Panas Closes In Bethesda

A downtown Bethesda empanadas eatery has shut down. Panas (4731 Elm Street) cleared out its seats, tables and much of its kitchen equipment by Wednesday afternoon, leaving an empty, dark and locked storefront. An employee at the chain's Dupont Circle location confirmed the Bethesda location is closed, though he said management hasn't told employees much about its future. Owner Federico Garcia Lopez opened the Bethesda Panas in 2011. Panas management couldn't be reached on Wednesday for comment.