Construction work has begun at the future home of Dig, the farm-sourced fast-casual restaurant coming soon to 4733 Elm Street in downtown Bethesda. Windows are entirely covered to block view of the interior work at the former Mexicue and Kraze Burgers space. But on the outside, new paint is being applied to the storefront and the patio surface. The Dig chain has buzz after receiving financial backing from Shake Shack founder Danny Meyer, who knows a little something about buzzworthy restaurants.
Another entry to this market from a NYC firm. The only ones who can afford the rent I guess. That said, yes, Danny Meyer, of Union Square Cafe fame, should be endorsement enough. The menu looks great and reminds me a lot of Flower Child which is excellent. The menu here seems a little broader than that and maybe heartier. For what you get, the price point seems very fair. Good food ain't cheap and cheap for ain't good. This would do very well. Lastly, it's different and interesting unlike every other place which is tacks, pizza, coffee or French.
ReplyDeleteWon't last but a few months to a year. Bad spot.
ReplyDeleteInteresting sort of 'case study' maybe here. Sometimes it's obvious why certain parcels just can't support otherwise viable business. This isn't so clear, but certainly nothing has survived long on that almost corner.
DeleteMy original observation was that all the prior businesses appeared to use the 'Chipotle' model of open serving trays and multiple people hovering over these trays. That seems to work best with a younger less safety aware clientele: it might could work here, too, but there are so many more options that the concept just can't get traction.
I guess we will see in 6 months if this will work.
JAC - it will only do well if you have the business lunch crowd supporting it.
ReplyDeleteIf you know Danny Meyer, Daily Provisions would be a GREAT addition to Bethesda.
5:44 - I'm not sure I can disagree with that in terms of the spot. But if marketed properly, they could do very well. This menu is tight enough meaning not all over the place. And looks fresh, tasty and for the most part healthy.
ReplyDelete7:47 - Of course. Any business needs customers. But this will only do well with the "business" customers meaning in offices, etc? That's important but not the only group needed to succeed. Daily Provisions is great and I know it well but it's too nice for Bethesda somehow. I wish they would open here. It's a weird area for food.
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