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A Northern Virginia father and son are preparing to bring Iraqi-style shawarma and grilled cuisine to Maple Avenue, with their new fast-casual restaurant expected to open within weeks.

Mashahweez is taking shape in the Vienna Shopping Center at 128 Maple Avenue West. General Manager Abdullah Alshawi said the team hopes to open within 30 to 45 days, depending on final renovations and approvals.

The approximately 1,900-square-foot restaurant will occupy the former Maru Korean Cuisine and Sushi space. Maru closed its Vienna location in March after about a decade but continues to operate at 3075 Nutley Street in Merrifield.

Mashahweez is owned by Abdullah’s father, Ibraheem Alshawi, who has worked in the food industry since the family lived in Iraq. The restaurant’s name means “barbecue” in Arabic.

Abdullah, a biology major and former emergency medical technician, once planned to attend medical school. His longtime interest in cooking, shaped by making shawarma and Iraqi barbecue with his father, eventually led him in another direction.

The idea gained momentum during the COVID-19 pandemic, when the family purchased a shawarma machine and began serving food at community events. Abdullah said enthusiastic responses and repeated questions about opening a restaurant persuaded them to pursue the concept.

The family spent about two years searching for a location. Although they live in Ashburn, they were drawn to Vienna because of its small-town atmosphere and their personal connections to the community.

Mashahweez will initially serve shawarma, fries, handmade falafel and hummus. Kabobs and additional grilled dishes will be introduced in later phases, along with sandwiches and other Middle Eastern staples.

The restaurant plans to use spices imported from Iraq and fresh halal meat. Its chicken shawarma will feature halal chicken, while the beef version will use halal veal. The thinly sliced meat will be marinated for 48 hours, stacked on a skewer and cooked vertically in the traditional style.

Shawarma will also be served with samoon bread. An open kitchen will let customers watch the rotating meat and see other parts of the cooking process.

Abdullah said the family wants to offer the flavors of shawarma and Iraqi grilled food they remember, emphasizing fresh ingredients, generous portions and traditional preparation.