You’ve probably attended one of Ethiopian-born chef Eskender Aseged’s pop-ups at Slim’s, at Coffee Bar or even in his backyard over the past seven years. So you’ll know to expect roasted legs of lamb like his mom used to make, the occasional radio broadcasts and a DJ spinning Congolese rumba.

Aseged says the new restaurant will have a generous amount of space for guests to share food, family-style. And he's fostering that environment with family-style seating, which he says is community-oriented, sustainable, and "financially viable." By seating multiple small parties at a table for 14, Aseged is encouraging guests to socialize outside their own bubble and befriend their neighbors; he believes guests will have more fun this way, especially if they come alone.