A new restaurant will bring homemade Mediterranean fare to casual dining in Sandy Springs. Next month Shami Kitchen will be opening up at 8363 Roswell Road.

"Shami" means "native of Damascus" which describes executive chef Abud Halabi and co-founder Abe Malla, who is also the owner of the home furnishings store Westside Market. After working in restaurants in China and Syria, Halabi will bring his global experience to the restaurant.

Customers will be able to create their own Mediterranean dish by choosing a base comprised of pita, rice or salad, then add a protein along with two sides. The menu will include homemade pita bread, pickles, hummus and falafel.