Celebrating further expansion in downtown Augusta, Laziza owners and the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting ceremony on Thursday afternoon, Feb. 1, to announce the business’ third location.
To meet growing demands for catering orders, Laziza, a Mediterranean local restaurant, has designed their new location on 1030 Reynolds St. to meet demand.
After opening Laziza’s first location in Columbia County’s Evans in 2011, and later opening a second location on Augusta’s Broad Street, co-owner Nader Khatib said he and his wife’s restaurant has experienced overwhelming community support from customers and other businesses.
“We opened this because we had such a high demand for catering, and we needed a facility that we could dedicate to fulfilling those orders,” he said. “We also do all of our prep here for the restaurants.”
Cooking from scratch and mixing up dressings, sauces and other big batch items, Khatib said the new building would allow him to ensure both CSRA restaurants maintain food consistency.
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Although the booming growth for the restaurant might have taken others by surprise, Khatib said the business’ success and expansion was all part of the established and evolving plan.
“It was actually in the plans … based on how the Evans’ location was doing, we knew that the volume and scale was going to grow to where we needed this,” he said.
With an expanding catalog of regular clients, Khatib said his favorite part of owning Laziza is developing community relationships as well as educating others about his Arabic culture.
“I love being able to share my culture’s food to the people of Augusta,” he said.
From sharing small tidbits, such as Laziza meaning “delicious” in Arabic, to a menu encompassing lentils, falafel, spices, olives and other Mediterranean staples, Khatib’s restaurant has gained many fans and shown customers the fresh tastes other countries can offer.
Angie Cox, executive vice president of the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce, said Laziza’s owners have been diligent in learning from and partnering with the Chamber’s Level Up Business Academy, which she believes has assisted in the restaurant’s growth.
“We are just so excited for them,” she said. “It’s a perfect time for them to try this new venture.”
Partaking in the academy’s six-week program, Cox said the Khatib couple were extremely involved in each discussion and truly took advantage of the various topics taught.
“They really honed in on the speakers and local experts that we have access to at the Chamber,” she said. “I think that’s kind of what helped influence them to take the next step.”
Cox, a huge fan of Laziza’s exotic and “tasty” flavorings, said she believes the business has become popular in the CSRA as a result of a great staff and recipes.
“I can definitely say their food is delicious,” she said. “I really do believe it’s because they’re consistently good – it always tastes fresh. I’ve been to both locations, and the staff is always accommodating and friendly.”
Khatib said next steps for Laziza will include opening another potential location in Aiken, set for sometime later this year.
“We’re really trying to grow,” said Khatib.
To check out Laziza’s menu and find out more, visit: https://www.lazizagrill.com/.
Liz Wright is a staff writer covering education, lifestyle and general assignments for The Augusta Press. Reach her at liz@theaugustapress.com
