Pines of Rome Express, the carry-out and delivery focused offshoot of the beloved Bethesda Italian restaurant, has ceased operations at its 121B Congressional Lane location in Rockville after less than two years in business.
The closure marks an end to the “express” concept, which had aimed to bring the Bethesda staple’s popular dishes to a wider audience through a convenient, takeout-centric model. Pines of Rome Express had opened in the former Congressional Deli space, located beside Mykonos Grill and near the former Bed Bath & Beyond location.
The venture was a significant step for Pines of Rome, which had been a Bethesda institution for over 50 years, and it marked their first expansion beyond their original location. The original Pines of Rome restaurant, a Bethesda landmark known for its iconic white pizza, classic spaghetti & meatballs, and other traditional Italian fare, will continue to operate at 4918 Cordell Avenue in Bethesda.
The main restaurant moved to its current Cordell Avenue home in 2017, having previously operated at 4709 Hampden Lane since its inception in 1972.
While the exact reasons for the closure of Pines of Rome Express were not immediately available, the move was confirmed via phone call on Monday morning.