Bob's Soup Dumplings & Bar is aiming to open in November at 7776 Norfolk Ave. in Bethesda's Woodmont Triangle, co-owner William La said in an interview first reported by Bethesda Magazine.

Most major construction and renovation work is complete at the former Anthony's Coal Fired Pizza & Wings space, La said. The restaurant is now waiting on county inspections and permit approvals.

"We're close," La told the magazine. "We're closer than we've ever been."

La is also co-owner of Bob's Shanghai 66 in Rockville, the soup dumpling restaurant that won best Chinese restaurant in Bethesda Magazine's Best of Bethesda 2025 Readers' Picks. He and business partner Jing Yao "Jay" Wang joined the Bethesda project in February. La said Bob's Shanghai 66 had always wanted to open a second location in the heart of Bethesda.

The Norfolk Avenue space originally posted signage reading "Bob's Shanghai" in November 2025, sparking confusion over whether it was tied to the Rockville restaurant. Bob's Shanghai 66 said at the time it was not affiliated. The word "Shanghai" on the signs was later covered with white tape. La told Bethesda Magazine he and Wang initially told the Bethesda team it was not "cool" to copy the name. The Bethesda operators then invited them to join the venture, and La has led the buildout since February.

The menu will be about 80% similar to the Rockville location's lineup of soup dumplings, noodle and rice dishes, and Shanghainese small plates, according to La. The remaining 20% will feature new appetizers and dishes built for bar-side eating. The Rockville restaurant does not have a bar. The Bethesda location's bar seats more than 15.

La said he is already training the new restaurant's chefs at the Rockville location.

While waiting for inspections, La has been cleaning up construction dust and keeping the restaurant's doors open so passersby know the eatery is on the way. Nearby restaurants in Woodmont Triangle include Medium Rare, Call Your Mother, Jetties and others.

"Our specialty is not construction. Our specialty is running a restaurant, making food," La told the magazine. "I hope people enjoy it."

The restaurant still needs final county approvals before setting a firm opening date.