Prequel’s Days Appear Numbered, Plus More Intel

The potential shutter

Struggling pop-up venue Prequel is likely closing by the end of January. The Washington Business Journal reports parent company EquityEats is continuing to tweak its model, and the sublease on the venue is up then. The company has shifted away from funding new restaurants and has focused more on expansions and and capital improvements. Prequel was home to a rotating slate of lunch and dinner pop-up events, as well as a cocktail bar called Brick and Mortar. It’s possible the company will retain a small portion of the space after the lease expires. [WBJ]

Deep dive

The Washington Post takes a closer look at how the #PizzaGate controversy, based on a false conspiracy theory surrounding D.C.’s Comet Ping Pong, swirled from unfounded chat room rumors to a man entering a pizza place with a gun. “What brought Welch to the District on a crisp Sunday afternoon in early December was a choking mix of rumor, political nastiness, technological change and the intoxicating thrill that can come from running down a mystery,” it reads. [WaPo]

The temporary shutter

Take a pause on fast-food fried chicken consumption, Atlas District. The Popeyes there is closed for remodeling. In the meantime, perhaps consider these local alternatives instead. [PoP]

Milestones

Celebrity restaurant favorite Cafe Milano has turned 25. Even President Obama marked the milestone. [FB]

Video interlude

Want to take an even deeper dive into the food options at MGM National Harbor Casino? Here’s Eater D.C.’s Tierney Plumb discussing the variety of options there on NBC 4. [NBC4]