LANDLORD DEMANDS UNPAID RENT FROM SHUTTERED BETHESDA PIZZA RESTAURANT

The owner of 4924 St. Elmo Avenue is taking former tenant Pizza Pass to the District Court of Maryland for Montgomery County, in an attempt to collect unpaid rent. Pizza Pass closed at the end of January, after putting the contents of the restaurant up for auction.

A complaint filed by the landlord's attorney, Caitlin C. Grant of Bethesda-based Lerch, Early & Brewer, asserts that rent was not paid from October 2014 through January 2015. The total amount sought from PIZZAPASS, LLC is $42,925.49, including late charges.

PIZZA PASS APPEARS TO BE CLOSED (PHOTOS)

Pizza Pass has been closed a number of nights in a row on St. Elmo Avenue. Now there is a sign saying the restaurant is closed, but that catering is still available. It does not say if the closure is permanent, but - as I reported last week - there have been several indications in recent days that the restaurant might be getting ready to close.

PIZZA PASS APPEARS TO BE PLANNING TO CLOSE IN BETHESDA

After slightly over a year in business, Pizza Pass appears to be planning its exit on St. Elmo Avenue. This Craigslist ad offers the entire contents of a pizza parlor for sale, and identifies the seller's street address as that of Pizza Pass, 4924 St. Elmo. Everything from patio furniture, to a satellite radio receiver, to a safe is up for grabs. The headline of the ad says, "Restaurant Closing!!!"

Pizza Pass is still open for business as of the moment, and has announced no immediate plans to close publicly. The ad does mention that the 2 pizza ovens will be available by the end of this month, perhaps suggesting a potential closing date. Anybody thinking of opening a restaurant, or needing additional supplies at your current establishment, will probably want to set up an appointment with them.

The restaurant's time in this space would not be indefinite even if it remained open. Its building would be demolished in about 2 years, should the Montgomery County Planning Board approve a plan to build an apartment tower on the site this year.

Over the last year, Pizza Pass has earned a very good 4-star average rating on Yelp, and has been known for its community involvement and events.

BUSINESSES OPEN DESPITE SIDEWALK REPLACEMENT ON ST. ELMO AVENUE IN BETHESDA (PHOTOS)

The sometimes-controversial sidewalk replacement along St. Elmo Avenue has expanded down the street towards Old Georgetown Road. Several businesses, including Pizza Pass and Chef Tony's, were affected Monday. But all of the businesses remain open despite the work. There are temporary pathways bridging the street with the doors of the individual businesses.

PIZZA PASS WINE TASTING NIGHT FEBRUARY 7 (PHOTO)

Bethesda's newest pizzeria, Pizza Pass, is hosting a wine tasting on Friday, February 7, from 6-9 PM. For only $18, you can enjoy unlimited pizza, pasta and salad, and sample wines from the restaurant's list. Labels include Trapiche Vineyards and Save Me San Francisco. Should you decide to purchase wine by the glass or bottle that evening, a donation will be made to Family House, Inc., which helps house families near loved ones who are be treated at hospitals away from home. 

By the way, have you noticed Pizza Pass has installed its permanent exterior sign?

Pizza Pass is located at 4924 St. Elmo Avenue.