Georgetown Pizza Heartbreak As Pizzeria Paradiso Bows Out After Lease Fight

One of M Street's most familiar pizza ovens is about to go cold. Pizzeria Paradiso says it will permanently close its Georgetown restaurant later this week, ending a run of more than two decades on the strip. The longtime neighborhood favorite plans to serve its final customers this Sunday during a farewell celebration with free slices and salads, then shift its attention to a new takeout-focused concept.

Farewell plans

As reported by Washingtonian, the Georgetown shop is throwing a goodbye party this Sunday from noon to 3 p.m., offering free slices and salads while supplies last. Managing partner Carlos Gonzalez told the outlet they "couldn't come to an agreement on the terms of a new lease" and that the space "needed an investment for a refresh." In other words, the math on M Street just did not work out.

Lease talks and pivot

The Washington Business Journal reports the closure followed unsuccessful negotiations with the building's landlord. Rather than pour money into a costly remodel, owner Ruth Gresser and Gonzalez say the company will concentrate on Paradiso Pronto - a fast-casual, takeout-focused spinoff that opened a kiosk at National Landing's Water Park. Paradiso Pronto promises quick pies and more carryout locations are planned.

Georgetown history and context

The Georgetown outpost - Pizzeria Paradiso's second location after the Dupont flagship - opened in 2002, according to reporting by The Washington Post. Its planned shutter is the latest high-profile Georgetown departure after long-running spots such as Kafe Leopold calls it quits, underscoring the pressure on established neighborhood restaurants as rents and build-out costs keep climbing.

What’s next for Paradiso

Pizzeria Paradiso will keep its other D.C.-area restaurants in Dupont Circle, Spring Valley and Hyattsville open while expanding the Pronto model, Washingtonian reports. Customers can already find a Paradiso Pronto kiosk at 1611 Crystal Drive in National Landing and view menus and hours on the company's site. Georgetown regulars, meanwhile, have one last Sunday to grab a slice and say their goodbyes.