A Turkish family has successfully built a collection of four halal restaurants on the same block in Allston, Massachusetts. The Canca family – including parents Ziya Canca and Fatma Corbaci, along with their three children Kenan, Rifat, and Dilara – collectively own and operate these neighboring establishments.

Their Restaurant Collection

The family’s restaurant chain, called “Lazuri,” occupies prime real estate along North Beacon and Cambridge streets. Their four establishments include:

• Turkish Lazuri Cafe – Their original restaurant serving American and Mediterranean dishes
• Lazuri Bakery – Specializing in Turkish and American pastries and desserts
• Lazuri Chicken ‘n Pizza – Offering halal chicken and pizza options
• Lazuri Taqueria – Serving Mexican-style food with halal meat

The name “Lazuri” comes from the Laz language spoken in Rize, Turkey, where the family originally comes from.

The Family’s Journey

Ziya Canca moved to Brighton in 2003 and previously ran Anatolia Kebab House in Brookline for about 15 years before selling it to his brother. His dream was to open more halal restaurants in Boston, this time working alongside his children.

When a vegan restaurant closed in 2020, the family saw their chance. They opened Turkish Lazuri Cafe in March 2021 in that same location. The success of their first restaurant led to rapid expansion when other nearby businesses closed, creating opportunities for three additional restaurants.

All three new restaurants opened within just the first few months of 2025, with the bakery and taqueria launching just two weeks apart in March.

Family Teamwork

Initially, brothers Rifat and Kenan managed the restaurants on weekends while attending college at UMass Boston and UMass Amherst. After graduating, they now work full-time in the family business.

The family members work together across all locations in:

• Rifat and Kenan co-own the taqueria and pizza restaurant
• Rifat works with his father on the cafe
• Rifat and his mother run the bakery together
• All family members, including sister Dilara, help out at different restaurants as needed

Their Mission and Impact

• Serving the Muslim Community

The family’s primary goal is providing halal food options for Boston’s Muslim community. Rifat notes that Boston has fewer halal restaurants compared to cities like New York, and they want to change that.

• Cultural Sharing

Their restaurants offer both traditional Turkish dishes and familiar American foods, all prepared according to Islamic dietary laws. Popular items include Turkish specialties like menemen (scrambled eggs) and gözleme (crispy flatbread), alongside American favorites like burgers and pizza.

• Community Response

Customers have described the taqueria as a “blessing” because it allows them to enjoy diverse cuisines while staying true to their religious beliefs.

The Power of Family

Rifat emphasizes that their success comes from working as a family unit. He admits he couldn’t manage all four restaurants alone but with his family’s support, the challenge becomes manageable.

The Canca family’s story demonstrates how family bonds, cultural pride, and community service can combine to create a successful business that serves both their heritage and their adopted home’s diverse population.

Their Philosophy

Rather than competing with existing local restaurants, the Cancas see themselves as filling a gap in the market. They want to provide Muslim residents with more dining choices that align with their religious requirements, while also introducing Turkish culture to the broader Boston community.

Original Article:

Boston.com. (2025, July 30). This family is building a halal dining destination in Allston. https://www.boston.com/news/local-news/2025/07/29/this-family-is-building-a-halal-dining-destination-in-allston/?amp=1