs alongside his brother, Nate. “Knowing that the guests are satisfied brings a smile to my face.”
The brothers have spent decades in the restaurant industry, with more than 40 years of combined experience. From the popular $7.99 breakfast special to their well-loved lemon rice chicken soup made from scratch daily, Algohaim stands proudly behind his food—and so does floor manager Anne Amodeo.
“Like Nate says, if the food can bring them in, I can keep them coming back,” Amodeo said with a smile. “I treat customers the way I would want to be treated in a restaurant. If I feel I can have a little fun and make it more personal, I will. That’s what keeps people coming back.”
Unique Coney Island opened in May 2019, just months before the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the restaurant industry. With less than a year under its belt, the restaurant’s future was uncertain—but Algohaim adapted, stayed focused, and kept the doors open.
“I know a lot of my clientele, and if I don’t, I try to,” he said. “The more you build relationships, the more people want to come back. Just talk to them.”
It’s that personal connection that defines Unique Coney Island, offering a homey, welcoming experience guests can’t always find at other coney spots.
“We’re a big family here,” Amodeo said. “There’s no other restaurant where you’ll find owners who care the way ours do. If I were to leave here, I don’t think I could serve anywhere else.”
While Algohaim would love to expand to other locations in Sterling Heights and beyond, he’s grateful for where the business is now—and focused on growing it the right way.
“I’ve known Sami and Nate for a long time. I watched them from the beginning,” Amodeo said. “I want nothing more than for this business to grow and for us to fly high.”
Visit Unique Coney Island at 33102 Dequindre Road, near 14 Mile Road. Open daily from 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
