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A budding fast-casual chain that presents itself as a best friend to farmers is planting its first D.C. location for veggie and/or rice bowls in Georgetown. Washington Business Journal reports that New York-based Dig (nee Dig Inn) is opening a a 1,500-square-foot store in the uninhabited portion of the former Paolo’s space at the corner of Wisconsin Avenue NW and N Street NW. Latin-leaning brasserie High Street Cafe has occupied the other part of the building (1303 Wisconsin Avenue NW) for nearly a year.
Dig sells seasonal bowls featuring produce it buys direct from farmers. Some bowls come with meats like charred chicken thighs, meatballs in tomato ragu, or grilled Alaskan salmon. A long list of sides — think garlic-Parmesan cauliflower, charred Brussels sprouts, roasted sweet potatoes, or mac and cheese — can be bundled into pick-three bowls.
WBJ reports that Dig has 32 locations, most of which are in Manhattan. There are four Dig stores in Boston, and it’s also planning an expansion to Chicago. Shake Shack mogul Danny Meyer pledged to invest $15 million in Dig through his Enlightened Hospitality Investments fund in April. Eater NY has described Dig as both a popular lunch spot and a “lunch slop chain.”
Dig’s website says that “mindful sourcing is our bread and butter” in a lengthy mission statement that highlights a commitment to rewarding growers who are working toward a USDA organic certification. Dig also has its own farm in Orange County, New York, and has a goal to support minority growers, including people of color and queer and female farmers.
Although Dig doesn’t sell salads, its big idea sounds awfully similar to Sweetgreen. The D.C. area is getting a Dig and already has a DIRT, so what’s next? Probably a root vegetable-only counter called Soil.
