District Eatz opened three blocks from the Capital One Arena on June 1, 2020. According to co-owner Kamal Azzouz, the pandemic hasn’t prevented customers from flooding the restaurant in search of acai bowls, waffles and mac-and-cheese. In fact, the business has done so well that he and brothers Joseph and Anthony have partnered with the local Kuzemka family to open a second location in Clifton on March 22.
But don’t expect a carbon copy of the DC restaurant. “Every District Eatz is unique in its own way,” says Azzouz. He knows the community well. He and his brothers are all graduates of the nearby Centreville High School. Because of that proximity, Azzouz says that the restaurant will cater to students and their families. One wall even features a mural of the Centreville mascot, the Wildcat, holding one of the restaurant’s bowls. Six large TVs will screen Centreville games so the community can watch with a glass of wine or a local craft brew.
The menu is aimed at fun foods, both healthy and decidedly indulgent. Mac-and-cheese is available with toppings including Buffalo chicken, teriyaki chicken, brisket and lobster. Homemade waffles and acai bowls are also served myriad ways. The latter category include a Wildcat Bowl that’s as blue as the mascot itself.
Azzouz also expects that ice cream will be a draw. It comes from local wholesaler Cream Cruiser. Treats include not just ice cream and sorbets but also sorbet and acai push pops.
For those who still aren’t ready to venture out, Azzouz says that District Eatz will be partnering with all the major delivery apps. // 5720 Union Mill Rd., Ste. 7, Clifton
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