Smashburger cleared out in Bethesda (Photos)

Signage for Smashburger was removed from the Norfolk-Cordell II building in downtown Bethesda yesterday. Inside, menu boards were removed, as well. The restaurant closed Monday.

Smashburger closes in Bethesda (Photos)

Two years after it became apparent that Smashburger was on the way out in Bethesda, the restaurant finally closed its doors yesterday. The restaurant space had been for lease for two years (I've even heard from potential tenants who had toured the space during that time), but the landlord had allowed Smashburger to stay until someone else signed a lease. Now that that has apparently happened, Smashburger was out.

I'm frankly puzzled as to why Smashburger was in trouble so shortly after moving in. The burger and fries were great there. As I've said before, my only issue was the lack of special menu items like Taco Bell and Burger King offer for a limited time each month.

Bethesda Smashburger space available for lease

The space currently occupied by Smashburger at 4903 Cordell Avenue is being marketed for lease by JBG Rosenfeld Retail Properties. An online listing says the space can be available as soon as this month. The monthly rate is "negotiable."

UPDATE: SMASHBURGER: WE ARE NOT CLOSING IN BETHESDA

Update: 6:50 PM, January 20, 2015

Smashburger marketing manager Christine Ferris says Smashburger is "not closing our location in Bethesda. We love the area and have no plans on closing that location in the future."

Original report

Local dining expert Don Rockwell is reporting that Smashburger will close its downtown Bethesda location at 4903 Cordell Avenue. While there have been signs of the burger fad waning, and beef prices rising, I am somewhat surprised by the news. My reviews of many menu items were positive, and the prominent location and nice window views of the Woodmont Triangle made it a sign of the future redevelopment and vibrancy of the neighborhood.

The only negative I found was that they don't have special, limited-time menu items. That's not really any different from Five Guys, which has been extremely successful. But it does put them at a disadvantage when market competitors like BGR and Bobby's Burger Palace are constantly offering new burgers to lure burger fanatics in every month.

Given the recent closure of Roof upstairs in the same building, and that both restaurants lasted only about a year, one might wonder if there is a common issue that might have impacted both. The bigger picture suggests otherwise. Its Dupont Circle location closed last month, suggesting the issue could be with the chain itself, rather than a Bethesda or building-specific problem.

SMASHBURGER ADDS OUTDOOR SEATING IN BETHESDA (PHOTOS)

New burger hotspot Smashburger has added a few sidewalk tables for outdoor dining, just as the monsoon moved out of the area. Given the limited seating, you may want to get over there early for lunch. Smashburger is located at the corner of Norfolk and Cordell Avenues, in Bethesda's Woodmont Triangle.

This could be you, dining outdoors
at Smashburger in Bethesda

SMASHBURGER AND CAL TORT SQUARE OFF IN ENERGIZED WOODMONT TRIANGLE (PHOTOS)

The Woodmont Triangle area of downtown Bethesda has more energy since the opening of Smashburger this week. There seems to be a slight increase in activity, and possibly in the number of people, for some distance around that intersection of Cordell and Norfolk Avenues.

Some people are just looking in the windows to see what the new place is about. Others notice the employees of the soon-to-open Roof Bethesda scurrying to and fro, through the massive second floor windows of the Norfolk-Cordell II building. Last evening, Christmas music wafted down to the streets below as Roof hosted a corporate holiday party ahead of its December 20 opening.

That Steven Karr-designed building is lighting up what used to be a dark and dreary corner. Which is what I had expected. Just the night before, there was a test of the new LED light sculptures on the future plaza outside the Gallery Bethesda apartments. We're starting to get a very small sense of what's to come over the next 5 years in the transformation of the Woodmont Triangle.

One business noticing the new energy is California Tortilla. Smashburger has a sidewalk sign announcing, "NOW OPEN."

Cal Tort quickly responded with a humorous re-Tort: their own sign facing Smashburger's across Norfolk: "NOW OPEN ALSO."

SMASHBURGER BETHESDA CONSTRUCTION UPDATE (PHOTOS)

More has been added inside Smashburger since my last update. Smashburger will be located at the corner of Norfolk and Cordell Avenues, in downtown Bethesda.

FUTURE BETHESDA ROOFTOP RESTAURANT FRONT DOOR INSTALLED (PHOTOS) - CONSTRUCTION UPDATE

Lots more progress to report from the site of the Bethesda rooftop restaurant, Roof, which is scheduled to open in late summer (but don't bet your life on that).
The building itself, Norfolk Cordell II, now has a main, street level entrance with glass doorway.
In the photos below, you'll see the door, as well as additional wood and tile facade and additional window installations.
The large interior space you see is on the street level, and will house future tenants Smashburger, Baskin Robbins and Dunkin' Donuts.

Rendering [top] Courtesy Steven J. Karr, AIA Inc.