– Hello, Olga. Please tell us about yourself — where did you study and work before moving to Texas?
My childhood was truly international: I was born in New York, lived in Australia, and since the age of thirteen — in Moscow. My father was an international journalist, so moving and experiencing different cultures was a natural part of our life.
Before moving to Texas, my husband and I ran a business in Moscow — an offline and online shop of Japanese goods, souvenirs, and food products. I’ve always been drawn to everything unique and interesting, so work connected with culture and taste has always felt like my calling.
– How did you choose Austin?
When we started thinking about moving, we decided to simply travel around different cities in the U.S. first. We were looking for that special place that would resonate with us.
When we arrived in Austin, we immediately felt — this is home. We’ve been living here since 2014 and have never once regretted our choice.
– What do you love most about Austin?
Freedom, nature, and soulfulness. In Austin, it’s easy to be yourself — people respect differences and value sincerity. And there’s so much room for creativity and growth here. That’s truly inspiring.
– Please tell us about your profession and your work.
We’ve been living in Austin for eleven years now — since 2014 — and all this time I’ve worked in the restaurant industry. This path has taught me not only professionalism but also how important it is to do everything with heart — from table setting to the atmosphere in the dining room.
Our restaurant, Sami Sumeli, is a true family business. My husband and I do everything together: he is the chef and the soul of the kitchen, I manage the operations, greet guests, and make sure everything looks beautiful and harmonious. And our daughter runs the bar — she created a line of unique signature cocktails in a European style inspired by Georgian ingredients.
It has always been important to me to open people’s minds to something new — whether it’s flavors, traditions, or moods. And our restaurant is exactly about that. The warm feedback we receive and the guests who return again and again mean the world to us. I’d like to believe that everyone at Sami Sumeli feels cozy, well-fed, and at home.
– Do you miss anything from your life back home? Which traditions or habits have you kept?
Yes, of course — there are things one misses. But we managed to preserve quite a lot here as well. For example, I’m a bit superstitious — and I brought many “signs” and little traditions with me to Texas.
Overall, we tried to create an atmosphere of comfort around us — one that feels good for us, our friends, and our guests.
– What do you do outside of work? What are your hobbies and interests?
I’m interested in everything connected with people, culture, and history. I love cooking, discovering new things, reading, and finding inspiration in little details. Sometimes just sitting quietly with a cup of tea already feels like a celebration. I also love observing how ideas come to life — whether in the kitchen or in everyday life.
– What else would you like to share about yourself?
Perhaps that I always follow my inner feeling. If something feels right — I do it. That applies to life, work, and even taste. It’s important to me that people around me feel truly warm and comfortable.
– How do you participate in the local community?
Our restaurant team includes people from many countries — Georgia, Ukraine, Belarus, Russia, Kazakhstan, and Estonia. We warmly welcome everyone who comes to us, regardless of background. Sami Sumeli has become a place for meeting and connecting — a place where people simply feel good.
And perhaps that’s our way of participating in the community — being a space where everyone is welcome.
– Which events have been most memorable for you and your family?
The most memorable ones are always the warm gatherings and family celebrations — when people with similar stories, values, and moods come together. Those are truly special moments.
For our children, the most meaningful times are when they feel they’re not alone — when there are other families nearby with whom they can connect and be friends.
– What are your favorite books and films?
I love books that stay in your heart. For example, The House of the Spirits by Isabel Allende — a deep and powerful story. As for films, I adore Amélie — it’s all about finding magic in everyday life. I also enjoy returning to kind films like The Proposal or Ratatouille.
– What inspires you today?
People inspire me. When I see guests smile as they try something new, I understand why we do what we do. I’m inspired by travel, the scents of markets, old dishes with history, and the stories our chefs tell. Sometimes inspiration comes from the simplest things — good weather, grass underfoot, music, the smell of freshly baked bread.
– What challenges have you faced, and what helped you overcome them?
Any business is not only about inspiration — it’s also about fatigue, responsibility, and fear. The hardest part was at the very beginning — everything was new, with many risks. But what helped was that we were a team: my husband, my daughter, and I. Every time we felt ready to give up, someone would say a kind word. Those moments give you strength to keep going.
– Which guest comment has stayed with you the most?
Once, a guest wrote that our restaurant felt “just like being at grandma’s in Georgia.” We read it aloud to the whole team — and everyone got goosebumps. Because it means we truly convey what we want to — warmth, flavor, and soul.
– What would you like to wish Austin and Texas residents who speak Russian and other languages?
To stay true to yourselves, not be afraid to be kind and genuine. To do your work with heart, be attentive to one another, and create an atmosphere around you that feels good to live in.
And if you ever long for warmth, flavor, and comfort — come visit us at Sami Sumeli. We’ll be very happy to see you!
Restaurant Sami Sumeli
(512) 456-0248
401 E Whitestone Blvd, Ste A101, Cedar Park TX 78665
Instagram: @samisumeli
Publisher: Russian Cultural Center