Bethesda will soon have another entry to its burgeoning fast-casual dining scene.
Modern Market, a Denver-based chain with more than 20 locations in Colorado, Texas and Arizona, will fill the former Boloco space at 4930 Elm St. on Bethesda Row.
Co-CEO Anthony Pigliacampo said in an interview Thursday with Bethesda Beat the restaurant could open as soon as June, depending on how quickly it receives construction permits. He said the company chose Bethesda to begin an expansion in the Washington, D.C., area because of its similarities to Boulder, Colorado, where Modern Market opened its first restaurant in 2009. He added the company is looking to add another four restaurants in the area, possibly including another one in Montgomery County.
“We’re looking for people who want healthier, great-tasting food,” Pigliacampo said. “We offer farm-to-table food that’s affordable and quick. We feel like we really cracked the code on how to make fast-ish food really good and not be super expensive.”
Pigliacampo, a former engineer, and Rob McColgan, a former Wall Street stock trader, founded the restaurant. It serves breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as a weekend brunch. Menu items include eggs, breakfast sandwiches, a variety of salads, sandwiches, brick oven pizzas, soups and “homestyle plates,” such as chicken breast or flank steak served with sides including mashed potatoes or fruit salad.
Three of the sandwich options served at one of the restaurant's Denver locations. Via Modern Market's website
Pigliacampo said most customers spend about $10 per person for a meal. The Bethesda location is about 3,000 square feet and will provide seating for about 85 people. The restaurant’s design will include garage-style doors that can be opened when the weather is pleasant. Pigliacampo said he hopes nearby businesses such as Equinox and SoulCycle will provide regular customers.
“We’re great post-workout food,” he said.
The Bethesda location will be Modern Market’s first on the East Coast. In November, the restaurant changed its name from Modmarket to Modern Market after a trademark dispute with MOD Pizza.
The restaurant will join a local scene filled with other fast-casual restaurants such as Sweetgreen, Cava Grill, Noodles & Co., ShopHouse, Nando’s Peri Peri, Luke’s Lobster and Gusto Italian Grill.
