Matchbox closes at Bethesda Row

Matchbox has closed its Bethesda location at 7278 Woodmont Avenue in downtown Bethesda. A note in the window states the restaurant has "moved" to Rockville and Silver Spring. Of course, this is false, as the chain has had both locations for many years. Signage has been stripped from the exterior. Matchbox will be replaced by Prato, an Italian restaurant.

More Bethesda restaurants reopening as Stay-at-Home confusion increases traffic

The botched messaging of DC-area governments' reopening strategies has combined with slightly warmer weather to bring more Bethesda residents out of coronavirus lockdown. Many local media outlets also strongly emphasized Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan's lifting of his Stay-at-Home order - effective today - without equally emphasizing that it did not apply to Montgomery or Prince George's County, with TV stations in some cases only mentioning that fact in a separate report minutes later. "Hogan to lift Stay-at-Home order Friday" certainly was more clickbait and retweetable than the full story, but the deceptive messaging has a bright side for struggling restaurants: there were more people out in downtown Bethesda yesterday.

Cubano's has reopened their Bethesda location at 4907 Cordell Avenue for takeout orders, with curbside pickup. That includes their "Mojito-to-Go." Their takeout hours are 4:00-8:00 PM daily.

Matchbox has also returned at Bethesda Row. They are also operating as takeout-only, with curbside pickup.

Matchbox packs up outdoor seating for the year

It's cold and getting colder in Bethesda, as winter makes an early arrival in the MidAtlantic region. While excitement for the holidays is building, there are downsides, such as temperatures not suited for outdoor patio dining. Matchbox is one of the first restaurants around Bethesda Row to pack up the furniture and call it a year for al fresco dining. Interestingly, the outdoor seating doesn't go into a storeroom - it's being trucked away for off-site storage until spring.

Matchbox opening at Bethesda Row today

Matchbox will open its newest restaurant at Bethesda Row today. After several nights of training staff with a packed house of invited guests, the restaurant was empty except for employees Friday night. That will change today, as large crowds are expected for the grand opening at the corner of Woodmont Avenue and Elm Street.

Matchbox Bethesda Row pays tribute to historic Bethesda Theatre

The interior design of the new Matchbox restaurant opening soon at Bethesda Row is rounding into final shape. In addition to patriotic American flags, a hyperlocal artwork adorns one wall panel. A stylized matchbox of the literal sort is depicted emblazoned with an image of the marquee tower of the historic Bethesda Theatre at 7719 Wisconsin Avenue.

This is a grand touch given that the art deco movie theater, now home to Bethesda Blues & Jazz, is the crown jewel of the few remaining historic buildings in downtown Bethesda. If you do not gasp the first time you round the wall from the lobby and concessions area and enter the majestic auditorium, you probably are not human, or just have terrible taste in art.

Perhaps the most famous fan of the Bethesda Theatre was screen legend Clark Gable. He sent a congratulatory telegram to the theatre on opening night, May 19, 1938, when the movie palace debuted as The Boro Theater. It doesn't get any better than that.

Matchbox sign installed at Bethesda Row

The permanent sign is up at Matchbox at Bethesda Row, but it was not yet lit on Friday night. I must admit this corner of Woodmont Avenue and Elm Street has lost something without the flaming cauldrons of former tenant American Tap Room, which were not only extremely effective for advertising purposes, but also gave some energy to the intersection as well.

Matchbox awnings installed at Bethesda Row

The awnings have been installed outside of Matchbox, opening soon at Bethesda Row. They've also stenciled the restaurant's hours onto the glass. Those hours end much earlier at night than predecessor American Tap Room's, just the latest nod to downtown Bethesda's cratered nightlife. Training is underway; stay tuned for an opening date.

Bethesda construction update: Matchbox at Bethesda Row (Photos)

The pizza oven now says, "Matchbox," at the local chain's latest location, opening soon at Bethesda Row. Some seating is now in place, and even some decor on living room-style shelves. This is where American Tap Room used to be at the corner of Woodmont Avenue and Elm Street. Still no Matchbox sign outside.

Matchbox pizza oven installed at Bethesda Row (Photos)

The special custom oven that turns out the wood-fired, brick-oven-style pizzas Matchbox is known for was installed yesterday at their future Bethesda Row location. This was formerly American Tap Room. You can see the rest of the progress inside in these photos.

Matchbox Bethesda Row update

Construction continues inside the future Matchbox restaurant at Bethesda Row, which is taking over the vacant American Tap Room space.  Matchbox told me earlier this summer they hope to open in August. They now have a liquor license hearing scheduled for August 1.

Matchbox aiming for early August opening at Bethesda Row

Matchbox says they plan to open their new Bethesda Row location in "early August." I haven't seen a lot of activity at the space at the corner of Woodmont Avenue and Elm Street, but the windows are covered, so perhaps they have been working in there. Best-known for their wood-fired pizzas and sliders, Matchbox will replace the shuttered American Tap Room.

Matchbox promotes Brunchbox at future Bethesda Row location

Matchbox, which as I reported a while back will take over the vacant American Tap Room space at Bethesda Row, is promoting its Brunchbox weekend brunch on new "Coming Soon" window signage installed a few days ago. It describes Brunchbox as an "unlimited small plates brunch."

From looking at the menu, it's more diverse than what you expect from the restaurant best known for pizza and sliders. Matchbox has begun rolling out this new brunch concept at its D.C. area locations only recently, and it is bound to be popular in Bethesda.