Pines of Rome owner Marco Troino said Tuesday night he has bought the former Japanese restaurant Matuba at 4918 Cordell Ave. in Bethesda.
He did not confirm whether he planned to move the Italian restaurant from its home of more than 40 years on Hampden lane to the Cordell Avenue property and said it could take a few months before he completes plans on his next step.
Douglas Development Corp. purchased the Pines of Rome site at 4709 Hampden Lane, Bethesda, in 2014. In June 2015, Douglas’ attorney testified before the Montgomery County Planning Board that the company was seeking to put a high-rise on the property.
Matuba had been a staple for sushi and noodles in the Woodmont Triangle for 37 years until it closed in July.