STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Lighting fixtures sparkle inside soon-and-coming Za Ra of Dongan Hills. The long-vacant corner location of Hylan Boulevard and Jefferson Avenue, former home to A&W, will be a cafe and grill serving halal food.

As details of the kitchen came together Tuesday afternoon, manager Ahmet Oztroprak said the business aimed for a late January opening. And, he's very excited about the future.

With so many Albanian and Turkish residents in the area, Ahmet said there's a call for Middle Eastern fare. He declared a broad appeal on Staten Island for Za Ra's brand of food -- appetizers with assorted cheeses, flaky pastries such as savory cigar burek (tightly rolled phyllo with feta or ground lamb) and honey-drenched baklava plus grilled items like kebabs and freshly-made shawarma. There also will be breakfast.

Ahmet sees the impending eatery as a unique fixture in the mix of already-established restaurants on the East Shore.

Za Ra features about a dozen tables with high-backed chairs and plank-style floors. Glitzy chandeliers hug the ceiling and future patrons may glimpse a partially open kitchen fitted with brand new cooking equipment and stainless steel tables. The pavement behind and at the side of the building, currently chopped up, will be developed for parking and an eventual outdoor cafe.

"There are two owners in this restaurant," said Ahmet, hence the name "Za Ra," which combines the proprietors' monikers, Zafer and Ramazan.

Ramazan has 10 years experience plus four restaurants under his belt, Ahmet said.

While outside the restaurant, Ahmet stood on a newly poured concrete sidewalk and explained how the space would be a "summer backyard" ornamented with flowers and plants.

Ramazan just bought a home in Dongan Hills. He says it's important to be living so close to the Za Ra as he'll be spending so much time at the business.

Za Ra Halal Cafe Grill is located at 1995 Hylan Blvd. Dongan Hills and can be reached at 718-979-6122.