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 doors to the Salt Lake City community.

Meet Moudi

After immigrating from Lebanon to Utah in 2006, Moudi found his love of food after being far away from home. He’s an avid cook, finding ways to rediscover traditional flavors in a new light, and creating spaces where food and community meet at the table. As a member of the queer community, Moudi is passionate about creating safe (and delicious) spaces for everyone to enjoy.

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.
Derek serves as a member of the board of the Utah Museum of Contemporary
Art. He received his bachelor’s degree in political science from the University
of Utah, and is an alum of the Harvard Kennedy School of Government.

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.

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. Hopefully coming back soon!

Community Events

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...