Hip, healthy pizzas and Tuscan-inspired entrees are coming to Bethesda, with the future openings of Naked Pizza and BRIO Tuscan Grill.
Naked Pizza, a New Orleans-based chain whose slogan is “all-natural, no freaky chemicals,” will set up its delivery shop at 4914 Del Ray Ave. sometime in July. The chain offers a crust called “Ancestral Blend,” a mix of 10 grains and seeds, and toppings that have no preservatives, antibiotics or hormones.
“The best part is that it’s still round, still saucy and still cheesy, and still delivered hot to your door in about 30 minutes,” says co-founder Robbie Vitrano, who characterizes the concept as a healthier version of Dominos or Papa John’s.
Naked Pizza was founded only 18 months ago, and already has 20 stores, including locations in Louisiana, California, Florida and Dubai. In what sounds like a very ambitious expansion, Vitrano says the chain is opening 50 more delivery shops by the end of 2011, including seven in the Washington metropolitan area.
For a sit-down meal, BRIO Tuscan Grill will be opening later this year in North Bethesda Market, the new mixed-use development across from White Flint Mall. The Columbus, Ohio-based chain already has restaurants in 29 states (including one in Annapolis) and offers entrees in the $15 to $26 range, such as shrimp and lobster fettuccine and Tuscan grilled pork chops. A Seasons 52 restaurant, Whole Foods Market, L.A. Fitness and Arhaus Furniture, plus 400 apartment residences are also located at North Bethesda Market.
