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The Alobaidis immigrated from Iraq to the U.S. — specifically to Arizona — in 2009, according to Saifalden, who obtained a master’s degree in engineering management from the University of Arizona before entering construction work.
After traveling from state to state for a while, he moved to McLean in 2016, and he and Lily came up with the idea for a lokma shop, signing a lease for the Maple Avenue spot in October 2020.
Though he now lives in Reston, Saifalden says he loves the Town of Vienna for its family-friendly atmosphere and an increasingly diverse population that embraces different cuisines and cultures. The town’s central location within Fairfax County and efforts to support small businesses heightened its attractiveness.
Aside from Lokma, Lily’s has other desserts such as churros, chocolate mousse cake, pistachio and strawberry mousse, croissants, tiramisu, and more. Saif Alobaidi says Lily’s is planning a bubble waffle from their own recipe. Cold sandwiches such as turkey, tuna, and chicken are also in the works.
As for drinks, Lily’s partners with local Georgetown roastery to offer a house blend of coffee. There is also a black tea with cardamom brewed fresh.
