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Meet Mike Allen, Brandon Keller, and Brandon Sibetang of Al Omda Hookah

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Today we’d like to introduce you to Mike Allen, Brandon Keller, and Brandon Sibetang.

Mike, Brandon, and Brandon, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
“Al Omda hookah” was conceptualized by 2 Egyptian brothers who were also architectural engineers. From the original workbench to the seating, lighting, and original decor, they modeled it after rural-type coffee shops in Egypt. But then Egypt doesn’t have hookah lounges per se because hookah smoking is so pervasive it does not require its own place. Hookah is just another item that you can order at any coffee shop.

The Arabic word “Al Omda” translates to “The Village’s Mayor”, so Al Omda Hookah means The Mayor’s Hookah.

In 2010, before the business officially opened up, the current owner took over and made changes that made Al Omda fitting to nightlife. In 2014 as we were looking to move to another location, we ended up opening our second location in Chandler. Ever since our 2 locations are now known as “Al Omda Hookah 1” and “Al Omda Hookah 2”

In dealing with our customers we strive to provide a personal touch and build a rapport with everyone who frequents our establishments. Thus we have a strong and loyal following.

In running our business, we strive for a team spirit, inclusive approach, where everyone is valued, not only for their contribution but also for who they are. No one is treated as another gear in a system or as a measurable performance statistic. Hence, our turnover rate is very low compared to hospitality industry average, comparable businesses, and our competitors.

With top notch customer service, a great product selection, and right pricing, Al Omda Hookah is gaining popularity every day as one of the finest hangouts in the metro Phoenix area.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
When we first opened up, there were approximately 13 hookah lounges in the entire valley. We remember the time when we had customers coming from Casa Grande, driving 35 miles one-way just to visit us, or those NAU students who drove down from Flagstaff (a 3-hours/250 miles trip, one way) on the weekends just to visit us.

As the business concept became more popular, many lounges opened (and closed) along the years. Currently, there are over 100 lounges in metropolitan Phoenix, mostly concentrated in Glendale and north Phoenix. Tempe remains the home of most of the original hookah lounges with owners who have actual roots in the Middle East. Expansion into Gilbert and Chandler remains difficult due to the demographic composition of these cities.

Mesa, with its mostly Hispanic population, remains in favor of their traditional bongs. And on that note, it’s an insult to mix a hookah for a bong!

The introduction and wide adoption of vapes, around 2013-2014, and the inception of vaping lounges, only added insult to injury. Competition has definitely intensified and fragmented an already small market. Every hookah business is trying to differentiate itself from the rest in order to survive and stay in business.

So, as you know, we’re impressed with Al Omda Hookah – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
The current owner of Al Omda is originally from Egypt and he has an edge in knowing a lot about hookahs. Having a solid background study in chemistry and life sciences helped further his understanding about the “shisha” making process.

I’ve witnessed ad-hoc pipes being made out of an old brass bowl or a mason jar (for the base) and a bamboo stick (for the hose), on the spot, next to an off-the-Nile creek, in rural Egypt. This was a common sight as recently as 40 years ago; in mid-70’s. Old and young folks, alike, smoked locally grown tobacco plants in these primitive pipes.

Having been born and lived only 20 miles away from the oldest shisha manufacturing plant in the Egypt (and the Middle East for that matter) I was friends with the grandchildren (as kids) of the founders of this facility Al Nakhla (the Palm Tree) brand, founded in 1908, are makers of the oldest unflavored shisha known in modern history (Zaghlol). Flavored tobacco came to exist in mid-80’s when this particular plant introduced its “Two Apples” flavor.

Tasting like black liquorice, Tow Apples remains the most smoked flavored tobacco in Egypt and the Middle East.

Having eye witnessed the shisha making process, and the craftsmanship that goes into making hookah pipes by hand, one at a time, is a huge advantage that makes us boldly claim that “we know hookah inside out” This is our slogan, and we make sure we train our servers in the knowledge of the basics of hookah pipes and shisha making processes. So, when you read statements like “They know what’s up with their hookahs”, in our online reviews, it’s true.

So, what’s next? Any big plans?
At this time, we are watching out and being cautious. In the current environment of “Smoke-Free Arizona” and cracking down on smoking and vaping in general, it’s only prudent to take that stance.

We would love to partner with like-minded individuals and expand to more locations. We have a system in place, and being in business for over 7 years is proof that it works. However, our margins are very low because this is such a niche market, and there’s a lot of competition, regulations, and red tape to deal with.

Should the market becomes favorable again, as it was when we opened up, we will definitely expand into other valley areas? In the meantime, we are slowly introducing favorite Egyptian food treats. So far these have been received with great liking and enthusiasm.

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Getting in touch: VoyagePhoenix is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.

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