Our Story

We have been family-owned and operated since 1995, and serving our community has always been more than a business—it’s a family tradition.

Today, the restaurant is operated by my sister, Elizabeth, and me, George Jr., with the support of our incredible team. My parents, George Sr. and Joan, who founded the restaurant and dedicated decades of their lives to its success, are now enjoying a well-earned retirement. My wife, Alicia, now works in education, but she remains one of our biggest supporters.

Our family's heritage is Chaldean, one of the world's oldest continuous cultures, with roots tracing back thousands of years to ancient Mesopotamia, modern-day Iraq. My father speaks, reads, and writes Aramaic, the language spoken throughout much of the ancient Near East and closely associated with the language spoken in biblical times. I am proud to be the first generation of my family born in the United States.

I was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, and our family moved to Phoenix in the 1990s, where we have been sharing our passion for hospitality and great food ever since.

Our menu reflects the rich diversity of Mediterranean cuisine. You'll find both Greek and Middle Eastern influences, inspired by my father's heritage and his years living in Greece. Over time, my own love for Mediterranean cooking has led me to draw inspiration from many cultures.

When you dine with us, you're not just another customer—you become part of our extended family. We invite you to stop by, say hello, and enjoy some of our homemade favorites. Like many of our regular guests, we hope you'll feel right at home.

Meet the Family

George Sr. & Joan – Founders

George Sr. was born and raised in Karemlesh, Iraq. He grew up in a humble adobe-style home without running water, plumbing, or electricity. From an early age, he learned that success comes through hard work and perseverance. As a young boy, he helped harvest grain from the fields, cared for livestock, and learned the foundations of cooking from his mother.

In his mid-twenties, George and his family fled Iraq to escape persecution for their Christian faith. He eventually settled in Athens, Greece, where he developed a deep appreciation for Greek culture, hospitality, and cuisine. After years of hard work and saving money, he immigrated to Detroit, Michigan, where he met his future wife, Joan. Together they raised their children, Elizabeth and George Jr.

Later, the family moved to Phoenix, Arizona, where George pursued his dream of owning a business and creating opportunities for his family that he never had growing up. With decades of experience in Mediterranean cooking, George developed a reputation for authentic flavors and traditional techniques. Having worked in spice markets in the Middle East, he gained a unique understanding of ingredients and seasonings that continues to influence our recipes today. His knowledge of food, culture, accounting, and business played a vital role in building the restaurant into what it has become.

Joan grew up just outside Detroit, Michigan. She was one of three daughters raised by her mother after losing her father, a World War II veteran, when she was still an infant. From a young age, Joan developed a love for cooking and baking, learning a variety of cuisines along the way.

Growing up in the culturally diverse Detroit area and having family connections to the Mediterranean community, she was introduced to Mediterranean food and traditions early in life. After meeting George, she embraced not only his family's cuisine but also their culture and language. Through her relationship with her mother-in-law, Joan learned the art of preparing traditional Middle Eastern dishes and even learned to speak Aramaic, a language with roots stretching back thousands of years. In return, she helped her mother-in-law navigate American culture and improve her English.

Together, George and Joan raised their family in Michigan before relocating to Phoenix after George Jr.'s high school graduation. Their dedication, sacrifice, and commitment to family laid the foundation for everything we are today. While they are now enjoying retirement, their influence can still be felt throughout every aspect of the restaurant.

Elizabeth

Elizabeth was born and raised outside Detroit, Michigan, and brings more than two decades of customer service experience to the family business. After graduating from high school, she attended college in Atlanta, Georgia, where she earned a degree in Fashion Merchandising.

Following graduation, Elizabeth spent several years building her career before feeling called to reunite with her family in Arizona. She packed up her life, moved across the country, and joined the family business, helping shape the restaurant into what it is today.

Her experience in customer service, retail, merchandising, and marketing has helped refine many of the systems, ideas, and concepts that contribute to our success. Elizabeth and her husband, Sam, are proud parents of five amazing children. Between raising a busy family and supporting the restaurant, she continues to play an important role in helping our business thrive.

George Jr.

George Jr. has spent more than twenty years immersed in the culinary world. Raised in a family passionate about food, he learned Mediterranean cooking through recipes and techniques passed down from his father, mother, and grandmother. While honoring those traditions, he has also developed his own culinary style, incorporating fresh ideas, creative flavor combinations, and modern influences that help distinguish Saba's from the rest.

Born and raised just outside Detroit, Michigan, George later moved with his family to Phoenix, Arizona, where he continues to build upon the legacy his parents established. He and his wife, Alicia, are proud parents of three wonderful children.

Beyond the culinary arts, George has independently studied marketing, computer science, psychology, business, communications, and theology. He enjoys applying these diverse skills to help the restaurant grow and serve its customers more effectively.

George is also a frequent guest chef on local television, including appearances on ABC15's Sonoran Living Live and CBS5, where he demonstrates Mediterranean recipes while sharing the rich history, traditions, and cultural influences behind the cuisine.

From Our Family to Yours

For more than three decades, our family has been committed to sharing authentic Mediterranean food, warm hospitality, and a welcoming atmosphere with our community. Whether you're visiting us for the first time or you're one of our many regular guests, we are honored to serve you.

Thank you for taking the time to get to know our family.

We look forward to welcoming you soon—and don't forget to try the Saganaki!

OPA!