IN JULY OF 2003 matchbox opened its first location and quickly became known for wood-fired pizzas, mini burgers, fresh salads and chef-inspired entrées, like pan-seared sea bass and oven-roasted filet mignon. We like to call it elevated American bistro fare, crafted from high quality ingredients with a chef at the helm in every kitchen. By the end of our founding year, matchbox had become a neighborhood fixture and earned the honor of Washington, DC’s “Best New Restaurant” of 2003 by the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington (RAMW). Eighteen years later, matchbox has grown to eleven restaurants in Washington DC, Maryland, Virginia and Florida (Sawgrass Mills). We’ve been successful over the years because we’ve stayed true to our original beliefs and continue to be inspired by creating friendly, high energy gathering places with delicious food and drinks that bring people together.