MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (WGNS)- A familiar name in Murfreesboro's culinary scene is preparing to open a new restaurant later this month. Alex Belew, the Murfreesboro native who won Season 21 of Gordon Ramsay's popular television competition Hell's Kitchen, is teaming up with award-winning chef and restaurateur Shane Nasby to launch Chinwag, a new bistro-style restaurant at The Fountains at Gateway.

The restaurant is scheduled to officially open for dinner service on Thursday, Oct. 22, with lunch service beginning Nov. 3. Chinwag will occupy the former Burger Republic space at 1440 Medical Center Parkway, Suite 1C.

The concept combines elevated cooking techniques with a casual dining experience, offering a menu built around smoke, fire, fresh ingredients and culinary influences from around the world. Guests can also expect a selection of cocktails, beer and wine.

The name "Chinwag" comes from an old British expression describing a great conversation between friends, reflecting the founders' goal of creating an inviting gathering place centered around food and connection.

A Homecoming for a ‘Hell’s Kitchen’ Champion

For Belew, the opening marks another chapter in his culinary career and a return to the Murfreesboro restaurant scene.

Belew gained national attention after winning Season 21 of Hell's Kitchen, earning an opportunity to serve as head chef at Hell's Kitchen Caesars Atlantic City.

Before his television success, Belew owned and operated the award-winning Murfreesboro fine dining restaurant Dallas and Jane, along with a catering business.

Now serving as executive chef and partner at Chinwag, Belew says the new restaurant is designed to deliver quality food without the formality often associated with upscale dining.

"Getting together to eat delicious food with people you like should be a joyful experience. We’re serving everyday food prepared with a little extra thought and attention to detail, but without pretension. And we’re doing it in a fun and warm atmosphere at a price point that welcomes anyone to enjoy it at any time," Belew said.

Partnering With an Award-Winning Restaurateur

Joining Belew is Shane Nasby, an accomplished chef, restaurateur and Grand Champion BBQ pitmaster.

Nasby founded Cledis Burgers & Beer, an award-winning restaurant concept with multiple locations in the Nashville area. He also leads Raven Hospitality, a hospitality group responsible for developing several dining concepts.

His career includes recognition in numerous culinary competitions, including the World Burger Competition, Nashville's Battle of the Burger and the Nashville Scene's Best Burger awards.

Nasby's restaurants have also received attention from national publications and television networks, including Forbes, Eater, Food Network and the Cooking Channel.

Together, Belew and Nasby hope to combine their different culinary backgrounds to create a restaurant that balances creative dishes, thoughtful preparation and a welcoming environment.

Opening Dates, Location and Hours

Chinwag will begin welcoming dinner guests Oct. 22, followed by lunch service beginning Tuesday, Nov. 3.

The restaurant's announced operating hours are:

Lunch service begins Nov. 3, while dinner service begins Oct. 22.

Location: The Fountains at Gateway, 1440 Medical Center Parkway, Suite 1C, Murfreesboro, TN 37129.

Dinner reservations are already available ahead of the grand opening. The restaurant also plans to offer seasonal food and beverage specials, along with ticketed collaborative culinary events featuring guest chefs from around the country.

Additional updates, including menu announcements and upcoming events, will be shared through the restaurant's Instagram and Facebook accounts, @dinechinwag.