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. But the vision that drives us today reaches far beyond those modest beginnings. Chef Soy, the creator and executive chef behind our menu, has always been fueled by a deep passion for food and a relentless desire to perfect his craft. His journey began in the bustling kitchens of Las Vegas, where he trained behind the scenes at some of the city’s most renowned restaurants. It was there that Chef Soy discovered his true calling—a dream of one day owning a restaurant where he could fully express his creativity and share his culinary vision with the world.

That dream began to take shape when he met Ainur, whose exceptional business insight, operational leadership, and commitment to sustainability helped transform their shared vision into reality. Together, they laid the foundation for what would become a growing culinary landmark.

Of course, the path hasn’t always been easy. Like many independent restaurants, Mint has weathered its share of challenges. Through every shift, Chef Soy and Ainur have remained grounded in their values: a focus on excellence, a spirit of resilience, and an unwavering dedication to quality. These same values are shared by the remarkable partners who have helped drive Mint’s growth and evolution—Ken, Kristen, Jason, and Michael—each bringing their own expertise and heart to the brand. From design and operations to strategy and expansion, their collective effort has been instrumental in shaping the Mint experience.

Today, with thriving locations in Sandy, Cottonwood Heights, Holladay, Sugar House, and Draper, we reflect with pride and gratitude on how far we’ve come. Our success is the result of more than just ambition—it’s a testament to the trust and loyalty of our guests, the dedication of our team, and the strength of the partnership behind it all.

As we look to the future, our commitment remains the same: to continue delivering exceptional food, unforgettable service, and a dining experience that celebrates creativity, community, and connection.

Thank you for being 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.