Zio’s, a longtime local Gaithersburg restaurant will close later this year and a new restaurant will take its place.
Zio’s Italian Restaurant, which has served up pizzas, sandwiches and pasta on Gaither Road for more than three decades, will close to make way for a Don Pollo Charbroiled Chicken.
John Beard, the owner of Zio’s, said nothing in particular led them to close the restaurant. He said, “It’s been 35 years and we’re done with it.” He said they haven’t set a closing date yet.
Don Pollo, which has locations in Chevy Chase and Rockville, announced Thursday it plans to open a new Don Pollo at the Zio’s location at 9083 Gaither Rd. in mid-October. The 5,000 square foot location will include seating for 100 inside and 80 on an outdoor patio. The restaurant specializes in Peruvian style slow roasted chicken and also serves sides like macaroni and cheese, corn pico, rice and beans, potato salad and sweet plantains.
This will be the third Don Pollo restaurant. All three are owned by Francis Namin and Carlos Ramirez. Namin and Ramirez are also co-owners of Food Wine & Co. in Bethesda, Fish Taco in Cabin John and the new CityBurger in Chevy Chase.