Gagawa is now serving up more than a dozen flavors of chicken at Tysons Corner Center.
The mall announced the Turkish restaurant chain’s grand opening in an Instagram post on Jan. 22, though its doors appear to have quietly opened earlier in late December.
Located on the first floor in the former Panera Bread spot across from California Pizza Kitchen, Gagawa’s Tysons location is its first in the U.S. The company got its start in 2012 under the name Tavuk Dünyası, which translates to “World of Chicken,” and had more than 275 restaurants in Turkey by its 10th anniversary, according to its website.
Gagawa began expanding outside of Turkey in 2021, opening a location in Cyprus that was joined by one in Madrid, Spain, a year later. It now has more than 300 restaurants worldwide.
“We are very excited to open our first restaurant in the U.S. in Tysons Center,” Gagawa Chairman Ahmet Faralyalı said when the expansion was announced last spring. “Our mission is to provide everyone with the opportunity to enjoy a high quality, delicious, affordable meal in an environment where one can feel appreciated.”
According to the menu, the restaurant uses completely natural chicken that’s marinated for 12 to 14 hours in “unique sauces and a variety of spices.” There are 15 different options, ranging from an Ali Nazik chicken served with smoked eggplant and an Indian-style curry to barbecue and a hot-pepper-heavy dish called The Dragon.
Diners can also get beef fillets, either with teriyaki sauce or with mushrooms and cream sauce. Every entree comes with a Mediterranean salad or broccoli slaw and a choice of rice or pasta.
In addition, the menu has a variety of starters like falafel and crispy chicken bites as well as salads and desserts.
To celebrate its grand opening, Gagawa has a lunch special with a chicken plate, refillable drink and dessert, all for $14.95. Available Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m, the promotion will be offered for about a month, an employee told FFXnow.
Other new dining options slated to open at Tysons Corner Center this year include Bora Bora Smoothie Cafe, HeyTea and Maggiano’s, which is following the Cheesecake Factory in relocating from Tysons Galleria.
The mall announced on social media yesterday (Sunday) that Sunglass Hut has opened its new location on the first floor near Macy’s. Brooks Brothers and Under Armour are also moving to different spots.
This spring, the mall is expected to welcome Level 99, an entertainment and dining venue that will occupy some of the old Barnes & Noble space in the renovating east end. Barnes & Noble closed last May but will reopen in a smaller location this year.
