Sunday, July 29, 2007

Opening an Italian pizza/sub/pasta restaurant

So my partner and I are thinking about opening an Italian pizza/sub/pasta restaurant on North Capital Street. We do not know much about doing this but we do know that we do want to do it. I've been checking out www.sba.gov and its helpful but would like to actually talk with some people who know the area and what the community would want if not this type of restaurant.

18 comments:

Lou said...

great news! I am sure you will have a lot of support--My wife and I like sausage, pepperoni, and vegetables on our pizza:) You may want to contact the owner of 1631 N Capitol, which is for sale. Mixed use residential/commercial, in order to team with a new owner.

CitySlurp said...

Well We would do somewhere inbetween New York and Rhode island.

BCC said...

Have you checked out Red Rocks Pizza in Columbia Heights (http://outside.in/places/red-rocks-pizzeria-washington)? If you're talking about something like that, I think you'd have not just the support of the immediate neighborhood, but of several surrounding neighborhoods as well. & the federal workers at ATF too. Sort of the Big Bear of Pizzas. The neighborhood is crying for quality retail.

ANV said...

The neighborhood definitely needs a pizza place that does not also sell chinese food and fried chicken.

There are lots of good people in the area that would support your business.

Steve's Blog said...

It's a good idea if you perform a strong risk assessment. Pizza Bolli was next to Walter Johnson Liquor at North Capitol and Florida Ave. They were delivery only and went bust. Mr. Mohmenian owns that location and wroks next door at City Gear. He's a treasure trove on how to make a buck (legally) on this rough and tumble part of DC.

Sean Hennessey said...

good luck with this!

Don't Be Silent DC said...

I'd go for it! That's a smart idea. And a lot of people who start businesses don't have much experience, but they have big dreams and ideas that propel them to go forward.

Maybe you can ask around---talk to others who've started businesses and ask them about how they've done it.

Stitt said...

I second the call for Red Rocks style pizza - a poor man's Pizza Paradiso, but just as good! There is a great space awaiting a tenant at 1830 1st. St NW. Take a look inside, it appears to be a perfect space for a medium sized sit-down restaurant.

The old NY Fried Chicken spot at N. Cap and P (NW side) would be a good location if the goal is delivery and carryout.

CitySlurp said...

We would like to do a carry out/dine in. Kinda like you would come up to the counter and order your food and we would call your name or number when its ready and you could eat inside or outside(if there is a space for it) We would like to have about 5 to 8 tables inside. We would like to stay inbetween FL and Rh. Does anyone know what the 1st step would be? Does anyone know when the owner of Big Bear Cafe is there if she/he is there?

problemsolveher said...

YES! We have been going to Pizza Paradiso or ordering takeout from Matchbox, both of which are a hassle and out of our way. I think somewhere between NY and RI is the right way to go (we are on the unit block of V). We always order a salad with our pizza, so if you had a few such options on you menu that would be amazing. Being able to sit down in a nice environment where the service is good would be a dream come true for this neighborhood. You'd have our continual support.

Sean Hennessey said...

"Does anyone know what the 1st step would be? "

maybe chat with the north capitol main streets people

Sean Hennessey said...

seems that the only rss feed that your blog publishes is the comments feed. is that right? or am i doing something wrong?

CitySlurp said...

I have no idea what rss feed is.

capitolG said...

Count me as a customer. Closer to P..there are plenty of empty shells to work with there...sigh.

J.T. said...

I think you should look to have a prominent location that is easily acccessible by foot and identifiable to new NoMa officeworkers. ATF will be the first to open, but there are other buildings that are leasing up right now further south in NoMa. Do you want to rent or own your space?

CitySlurp said...

Well we are not really looking for the noma office day comers, we want to be more about people who live here around north capital street.

Unknown said...

I have seen inside 1830 First St NW.I know the owner and he is looking for a tenant. The inside is an empty space, all new ceiling and walls. He just painted the exterior a purple, with orange and green accents. All the businesses there are getting a facelift. It is about 22'x45' with a basement and a 15' front yard for tables, perfect for your eat in pizza place. contact me for owners info; joedc111@verizon.net. He's a nice guy

CitySlurp said...

This is just a reminder. My partner and I are thinking about this. We do not plan on opening it within 6mon to ayr. But Things could change if we find the right place and right loan and right equipment.