Timber Pizza, a popular wood-fired pizza chain originating from Washington, D.C., is set to expand its presence in Maryland with plans for new restaurants in Chevy Chase and Bethesda. This move comes at a time when many major pizza chains are reducing their number of locations, highlighting Timber’s commitment to growth in Montgomery County through a partnership with a local franchise team.
The announcement was made on October 6, 2026, detailing a two-restaurant agreement. The franchise will be operated by husband-and-wife duo Kyle and Carolyn McDonnell, who are currently in the process of identifying suitable locations for their new eateries. As of now, specific addresses and opening dates have not been disclosed.
Targeting Local Communities
Chevy Chase and Bethesda are both located in Montgomery County, just outside of the nation’s capital. Timber Pizza is familiar with these markets, as it already serves customers in the area through its existing restaurants, catering services, and mobile pizza trucks.
This new agreement specifically outlines the development of two restaurants in Maryland, but it does not include a grand opening announcement. The McDonnells will collaborate with Timber’s development team and real estate partners to finalize locations before any construction or opening timelines are established.
For pizza enthusiasts in the area, the timeline for the openings remains uncertain, as no specific shopping centers or storefronts have been identified yet, nor has an order for the openings been announced.
Meet the Franchise Owners
Carolyn McDonnell has roots in Kensington, providing the couple with a personal connection to the communities they aim to serve. Kyle McDonnell brings valuable business experience, having worked in the hotel industry and co-owning Old Line Golf Club in Annapolis.
The couple’s journey with Timber Pizza began when the restaurant catered the grand opening of the golf club several years ago, leading to their eventual partnership with the franchise.
Chris Brady, co-founder and president of Timber Pizza, emphasized the importance of having operators who understand their neighborhoods and can transform the restaurants into community gathering spots rather than just adding new locations.
From Food Truck to Regional Chain
Timber Pizza was founded in 2014 by Andrew Dana and Chris Brady, starting with a pizza oven and a vintage 1967 Chevrolet pickup truck. Since then, the business has evolved from a mobile operation into a regional chain while still catering events and operating pizza trucks.
The menu features a variety of wood-fired pizzas with creative toppings. Timber currently has locations in Annapolis and Edgewater, along with several others in the Washington area and the Carolinas.
This latest agreement is part of Timber’s broader goal to reach 15 locations by the end of 2027, which is separate from the two new restaurants planned for Montgomery County, both of which still lack confirmed opening dates.
What’s Next for Timber Pizza?
As of now, the immediate focus is on selecting sites for the new restaurants. Local residents in Chevy Chase and Bethesda can expect more information regarding specific addresses, construction plans, and grand-opening dates once the McDonnells finalize their locations.
While the wood-fired ovens have yet to be installed, Timber Pizza has clearly marked its intentions for growth in these communities.
