About Us

Laziz: Lebanese for “Tasty and Lighthearted”

Our Story

It all started with garbanzo beans and a vision. Selling homemade hummus to our colleagues and friends, and then the farmer’s market. It opened up the opportunity for catering, cooking classes, and an expanded product line in stores. As our popularity grew, so did our dreams, and in November 2016, Laziz Kitchen opened its first location to the Salt Lake City community. In 2022, we expanded even more with new partners to Laziz Kitchen/Laziz Foods Group, the Netto and Hannon family.

“We are excited to be expanding the Laziz Kitchen brand with the addition of our Midvale location,” said John Netto. “Laziz Kitchen is a local favorite rooted in a fresh and fun atmosphere, good food, community engagement, and a strong passion for bringing culinary diversity to Salt Lake City.”

Meet the Netto & Hannon family

Hannon Netto family and co-founder Derek Kitchen

New partners to Laziz Kitchen/Laziz Foods Group, the Netto and Hannon family, are looking forward to welcoming fans of the eatery and new customers alike with the same delicious food and an inviting atmosphere.

“With Utah being the fastest-growing state in the country and also the youngest state by age, it’s so exciting to grow the Laziz Kitchen brand into new corners of our community,” said Co-founder of Laziz Kitchen, Derek Kitchen. “Laziz Kitchen has been and will always be a place of inclusion and warmth for all people. When you come to Laziz, we want you to feel like you’re coming home. We pride ourselves on being a place that is welcoming and inclusive for all.”

Best of Utah 2022 Award Best Middle Eastern Restaurant

Meet Derek

In November of 2018, Derek Kitchen was elected to represent the 2nd district in the Utah State Senate, becoming the youngest active member of the Utah Legislature. Prior to assuming his role as State Senator, Derek was a member of the Salt Lake City Council representing District 4, where he concurrently served as the Chair of the Salt Lake City Redevelopment Authority. Derek co-founded and currently operates two businesses in Salt Lake City – Laziz Foods and Laziz Kitchen – a distribution company and a restaurant specializing in contemporary Middle Eastern food. Prior to serving in elected office, Derek prevailed in his landmark lawsuit against the State of Utah (Kitchen v Herbert, 2013) which brought marriage equality to the 10th Circuit and created critical case law for the freedom to marry nationwide.

Gather Round OUr TAble

What’s a little fun without a good bite to accompany it? Join us for our fun, tasty, and community-minded events. Stay Tuned!

Community Events

Community

Kitchen tables are the building blocks of our community. At Laziz, we see our role as so much more than just a restaurant. Laziz is gathering space of acceptance, good food, and love. We are proudly queer, have inclusive hiring practices, and have an open-arms policy to anyone that walks through our doors. Above all, we value the right to not only eat in a place that you love but work in a place that you love. It’s around the proverbial kitchen table that we share our most intimate stories, where we foster a sense of belonging, where connections of trust are built.

Laziz Journal (blog)

Recipes and stories from the heart of Laziz. Cook with us and share in our stories.

This is the village I am from, the southern most tip of Lebanon. That hill in the far distance, just after that is Israel. — Moudi

Laziz Recipes: Fattoush

Sep 11, 2020

Fattoush Fattoush, arguably Lebanon’s most famous salad right next to Tabbouleh, is the epitome of a garden salad. Right from the ground, washed, and tossed with olive oil, lemon juice, pepper, and salt. Ingredients: 1 head Lettuce, shredded 1 large Tomato, diced 1...