There’s nothing better than freshly baked pita bread. Fortunately for neighbors in Madison, the owners behind Lyra, a modern Middle Eastern restaurant in East Nashville, will be making pita and Saj bread on site in a new concept called Vega Shawarma.
Co-owners Hrant Arakelian and Elizabeth Endicott are behind the new restaurant. Both have spent over 20 years working in the hospitality industry, building up experience that has supported their entrepreneurial journey with Lyra and soon Vega Shawarma.
What Now Nashville connected with Arakelian to learn more about Vega Shawarma.
“With Vega Shawarma, we want to showcase our take on Middle Eastern cuisine and have it set in a casual environment,” said Arakelian. “One of the best parts of Lyra is enjoying our fresh baked pita and hummus. We will also have this at Vega, but we will be making another style of bread called Saj bread– a hand-stretched, unleavened bread that is cooked on a convex dome. It is paper thin, super light and makes for an awesome vessel to enjoy our freshly made shawarma or falafels.”
There will be a full menu of mezze, salads and seasonal plates in addition to homemade Za’atar lemonade. Arakelian describes Vega Shawarma as a blank canvas to try out new recipes that might resonate with guests.
Located at 1500 Gallatin Pike S., Vega Shawarma will have 40 seats inside and an additional 8 to 10 seats outdoors.
“Not only do we have an amazing parking lot, but our location just off Briley Parkway is very convenient to get to from many parts of Nashville,” said Arakelian.
Arakelian anticipates Vega Shawarma will open later this summer.
