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A Deep-dish Favorite Of Obama Closes Its Last Area Location

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The Chicago combo pizza at Armand's Chicago Pizzeria is loaded with pepperoni, sausage, mushroom, green pepper, and onion. | Deb Lindsey/the Washington Post via Getty Images

This is Eater’s guide to all the D.C. restaurants, bars, and cafes closing this month. If a restaurant or bar has closed in your neighborhood, let us know at dc@eater.com.


Georgetown: As first reported in Eater’s Monday newsletter, Kafe Leopold — the all-day Austrian darling tucked in the depths of Cady’s Alley since 2005 — closes on Father’s Day (Sunday, June 21). Turning 21 symbolizes a “magical benchmark,” per a statement, and “we believe we accomplished what we had always imagined.” The bright-white restaurant with modern art and a patio is known for its beautifully plated European dishes like crispy chicken, smoked trout salad, and potato-artichoke soup. “We are ready to hang up our aprons to embark on the next life journey,” per the team. 3315 Cady’s Alley NW

Potomac, Maryland: After 35 years of serving countless scoops, women-owned Sprinkles will shut down at the end of June. The sweets shop, located in the Potomac Place Shopping Center since 1989, announced the “end of an era” on its social channels at the end of May, blaming “constantly rising costs and declining business conditions” as cause for the closure. Along with its ice cream, the small business supplied lots of waffles, coffee, baked goods, and corporate gift baskets over its decades-long run. Its retail center is also home to a newer Duke’s Grocery and is gearing up to welcome Italian restaurant Maurizio’s this summer. 10148 River Road, Potomac, Maryland

Rockville, Maryland: After a valiant half-century run, legendary Armand’s Pizzeria & Grille will serve its last pie on Saturday, June 20. A lengthy closing statement on Instagram pointed to financial issues and stressors on small, locally owned business. “While this chapter is coming to an end, we leave with a heart full of gratitude,” adds the owners. The family-owned franchise of Armand’s Chicago Pizzeria, founded by the late Lew Newmyer in 1975, debuted its first area location in Tenleytown (which closed in 2012). More recently, a Silver Spring locale closed in 2018. At its height, there were 14 Armand’s Pizzerias across D.C., Maryland and Virginia, per NBC4, which did a deep dive on its legacy last July when the brand turned 50. The current co-owner (and Lew’s son) Ron Newmyer confirmed then-President Barack Obama and his family — who obviously have a discerning taste for Chicago deep-dish pies — were fans. Even a fellow Maryland-based pie competitor offered its condolences: “This is terrible news,” commented Ledo Pizza on Instagram. “Good Luck on your next chapter friends.” Armand’s also claims the rights to being the first spot in the area to do delivery; auction house Rasmus is selling off its equipment through Friday, June 26 — which includes its vintage 1986 Toyota delivery truck. 190 Halpine Rd, Rockville, Maryland