A new fast-casual Mediterranean restaurant is opening soon in Ballston Quarter.
Mezeh Mediterranean Grill is expected to open before the new year, according to Director of Marketing Patrick Mika.
“You could say we’ll be a good spot to hit up for those New Years resolutions,” Mika said. The assembly-line style restaurant specializes in bowls featuring fresh ingredients and local produce, such as hummus, caramelized eggplant, and tabbouleh.
The regional chain first announced its Ballston location last year during the initial rollout of new restaurants in Ballston Quarter mall. Once open, it’ll be its eighteenth location — Mezeh currently operates across Virginia, Maryland, and North Carolina. Inspiration for the Ballston location came after finding success at its first Arlington location in Crystal City, said Mika.
“Ever since we opened in 2015, we’ve had great success,” Mika said. “We’re very excited about our new location.”
Mezeh will have some familiar competition in Ballston. Just across Wilson Blvd there is a very similar fast-casual restaurant — Cava.
In 2017, Cava Group Inc. sued Mezeh, claiming its logo and stores unfairly copied one Cava’s intellectual property. Per a press release from Mezeh, one of the accusations was thrown out by a judge and the rest later rejected by a federal jury.
“Mezeh is unique because of our bold flavors, our variety of toppings, and the warm feel in our dining experience,” co-founder Steve Walker said in the release.