We now know where celebrity chef Mike Isabella wants to open in Bethesda—the former Vapiano space—but sources tell Bethesda Beat the deal isn’t done yet.
Negotiations have been ongoing since we reported in September that Isabella was looking to open a restaurant in Bethesda.
Federal Realty, which owns the former Vapiano property at the corner of Woodmont Avenue and Hampden Lane, would not confirm that Isabella is in negotiations for the space, but did release a statement saying that “Federal Realty is under final negotiation with a chef-driven restaurant to be located in the former Vapiano’s restaurant space. We are excited at the possibilities of this exciting concept. Once lease details are finalized, we can provide further details.”
Information provided to Bethesda Beat indicates Isabella plans to bring his Kapnos Greek concept to Bethesda with a restaurant projected to open in 2015. The first Kapnos restaurant opened on 14th Street in Washington, D.C., in July 2013 and a Kapnos Taverna is scheduled to open in Arlington later this year.
Vapiano closed its Bethesda location Monday.
Isabella also operates an Italian concept, Graffiato, and a sandwich shop, G by Mike Isabella, in the District. He gained national attention after he appeared on season six of the Bravo show Top Chef and then later was the runner-up on Top Chef All Stars in 2011.