Kapnos Kouzina closing at Bethesda Row

Kapnos Kouzina has closed at Bethesda Row, in a reversal of expectations that the successful Greek restaurant would survive the implosion of celebrity chef Mike Isabella's dining empire. I noticed an odd sign taped up in the window tonight, which noted Kapnos would close early at 8:00 PM. It also advised to check the Kapnos website "for our future operating hours."

I've now confirmed that the Bethesda Row location is permanently closed. This is, at least temporarily, a significant loss for Federal Realty. Kapnos was in a space that struggled to attract foot traffic for years. Only the then-positive notoriety of Mike Isabella was able to fill seats in a quiet, hidden corner of the Bethesda Row development. At least the recipe for success here is now known, and another celebrity chef concept can be brought in to fill the void.