About Us
Peterr & Lauren Lemos met working in a restaurant in downtown LA in 2012. They fell in love, got married in 2014, and opened Wax Paper in 2015. In 2016, they were approached about opening a restaurant in a 1930s space. Hesitant, since they were still nurturing their brand-new business, they took the leap. After years of challenges—including a pandemic and nearly cost them losing the space—Lingua Franca finally opened in 2023.
What makes them work? They're completely in sync. Different in so many ways, but with the same relentless work ethic and an unspoken understanding of how to get things done. They just get each other. Now, Wax Paper is about to hit 10 years, Lingua Franca just turned two, and they're still doing what they love—feeding people, running a tight (but mighty) crew, and putting their personal touch on everything they do. Recently, they've gotten back to their roots, operating Wax Paper Chinatown a few days a week to make ends meet and stay connected to their crowd down there. It is an extremely challenging time in our industry, and Lauren & Peter hope to continue welcoming folks though their doors for years to come!