Prato, an Italian restaurant based in Winter Park, Florida, is set to open its first expansion location later this fall at Bethesda Row, located at 7278 Woodmont Ave.
The restaurant will take over the space that is currently occupied by Matchbox, which is scheduled to close on March 22.
Prato has operated for 14 years and is expanding nationally under parent company Park Lights Hospitality, with additional locations planned, including Nashville.
“Being located in Orlando and the incredible community of Winter Park, we’ve been fortunate to serve not only our neighbors but guests from all over the country for the past 14 years,” said Scott Bowman, CEO of Park Lights Hospitality. “We’re a very busy restaurant, and that long-term success has allowed us to explore expansion opportunities in multiple markets. We couldn’t think of a better or more vibrant community than Bethesda to open our second Prato.”
The Bethesda space will undergo renovations and is expected to reflect design elements from the original location.
“We’ll open in Nashville in early 2027 and we’re negotiating deals right now in other major markets,” Bowman said. “But right now our focus is on joining the already thriving dining scene in Bethesda this fall and delivering our blend of exceptional Italian food and hospitality.”
“Prato Winter Park is a special room,” Bowman said. “You feel the energy as soon as you walk in… Our goal is to recreate that feeling in Bethesda and become a place where the community gathers and returns again and again.”
We will provide an update when additional information becomes available.
