&pizza, the beloved Washington D.C. based pizza chain, is expanding its footprint with a highly anticipated sixth location set to open downtown at 1005 E St NW. Known for its distinctive oblong pizzas and modern, inviting restaurant designs, &pizza has carved a niche in the competitive pizza landscape. This new establishment, soon to be known as E&pizza, promises to bring the same innovative menu and customer-centric approach that has made &pizza a local favorite.
This expansion to E Street is particularly noteworthy, planting &pizza right in the heart of downtown D.C. Co-owner Steve Salis revealed that the spring opening of E&pizza will introduce a 1,350-square-foot space carefully designed to resonate with the unique character of the surrounding neighborhood. The design concept is deeply inspired by iconic local landmarks such as Ford’s Theatre and the E Street Cinema, aiming to weave the rich historical and cultural tapestry of the area into the restaurant’s ambiance. Salis highlighted the significance of the location, stating, “There’s a tremendous amount of history,” underscoring the desire to create a space that feels deeply connected to its surroundings.
The decision to launch an &pizza on E Street was directly influenced by customer demand. Salis explained, “A lot of our guests have come to us and said, ‘Hey, we’d love to have you in Penn Quarter.'” This expressed desire, coupled with the availability of an ideal location, made E Street a natural choice for &pizza’s continued growth. The strategic positioning of the new store is undeniable; it’s just around the corner from the historic Ford’s Theatre, a block from Pennsylvania Avenue, and a mere half-block from the Washington Welcome Center. This prime location is expected to make E&pizza a convenient and appealing dining option for both local residents and the influx of tourists visiting the nation’s capital. Salis expressed his hope that E&pizza will become “a part of the D.C. experience” for tourists, further solidifying &pizza’s role in the city’s culinary scene.
From its humble beginnings with the first store opening on H Street NE two years ago, &pizza has experienced rapid growth and popularity. The chain’s expansion now includes locations on U Street and further afield in Brookland, Bethesda, and Germantown, Maryland. The upcoming E&pizza location on E street represents another significant step in &pizza’s journey to become a dominant force in the fast-casual pizza market, offering its unique and customizable pizzas to an even wider audience in downtown Washington D.C.
