Mezeh Mediterranean Grill to open Short Pump location

SHORT PUMP, Va. — A new chain of Mediterranean restaurants has its first Richmond location in the works.

Mezeh Mediterranean Grill, which launched three years ago in Maryland, plans to open this fall at 11716 W. Broad St. at Short Pump Town Center. Owners Steve Walker, Saleh Mohamadi and Tai Chow have leased the 2,600-square-foot space formerly occupied by Helzberg Diamonds.

Mezeh is taking over the former Helzberg Diamonds space. (PHOTO: Michael Thompson)

The new location will be Mezeh’s sixth since the trio of owners opened their first in 2013 in Annapolis. A Charlottesville location opened in February. The other stores are in Virginia and Maryland around the greater Washington, D.C., area.

“We’re trying to grow between those two areas,” Walker said of Washington and Richmond.

Mezeh is a fast casual model for Mediterranean food. Customers customize rice and salad bowls, pita pockets, and wraps with different proteins like shawarma and falafel, toppings, and sauces. A typical lunch meal that includes a drink costs less than $10.

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