This is the original sign for the Aref Saad Meat Market that opened in the Eastern Market in 1976. The market for meat slaughtered according to Islamic rituals - halal slaughter - was clearly imagined as being fluent in Arabic. Mr. Saad quickly found that his business was popular among a highly diverse community of Muslims in Detroit. It has been a gathering place for Muslims in the area for almost 50 years. Today the company, Saad Wholesale Meats, is a family affair, managed by several of Mr. Saad’s children. It is the largest halal meat producer in the Midwest and will soon open a branch in California.
