UPDATED: Shawarma Moves Official Opening Date to Feb. 1

UPDATE (1/27/16): Due to the largest snowstorm Nashville has seen in over 13 years, Shawarma has moved their official opening to next Monday, Feb. 1.

The Belmont location of Mediterranean restaurant Kalamatas closed up shop recently, but now a new casual concept called Shawarma is taking its place. Temporary signage is up, and restaurant partner Wally Dabaghi tells Eater that they plan to open next Monday.

Dabaghi, who has been a manager with Kalamatas for the past five years, is partnering with Maher Fawaz, owner of Kalamatas and Epice, on the project, which will serve what he describes as "Mediterranean street eats." Dabaghi, Canadian-born and of Lebanese descent, tells Eater that he wants to serve the food that he grew up eating, having spent time dining in similar restaurants in Montreal and other parts of the world.

Shawarma, the popular Middle Eastern meat preparation where various proteins are skewered on a vertical spit, grilled and the meat shaved off for serving, will clearly be the main event. Dabaghi says they plan to offer it a number of ways, including as a sandwich, plated or as a salad. Several sandwich options will be available, including a French shawarma (baguette) or traditional (pita). Other items such as hummus will also be offered.

Physical changes to the restaurant revolve around seating, with the tables having been cleared out to make room for several high top bars, which Dabaghi says give the space a more communal feel.

Initial plans are for Shawarma to serve lunch and dinner Monday through Friday, closing at 8 p.m.