PoPville » Al Forno Pizza Coming to 3201 New Mexico Avenue, NW

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Al Forno Pizza Coming to 3201 New Mexico Avenue, NW

Thanks to a few readers for sending word and photos. One sends an update from the American University newsletter:

“A new Italian trattoria, Al Forno, will open this fall at 3201 New Mexico Avenue in the former Balducci’s location. The restaurant will feature pasta, a wood-burning oven for Neapolitan pizza, and other Italian fare. You also can enjoy meals outside on the terrace. Work on the restaurant is under way and we’ll keep you posted as they move closer to the opening date. The new owner, who also plans to live in the neighborhood, is excited about Al Forno being located in the community.”

Unfortunately one notes, they’ve already got a stop work order. But we’ll def. revisit to judge the pizza when they open.

Category: Coming and Going, Pizza, Restaurants, Tenleytown

By: Prince Of Petworth | 24 August 2011 4:30 PM | 6 Comments

Oats

Big space for a pizza place.

August 24, 2011 at 4:39 pm
Denizen of Tenallytown

I guess the fleeting rumors of this space becoming a Trader Joe’s were just that. It would have done brisk business, too.

August 25, 2011 at 12:08 am
- ah
  
  I think Trader Joe’s concluded it would not do a brisk enough business to justify the expense of a smallish place for a grocery store. Balducci’s didn’t abandon a highly profitable store.
  
  August 25, 2011 at 9:59 am
Mike Easter

Is this the same Al Forno from New York? I went to college with his son, Chris Forno.

August 25, 2011 at 9:57 am
John M

I think a pizza parlor might do pretty well there… there’s a lot of upper MC families in the area as well as AU students (obv.). There’s also a Chef Geoff’s in that center, so they’ll probably get some of their run-off.

I love it how everyone in DC wants a Trader Joe’s in their neighborhood, but that goes against their very business model – scattered stores means higher volume at each one because people are willing to travel.

August 25, 2011 at 11:38 am
J

The last thing anyone needs is another pizza restaurant. Chef Geoff wanted to open a market there but was roadblocked by AU. This neighborhood is WAY over capacity for pizza. This will be just another beer hangout for college kids (another thing the neighborhood does not need). Doubt this business will last long.

August 29, 2011 at 9:35 am