Tariq Hanna

Tariq Hanna grew up in Nigeria near the national cocoa processing plant. Upon graduating from high school at 15 in England, Tariq moved to Detroit to become an architect. Surprisingly, Tariq found himself in culinary school at Oakland Community College. While focusing on savory cuisine, Tariq dabbled in pastry arts, soon discovering his passion. Upon graduation, Tariq opened his family-owned pastry and catering shop. It was at the Northville Gourmet that Tariq began receiving the first of many local and national awards.

After six years of successful self-employment, Tariq was offered the opportunity of a lifetime, as Detroit’s first casino pastry chef, coupled with the chance to work under a Certified Master Chef, Michael Russell. In 1999, MotorCity Casino opened to rave reviews for its foodservice.

During his tenure at MotorCity Casino, Tariq participated in several ACF competitions, as well as several appearances on Food Network Challenge. Placing in every competition he ever entered (including a ‘Best of Show’) Tariq saw no boundaries to his possibilities. 2004 saw Tariq hitting his stride, being named ACF Central Region Pastry Chef of the Year, and runner up National Pastry Chef of the Year.

After seven years at MotorCity Casino, Tariq joined forces with New Orleans native and restaurateur Joel Dondis, to create the first of its kind pastry experience in post-Katrina New Orleans. Sucré opened its doors in spring of 2007 and exploded on the local culinary scene. After only 6 months, Tariq was named 2007 Pastry Chef of the Year by New Orleans Magazine. In 2008, Tariq was a finalist for Chef Magazine’s Chef of the Year.

In 2011, Tariq received his greatest honor by being named one of the 10 best pastry chefs in America by his peers in Dessert Professional Magazine. Among other notable honors, Tariq has made several appearances on Food Network TV, along with TLC and TBS.