The Hot Shoppe is no longer at the intersection of East West Highway and Wisconsin Avenue, but its memory lives on in the hearts of Bethesda and Chevy Chase natives. Just a few blocks from Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School and a short stroll from the townhouses at Kenwood Forest, Hot Shoppe was always there for a hamburger or a hot fudge ice cream cake.
The Hot Shoppe chain, established by a young Bill and Allie Marriott long before they became a national hotel brand, began in 1927 when the Marriotts were operating an A & W root beer stand in DC at 3218 14th Street.
As the weather turned cool, they began to think about what their next steps would be to attract customers. They decided to add "hot" food to their root beer stand, tamales and chili, and called their new venture, Hot Shoppe! The Marriotts venture was successful and they soon opened additional stores, including one at Gallatin and Georgia Avenue. The one at Georgia Avenue was the first drive in restaurant on the East Coast with curbside service.
By the 1930s Hot Shoppes were a part of the Washington landscape, particularly popular with teenagers!
The Hot Shoppes were known for their Mighty Mo hamburgers, strawberry pie, hot fudge ice cream cake, and good coffee!
Did you know that by 1937, the Marriotts were providing box lunches for airline passengers departing from Hoover Field (which is now known as Reagan Airport). From simple beginnings, one of the largest airline catering companies in the world was born!
By the late 1980s, Hot Shoppes decided to leave the field of fast food companies. Marriott began closing 
down the Hot Shoppes until only one was left in Marlow Heights. That restaurant closed in 1999.
The Hot Shopppe at Wisconsn and East West Highway was a wonderful part of old Bethesda that seemed like it would always be there! Then suddenly one day, it was gone, replaced by a Roy Rogers and then, suddenly, that was gone too! The Dart Drug next door disappeared too along with the Crown Books store. The whole corner turned into a big construction site, and then suddenly, there was a huge building, the Bethesda headquarters of Capital One.
Bethesda has moved onto the next stage of its civic existence. It is still a wonderful place to live - just different than it used to be. If you are relocating to Bethesda or Kenwood Forest, and need to find a home, give the Lise Howe Group a call at 240-401-5577! We are the local realtors who know all about the best neighborhoods for your wants and needs. We are the ones who can share with you the history of Bethesda and where its going! We are the ones who will help you settle into Bethesda and Chevy Chase, Kenwood Forest and all its other neighborhoods. Put us to work for you!
To start your search for your new home, here are some choices:
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