Prima to open in May; the future of Kapnos Kouzina at Bethesda Row

Prima, an upscale fast-casual Italian concept from Boston celebrity chef Michael Schlow, is now scheduled to open next month at Bethesda Row. Construction has been underway for several months at the former location of Taylor Gourmet at 7280 Woodmont Avenue.

Less certain is the future of the vacant neighboring space that was home to Kapnos Kouzina, the very successful modern Greek restaurant from another celebrity chef, Mike Isabella. Shuttered after Isabella was caught up in a #MeToo scandal involving several of his restaurants, the rumor had been that Isabella's former business partner would try to revive the Bethesda restaurant under a different name.

But the latest rumor I've heard is that Schlow himself might be the celebrity chef to solve the Kapnos crisis. A source tells me Schlow may open a new outpost of his D.C. restaurant The Riggsby in the Kapnos space at Bethesda Row. There's precedence for this, as Schlow has operated other side-by-side restaurants elsewhere. However, a publicist for Schlow's restaurant group says she is aware of no plans for The Riggsby at Bethesda Row at this time.

The Riggsby at 1731 New Hampshire Avenue is a retro-American concept "with a flash of old-school Continental," as the Michael Schlow Restaurant Group describes it. Stay tuned.

Restaurant equipment company wants its stuff back from Kapnos Kouzina

While the Washington City Paper has recently reported on efforts by former Mike Isabella partner George Pagonis to revive the shuttered Kapnos Kouzina at Bethesda Row under another name, one company is trying to keep its property inside the darkened space from being stolen or trashed. East Coast Food Equipment has slapped a notice on the front of Kapnos declaring that equipment it owns remains inside the locked restaurant.

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.

Kapnos Kouzina ready for opening March 7 at Bethesda Row (Photos)

The tables are set at Kapnos Kouzina, as the finishing touches are being made in the expansive dining room. Celebrity chef Mike Isabella's latest venture is scheduled to open at Bethesda Row on March 7 for lunch. 

Dinner service will launch on March 11, and brunch on the following day. You can now make reservations via Open Table or the Kapnos Kouzina website.

First look: Kapnos Kouzina at Bethesda Row (Photos)

Here's an exclusive first look inside the future Kapnos Kouzina, celebrity chef Mike Isabella's rustic Greek restaurant opening soon at Bethesda Row.

You can see the furnishings reflect the theme far more than the building exterior, which was constructed many years before the restaurant moved in. The throwback awning attempts to make up for that.

It will be interesting to see how comfortable this wood furniture actually is in practical use. Stay tuned for an opening date for one of the most highly-anticipated restaurant openings in downtown Bethesda this year. Kapnos is located at the corner of Woodmont Avenue and Hampden Lane.

Bethesda construction update: Kapnos Kouzina (Photos)

Just a day after the sign and awning were installed at celebrity chef Mike Isabella's future Kapnos Kouzina at Bethesda Row, here's an early look at the interior transformation of the former Vapiano space.

No more live tree in the dining room, but the basic layout remains the same with the ramp, side bar, dining levels and open kitchen counter.

Kapnos is located at the corner of Woodmont Avenue and Hampden Lane. The rustic Greek restaurant should open by spring, if not earlier.

Kapnos Kouzina installs lighted signage, awning (Photos)

Chef Mike Isabella's newest venture, Kapnos Kouzina, has installed the permanent signage on the facade of the restaurant. A zebra-striped awning accent has also been added. The restaurant will focus on rustic Greek dishes, and offer plates designed for sharing.

Kapnos Kouzina applies for liquor license at Bethesda Row

Celebrity chef Mike Isabella's newest venture, Kapnos Kouzina at the corner of Woodmont Avenue and Hampden Lane, has applied for its liquor license.

Originally expected to open this fall, build-out was delayed and just recently began. Kapnos' hearing will be December 17. 

A high-profile name like Isabella's is just what is necessary to draw diners around the corner to this out-of-the-way spot at Bethesda Row. It should also be popular with the elite residents of The Lauren, now under construction across from the restaurant.

Kapnos Kouzina posts Coming Soon signage in Bethesda (Photos)

Kapnos Kouzina, the new concept from celebrity chef and restauranteur Mike Isabella, has posted Coming Soon signage in the windows of the Bethesda Row location. This was formerly the home of Vapiano at 4900 Hampden Lane.

In contrast to Isabella's existing Kapnos-branded locations, this venture will emphasize a more casual, homestyle ambiance. The menu will reflect that with rustic cuisine and dishes designed to be shared, according to the company website.

With the opening now expected for Fall 2015, expect work to begin on the transformation in the near future.