The owner of Kaldi’s Social House will take over the space at 8113 Georgia Ave. currently occupied by Pacci’s Pizzeria and turn it into a restaurant with an American-themed menu.

“The first thing we’re going to do is expand the size,” said Tsega Hailemariam. Plans include enclosing the current patio space and adding an enclosed rooftop space similar to Kaldi’s.

Hailemariam will tap into the local brewing culture to supply beers for about 50-60 taps, he said, targeting a happy hour crowd as well as dinner patrons.

“We are working with a consultant to change the whole menu,” he added, noting that he won’t be serving lunch at the new restaurant.

“We tried it at Kaldi’s,” Hailemariam continued. “You don’t see many office workers in the area and the number of people coming to have a lunch—it’s not that much.”

There will be pizza on the menu, he added, but they won’t be using the wood-fired oven like Pacci’s does for its Neapolitan-style pizza.

Hailemariam said he would take over the location on July 1. His construction plans are going through the planning process now. He anticipates that he’ll get approval from the county in six to eight weeks and start work at the end of August, with an eye to opening by the end of the year.

Earlier reports noted that Pacci’s owner, Spiro Gioldasis, had purchased a former wine bar at 106 13th St. S.E., in the Capitol Hill area, and would open a restaurant modeled on Pacci’s Trattoria in Forest Glen, which is expected to continue operations.

Renderings courtesy Tsega Hailemariam. Click on images below to enlarge.