Qaiser (Kaz) Kazmi
CEO, Merzi
Qaiser (Kaz) Kazmi is CEO of Merzi, a fast-casual Indian-inspired concept opening its first location in Washington, DC.
Born in England, Kaz witnessed the nation’s taste buds evolve from “Fish & Chips” to “Chicken Tikka Masala” and the proliferation of Indian restaurants in between the pubs on seemingly every corner! Kaz worked for multiple food operators while studying for his degree in London, but left the food industry upon moving to the United States in 1997.
Kaz studied business technology and spent close to 10 years with CIENA Corporation in Maryland, a global company leading in optical network technology.
It was here that he learned the discipline required for business operations that he translated into his true passion: food.
Kaz has enjoyed cooking from an early age and it was the desire to share food, culture, and their ability to connect people that finally led to his dramatic career change. The inspiration for Merzi marries Indian flavors and the English influence of his youth, resulting in an Indian food revolution for Washington, DC.
Kaz worked with renowned culinary chefs, exchanging ideas and creating an eclectic mix of flavorful entrées. He refined the flavors at a test location in Maryland where customers offered their feedback and allowed his team to perfect the product. The results were, as the Brits say, BRILLIANT! Kaz found the new home for the very exciting project – Penn Quarter in Washington, DC.
