(Via Facebook)

After more than a year of watching high-end menswear stores open at The Shay, it’s time for some humus and harissa.

Cava Grill will be christening its new Shaw outpost on Tuesday, Dec. 20 with a “community dinner,” a tradition the restaurant says has been in place since its first restaurant opening. That means free food—yes, free food—from 5 to 8 p.m., along with a new spiced chai green tea.

That Tuesday, diners can also purchase holiday pies from Whisked!, with half the proceeds going to City Blossoms, or donate directly to the local non-profit. And if watching people scramble for free food isn’t enough entertainment for you, the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington will also be on hand.

On Wednesday, the Mediterranean fast-casual spot will begin its regular business hours of 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. The opening coincides with the debut of its winter menu, which includes roasted tomato and harissa soup, spicy tumeric tahini, sumac brussels sprouts, butternut squash, parsnips, and more.

The Shaw spot, which serves as Cava’s fifth D.C. location, will also be its “Innovation Kitchen,” meaning it will be a space where the restaurant chain tests new menu items and technology, and hosts community events. Washington City Paper first reported the news.

We featured Cava on our list of the best fast-casual offerings in D.C.

The forthcoming Cava in Shaw is located at 1921 8th Street NW.