Today we’d like to introduce you to Moudi Sbeity.
Hi Moudi, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Laziz started in 2012 as a love project. My partner (now ex-husband – with just as much love to keep us in each other’s lives) and I had moved into our own place downtown and started hosting dinner parties. Slowly, our hummus became a requested favorite and we found ourselves packing it in old cream cheese containers for friends, family, and colleagues.
Soon enough, we had a stand at the downtown farmer’s market and began selling in a couple of grocery stores. As an LGBTQ-owned business, we found ourselves involved in several community projects, along with being one of the plaintiff couples for the landmark lawsuit that brought marriage equality to Utah. From there, we ramped our catering and hummus business, and eventually found our way unfolding into a restaurant.
Today, Laziz Kitchen serves as a community staple for folks to gather and share in the love of digesting life’s experiences, and of course, delicious food. Along with serving freshly made and delicious fare, we also host community events like Queer Poetry Night, and a few other events currently in the works.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Operating a business is never smooth, especially a restaurant! Quick demand, staffing, and sourcing are some of the struggles we navigate, but they are necessary for growth as we being to learn what works, what does not, and how to improve.
Laziz to me is an extension in the practice of life. How to accept the things I cannot change, how to let go of situations and people that impede personal growth, and especially how to love what is. We have a quote painted on the wall to inspire us each day.
It is a short poem by John O’Donohue that says “I’d love to live like a river flows, carried by the surprise of its own unfolding”.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
We are a fast-casual Mediterranean restaurant in Salt Lake City that serves as a committed safe space and supporter of the community. Kindness and honesty are our main policies – after that, everything flows accordingly.
Moudi is from Lebanon and brings in the food and cultural hints. Derek is from South Jordan, and a current State Senator in the Utah legislature, and brings his home-grown passion to equality in his community.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
The only way to hold on is to keep letting go.
Contact Info:
- Email: hello@lazizkitchen.com
- Website: lazizkitchen.com
- Instagram: @lazizslc
- Facebook: @lazizslc
- Twitter: @lazizslc
Image Credits
Kim Raff
