Blotto, the beloved Capitol Hill pizzeria and corner market, will be bidding farewell to its customers on Saturday, December 30, as it permanently shuts its doors. Co-owners Jordan Koplowitz and Cal Hoffmann have confirmed that the decision to close was triggered by their landlord's plans to sell the building, although it had been under consideration for some time.

Hoffmann revealed, "We've always known there would be a decision point of some sort. When we found out the building was being sold... it just made sense that this would be the time that we end the project." Their aim is to move on to new ventures on their own terms, free from the uncertainties of a landlord's whims.

Blotto has gained significant popularity since its inception as a pop-up in July 2020. The eatery quickly established itself as a must-try destination, with its pizza offerings carefully crafted to shun any allegiance to a specific regional style. The pizzas, famed for their perfect crispness and delectable topping combinations, have often enticed customers to endure long lines for a slice of Blotto's finest.

Koplowitz and Hoffmann embarked on their brick-and-mortar establishment in June 2021, during the throes of a historic heat wave. Despite battling the challenges of getting their operation up and running, such as dealing with dough over-fermentation due to scorching temperatures exceeding 108 degrees, Blotto persevered. The dedication of their loyal customer base and the warm embrace of the neighborhood have been particularly meaningful to the co-owners.

In keeping with their commitment to regular patrons, Koplowitz and Hoffmann chose to delay the announcement of their closure, in order to maintain a sense of normalcy before bidding their final farewell. They wanted to ensure that their most devoted customers had every opportunity to savor their favorite Blotto creations one last time.

As for the future, Koplowitz and Hoffman have yet to solidify their plans beyond taking some well-deserved time off at the start of the new year. Hoffmann expressed excitement at the prospect of simply preparing a meal for himself, stating, "I can't wait to just cook dinner. It sounds so simple, but I'm excited to wake up on a Friday morning and know that I'm going to spend my night making food for myself."

Although Blotto may be closing its doors, its legacy will live on through the memories and taste buds of its loyal patrons. As for Koplowitz and Hoffmann, their undeniable talent and passion for culinary excellence are bound to resurface, with whispers of a pop-up appearance by their core team in the not-too-distant future.

Seattle's food scene bids a bittersweet farewell to Blotto, a pizzeria and market that has left an indelible mark on the city's culinary landscape.