Chef Jose Andres’ Much-Anticipated Zaytinya Arrives Early Next Year

After more than a year since it was announced, Chef Jose Andres is just about ready to debut his Mediterranean stunner Zaytinya at The Star in Frisco.

A representative for Andres tells Eater that Zaytinya will make its debut at 6655 Winning Drive early next year. The restaurant will occupy a large space in the development, including a dining room that will seat more than 250 guests. The Frisco location is the second outpost for Zaytinya, which first debuted in Washington, DC in 2002. The restaurant has earned Andres “Bib Gourmand” distinction in the 2016 Michelin Guide and raves from critics at The Washington Post, Bon Appetit, and more.

“I’m so excited to be opening Zaytinya in Frisco at this amazing location at The Star – an incredible development by the Jones family,” Andres said in a statement. “I can’t think of a better home for this second location of my mezze restaurant and I can’t wait for the people to Texas to dine with us!” Zaytinya’s arrival marks Andres’ first restaurant opening in Texas, though he did spend a ton of time in the state earlier this year, helping feed victims of Hurricane Harvey after it struck Houston.

While the superstar chef won’t be leading the day-to-day operations at Zaytinya, he has brought in Jonathan Thompson to serve as the restaurant’s head chef. Thompson has experience working in the kitchens of Stephan Pyles in Dallas, Bradley Ogden in Las Vegas, and Gerard Panguad in Washington, D.C. No official menu for the Frisco outpost has been announced just yet, but diners can look forward to mezze-style plates inspired by the cuisines of Greece, Turkey, and Lebanon.

Chef Jose Andres’ Zaytinya is set to debut in February 2018. Stay tuned for an official opening date and more details on the menu.

• Chef José Andrés Is Bringing Zaytinya to Dallas Cowboys Facility in Frisco [EDFW]