their new home in the United States.
Mom agreed and once again, mother
and son began to build a new life in
a new country. Starting from scratch,
Suzani parlayed her French language
skills into a job at the Paris Hotel and
Casino dealing blackjack. As things
improved back home in Ethiopia,
Suzani began returning home to a
country that was rebuilding once the
civil war ended. In time, she put her
home up for sale in Las Vegas and was
preparing to move back home.
Ultimately her plans changed. After
20 years of not being married, she
met the man who was to become her
husband and in 2008 they were married. Again Suzani moved, this time
to Houston, Texas.
a place of family and community, and
Suzani’s chance to fulfill her desire to
chase the American dream.
Her independent spirit in full bloom,
she signed the restaurant lease and
then set out to convince her husband
and others that she had what it took
to be a successful entrepreneur. With
her usual force of natural grace and
charm, she was ready to move forward. Soon the restaurant was open
under the management and direction of Suzani in business with her
son, two sisters, a nephew, and a hard
working group of fellow immigrants.
The Ethiopian people trace their
food back to the beginnings of human agriculture, and Teff the grain
used to make the spongy signature
flatbread called Injera was one of the
first grains domesticated by humans.
In fact (by naming the family restaurant Lucy) Suzani, with her family,
has made it a living symbol of where
our humanity began.
Though happy with her life, Suzani
still had more to do. With her parents
having long since passed away, she
had the burning desire to fulfill her
mother’s dream of becoming a chef
and starting a family restaurant. The
restaurant would be a place for family
to come together and work together, Since its founding, Lucy Ethiopian
20 iF Magazine | OCTOBER 2016
Restaurant & Lounge has grown into
a place for not just Ethiopians but has
become a center for all of Houston’s
expatriate African community.
Recognized as one of the best restaurants in Houston and a top five
Ethiopian restaurant in the country,
Lucy has become a gathering place
for families and friends, a source of
charity and support for East African
refugees, and a destination for foodies
from The Woodlands to Clear Lake
and beyond.
Lucy Ethiopian Restaurant and
Lounge has its roots in the humanity of Ethiopia, which you will experience through its food, art gallery,
warm decor and festivities creating
an experience of a lifetime that you
soon won’t forget.
Where to find:
Lucy Ethiopian Restaurant
6800 Southwest Fwy., 77074
www.LucyHouston.com
Tel:713-334-0000
Facebook Page:
facebook.com/ILoveLucys123