California Tortilla's Move to New Bethesda Location Postponed to Oct. 2

Patch recently reported that California Tortilla was moving its first-ever location at 4862 Cordell Ave. (opened in 1995) to the space formerly occupied by Cesco Trattoria at 4871 Cordell Ave.

In that article, founder Pam Felix described the new space as "a better location, a much bigger location. We're going to have wifi, beer, booths, a huge patio—we’re so excited."

This afternoon, Felix told Patch that "a lot of last-minute things came up, and we have a few more things to finish." She said that the opening was now looking like Oct. 2.

California Tortilla, known for its fun and unique promotions, explored a number of options for the new location.

"I looked into doing a conga line from one location to another, but the logistics were just too much," said Felix.

She described the Oct. 2 date as more of a soft opening, and the Grand Opening would happen about a week later, and feature free burritos and soda, giveaways, contests (some involving the game Rock, Paper, Scissors) and possible partnerships with other merchants.

When asked to look back on the past 17 years, Felix said, "I never thought it would go more than one location when we opened the original Bethesda one."

California Tortilla now boasts 34 locations in four states and the District of Columbia.

"We're hoping to make this corner of Bethesda a beacon around the holidays—serving hot chcocolate on the patio, partnering with our business neighbors who are very promotionally oriented, and maybe even doing some streetscaping," Felix said.