Having already introduced its brand of sauce-covered gyros and bowls to the NoVa ‘burbs, New York-born The Halal Guys is stepping up its campaign to dominate the fast-food market by opening two stores in D.C. today. The doors are expected to officially swing open this morning in Dupont Circle (1331 Connecticut Avenue NW) and in the Atlas District (814 H Street NE), with team HG promising one free platter of the signature fare to the first 1,000 customers in line.
Halal Guys already has a handful of shops in neighboring Virginia (Fairfax, Springfield, Vienna). It joins a local marketplace populated by home-grown competitors including brick-and-mortar operators Cava Grill and Amsterdam Falafelshop, as well as a number of halal-themed food trucks.
Opening Report
Newcomer Capo Italian Deli plans to introduce itself to the residents of its adopted home in Shaw (715 Florida Avenue NW) on Wednesday, May 24 by offering up half-priced subs from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m for its grand opening.
The sandwich shop is projected to serve both signature subs (think: meatball Parmigiana, sausage and peppers) and build-your-own options, as well as house-made mains (baked ziti, stuffed shells, eggplant rollatini). Whether it peels off business from neighboring hoagie-slinger Taylor Gourmet or iconic Italian grocery A. Litteri remains to be seen.
Expansions
Choolah, the Indian barbecue spot that set up shop in Fairfax, Va., earlier this year is looking to double its presence in the immediate area, prepping a second location in Sterling, Va, that’s scheduled to open on June 2.