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D.C mecca for two slices of Europe
 and has recently opened a franchise location in Dupont Circle.','pp'))
(Courtesy, Vapiano)
Italian eatery Vapiano began five years ago in Hamburg, Germany (location shown above) and has recently opened a franchise location in Dupont Circle. European-based Italian restaurant chains have been setting their sights on the D.C. area for expansion. First it was Piola, which came to Rosslyn in August. The latest is Vapiano, which started a branch in Ballston two months ago and just opened another in Dupont Circle. Vapiano began five years ago in Hamburg, Germany, and quickly grew to 20 European locations, said Kent Hahne, president of Vapiano International LLC. Hahne, an American with three German partners, had spent a great deal of time in DC and decided its status as a great food town made it a natural place to launch the restaurant's overseas expansion. Piola had a more established presence outside the U.S., explained Marco Moretti, a managing partner for the chain. The restaurant got its start in the town of Treviso in Italy, and found a large presence in Latin America. Its first American location opened in Miami Beach in 1999. The restaurants have some things in common; they serve Italian food with a focus on pizza and fresh ingredients. Their managers say they strive to be inclusive and affordable without sacrificing taste or atmosphere. At Piola, customers have more than 50 pizzas to choose from, among other dishes. It has a lively bar scene, features the work of local artists on its walls, and holds special events like all-you-can-eat gnocchi night, owner Nabil Elachi said. "If my mother wouldn't like it, I wouldn't put it on the menu," said Moretti of the restaurant's Italy-inspired cooking and homemade sauces. Vapiano's emphasis on having its food served piping hot makes for an unusual serving experience, Hahne explained. Customers get a chip card when they walk in that keeps track of their charges as they go to individual stations with drinks, salads and pizza. The menu constantly changes, the food is made to order, and the decor is designed by Milan's renowned Matteo Thun. While things in D.C. are just getting started, Hahn said he has his eyes on opening between five and seven branches in the U.S., eying Miami, Boston and Chicago right now. Piola will soon open a second Florida location, Moretti said. Melissa.Frederick@DCExaminer.com |
