the ultimate dining experience

History

20 years in the making

Chef Soy and Ainur's restaurateur journey from Las vegas to Utah

We began as a small, humble business in the heart of Holladay, opening our doors under the name *Rice Basil*. However, the vision that drives us today goes far beyond those modest beginnings. Chef Soy, the creator and executive chef behind our exceptional menu, has always been fueled by a deep passion for food and a relentless desire to perfect his craft. His journey started in the bustling kitchens of Las Vegas, where he worked behind the scenes in some of the city’s most renowned restaurants. It was during this time that Chef Soy discovered his true calling—a dream of one day owning and running his own restaurant, where he could freely express his creativity and share his culinary vision with the world. Meeting Ainur was the turning point that transformed this dream into reality; her exceptional business acumen, mastery of operational orchestration, and deep commitment to sustainable practices made them the perfect team to bring this vision to life, laying the foundation for what would become a culinary landmark.

Running a restaurant is never without its challenges. Over the years, Chef Soy and his partner Ainur have faced their share of obstacles. From navigating the ups and downs of the business to perfecting recipes, their resilience and unwavering commitment to quality have been key to their success. They’ve always remained focused on continuous improvement, holding true to the core values of delivering the best food and the highest level of service possible. These principles have been the cornerstone of our growth and the reason we’ve earned the trust and loyalty of so many.

Today, with four thriving locations in Sandy, Cottonwood Heights, Holladay, and Sugar House, we take a moment to reflect on how far we’ve come. This success is not just a reflection of our hard work, but of the incredible support from our loyal customers and the dedication of our talented staff. We are deeply grateful for the trust they’ve placed in us and for the vibrant community we’ve built together. As we look to the future, we remain focused on continuing to provide an exceptional dining experience—one that celebrates creativity, quality, and the relationships we cherish.

Thank you for being a part of our journey. We look forward to serving you for many years to come.

Our commitment to sustainability

At Mint Tapas and Sushi, sustainability is at the heart of everything we do. We believe that true excellence isn’t just about creating exceptional food—it’s about respecting the planet that nourishes us. From the ingredients we choose to the practices we follow, we are dedicated to minimizing our environmental footprint and creating a positive impact on both the community and the environment.

We prioritize sourcing locally and seasonally to support sustainable practices, reduce our carbon footprint, and offer the freshest, most flavorful dishes. We also minimize food waste by utilizing every part of our ingredients, ensuring that nothing goes to waste. Our commitment extends to eco-friendly practices throughout our operations, from energy-efficient appliances to responsible packaging.

By integrating sustainability into our day-to-day operations, we aim to offer not only a memorable dining experience but also contribute to the health and well-being of our planet. We are constantly seeking new ways to innovate and improve our environmental practices, because we believe a great meal should not only satisfy the senses but also help preserve the world we share.