Introducing the heart of our operation and the leader of our charge: Liza Lazaro-Matz. Liza, pronounced “Lisa,” was given the endearing nickname “Mar Mar” by her three children — a special way of saying “mom.”

Liza is the daughter of Filipino parents and the first in her family to be born in the United States. While her parents completed their medical residencies, Liza was cared for by a loving family in Wheeling, WV, where she grew up enjoying traditional American meals.

After cutting her teeth (pun intended) on American foods, her parents introduced her to Filipino cuisine — delights such as Adobo, Lumpia, and Pancit. Her cooking repertoire expanded even further upon marrying into an Italian family, perfecting several of her husband’s family recipes. This path of culinary fusion can only happen in America!

After raising a family in Virginia and hosting countless parties, family dinners, and tailgates over the years, Liza decided to take her culinary skills to the next level. She has perfected her Chili Garlic Crunch (or CGC) recipe with the overwhelming approval of family and friends alike.

While feeding family and friends has been her passion, giving to others that are less fortunate is a driving force behind Mar Mar Foods.  Liza has spent hundreds of hours volunteering for organizations that help feed the hungry.  One of the missions of Mar Mar Foods is to “Feed Them.”  With that in mind, a portion of all sales will be donated to organizations that help provide food to those in need.

Her love of food and people led her to create Mar Mar Foods — a company rooted in family, “untraditional tradition,” and the love she has shown to others through her decades of cooking.

Thank you for joining Liza and the Mar Mar Foods team on this culinary journey fueled by LOVE!