NYC Import the Meatball Shop Closes in D.C. After Less Than a Year - Eater DC

"The Meatball Shop, which operates six locations in New York City and opened on 14th Street NW last October, couldn’t survive on one of D.C.’s busiest strips for nightlife. Popville flagged a photo of its papered-up facade this morning, and its D.C. address has been removed from the company’s website. Yelp marks the location near Logan Circle as 'permanently closed.' The company sent a statement expressing gratitude to the DC community but cited challenges beyond their control for the closure. Employees received advanced notice, and efforts are being made to place them in other jobs. The chain initially redesigned the 2,400-square-foot space with playful, food-themed art and a 70-seat interior designed as a hybrid of an Italian grandmother’s house with a bustling bar. The menu featured customizable meatballs, salads, platters, Jell-O shots, and sangria but lacked a happy hour. The venture faced delays due to D.C.’s permitting process. Meatball Shop CEO Adam Rosenbaum aimed to avoid overwhelming the D.C. market and had considered Georgetown for a second location." - Tierney Plumb