Bethesda construction update: &pizza at Pike & Rose (Photos)

One reader was asking yesterday about the status of &pizza at Pike & Rose, and I just happen to have a construction update for you.

The local pizza chain is exploding across the region in a major expansion, and faces a formidable pizza competitor at Pike & Rose in Stella Barra.

Each one has its own niche and price point, however. &pizza is more of a carryout, fast-casual artisan pizzeria, while Stella Barra is designed more for dining-in, and enjoying a fine wine with your artisan pizza.

&pizza AND FRANCESCA'S TO OPEN AT PIKE AND ROSE

EXCLUSIVE!

Two brands now familiar to Bethesda residents, &pizza and Francesca's, are the latest two tenants to sign on at Federal Realty's Pike and Rose development in White Flint. Francesca's (a.k.a. Francesca's Collections) already has boutiques at Bethesda Row, and in Westfield Montgomery Mall. &pizza just opened its first Maryland location in downtown Bethesda on Monday.

SIGNS INSTALLED AT &PIZZA IN DOWNTOWN BETHESDA (PHOTOS)

The future Bethesda location of &pizza installed signage yesterday at 7614 Old Georgetown Road. Now we await the grand opening of this DC chain, with arguably the most understated website in the history of pizza. Well, at least we know what the hours are going to be. They'll be open fairly late - 11:00 PM Sunday-Thursday, and midnight on Friday and Saturday.

FUTURE BETHESDA &PIZZA LOCATION HIRING (PHOTO)

DC pizza chain &pizza is closer to opening in Bethesda. Work continues at their 7614 Old Georgetown Road location, and the restaurant is now hiring. Potential employees can apply at &pizza's website. They have an online video chat interview process.

&PIZZA POSTS WINDOW SIGNS AT FUTURE BETHESDA LOCATION (PHOTOS)

Signs touting &pizza went up in the windows of its future location on Old Georgetown Road in downtown Bethesda yesterday.

Unknown so far is how their first non-letter street name location will work: U &pizza, H &pizza, Old Georgetown &pizza. Hmm.

A minor detail for pizza lovers.