An abandoned Dundee property will soon see new life as a Middle Eastern grill, due to open later this month.
The former site of Project Pizza in Reform Street has been empty since the pizzeria was suddenly closed in 2019.
At the time, managers said the eatery would reopen following refurbishment however it has been closed for more than two years.
Now, an Iraqi chef hopes to kickstart the eatery’s engine once again – this time powered by a charcoal grill.
‘You’re going to be enjoying our food’
Sadeq Alsafar, 49, plans to open the doors of his new Middle Eastern diner later this month, alongside 17 new employees.
He hopes his unique style of food at the restaurant, to be named Mazaj, will be a hit with Dundonians, saying: “You’re going to be enjoying our food and our plates, they’re something very different for Dundee.
“It’s all fresh, homemade food.”
The restaurant’s most impressive dish will be a full cooked half-lamb which guests must book at least 24 hours in advance.
Sadeq, former owner of Istanbul takeaway and head chef at Meze Grill, plans to put his own cooking experience to work at Mazaj, saying: “I’ll be the one behind that grill – I’m going to be head chef.
“All the food is going to be cooked on the grill in front of you.
“I want our customers to have a five star experience.
“We’ve got lots of nice things, sharing-style food that’s different from anywhere else in Dundee.”
Open by the end of the month
While the changes to the property have been extensive – with new furniture, light fixtures, decorations and kitchen equipment – the owner says it only took him a few weeks to pull everything together.
The businesses has also been granted permission for hot food and alcohol licenses, which means the grand opening may only be weeks away.
“We’re just getting some finishing touches,” Sadeq said.
“We need to get the council in to do the final checks.
“I was originally thinking October 19, but now maybe not.
“We will definitely be open by the end of the month.”