Coffee and Middle Eastern Dessert Shop Planned for Canton

Coffee Dreams and Sweet Dreams Knafeh will be opening in Canton under one roof with owners Mahmoud Elder and Mark Saab at the helm.

The opening is planned for June at 7353 N. Lilley Road, but Elder and Saab have hopes of eventually starting more locations with either one or both brands together in Michigan, Chicago, Ohio and New York. Two to three more openings are planned for 2026. 

“Coffee dreams is an American coffee house serving very high quality coffees,” Saab told What Now Detroit, and it will also offer American pastries, while Sweet Dreams will focus on Middle Eastern offerings.

“Our new concept is we’re introducing fresh Middle Eastern sweets in the location highlighted by knafeh and baklava,” Saab added. “The first location we wanted to open together because it gives value to both brands and introduces it better than individually, yet at the same time, we wanted to give ourselves the flexibility to be able to open in opportunities where one brand can prosper.”

All of the ingredients will also be imported from the Middle East, from the wrapping paper to the dough and equipment.

The space is under renovation right now and hiring will begin in May. Saab and Elder have also hired an experienced local chef for Sweet Dreams Knafeh.