WTOP’s Matt Kaufax embarks on a journey to learn about the bizarre, yet true, story of a relatively unknown criminal from D.C.’s past who burst onto the scene in the 1890s, “cutting” his way through the community.
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Do you know the tale of DC’s ‘Jack the Slasher?’
It’s the bizarre, yet true story of a relatively unknown criminal from D.C.’s past who burst on the scene in the 1890s, cutting his way through the region — and striking fear into the hearts of the community.
In today’s episode of “Matt About Town,” we’re going on a journey back to 1893, where attacks first began in D.C.’s Mount Pleasant neighborhood (though it was ultimately Tenleytown where the madman would be caught in 1894).
In this bewildering saga, there’s a twist: “Jack the Slasher” wasn’t actually slashing people. And perhaps that’s the only reason why we do not know his actual name today.
Buckle up for an amusing, true crime, historical deep dive you’ve probably never heard of before, featuring some research assistance from the host of “Best Address,” D.C. realtor Joe Himali.
Hear “Matt About Town” first every Tuesday and Thursday on 103.5 FM!
If you have a story idea you’d like Matt to cover, email him, or chat with him on Instagram and TikTok.
Armand’s Pizza is celebrating 50 years of serving authentic Chicago-style deep-dish pizza, staying true to its original recipes and community spirit.
In the 1970s, Armand’s owner, Lew Newmyer, brought a new style of pizza to D.C. This line of customers was out the door.
(Courtesy Ron Newmyer)
Courtesy Ron Newmyer
Armand’s Chicago Pizzeria on Wisconsin Avenue in Northwest D.C. in 1980.
(Courtesy Ron Newmyer)
Courtesy Ron Newmyer
Chelsea Clinton, the only child of former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, celebrates a friend’s birthday party at Armand’s.
(Courtesy Ron Newmyer)
Courtesy Ron Newmyer
Former Washington player Sonny Jurgensen smokes a cigar at a party catered by Armand’s Pizzeria.
(Courtesy Ron Newmyer)
Courtesy Ron Newmyer
Armand’s Pizzeria introduced Chicago style, deep-dish pizza to the District in 1975.
(Courtesy Ron Newmyer)
Courtesy Ron Newmyer
When you think of pizza in the D.C. area, most people would say they don’t have one favorite over others. There are so many styles, with so many variations and presentations nowadays, that quality and history are often ignored.
However, one name that usually has people saying, “Ah, I remember having their pizza,” is Armand’s, which is celebrating 50 years in the business of serving Chicago-style pizza in the District.
In the 1970s, Armand’s owner, the late Lew Newmyer, had the idea of bringing a new style of pizza to D.C.
“New York or thin crust never entered into the conversation,” said Lew’s son and the business’ current co-owner, Ron Newmyer.
He his dad constantly thought ‘outside-the-pizza-box’ and was determined to bring something different to the D.C. area and he did — Chicago-style deep dish pizza.
Lew Newmyer was originally a liquor salesman, then moved into the food business selling submarine sandwiches. While on a business trip to Chicago, Lew discovered deep-dish pizza and was determined to bring the thick crust and heavy cheese recipe to upper Northwest D.C.
In 1975, Armand’s opened on Wisconsin Avenue in Tenleytown.
“It kind of took off like a rocket. It was exciting and thrilling,” Ron Newmyer said.
Popular dishes included the usual cheese and pepperoni slices, but Armand’s took a chance and succeeded at a veggie pizza and even a spinach and garlic one.
Through the years, the Tenleytown location not only became a popular hangout with area college and high school students, but Kennedy Center actors and former first families visited Armand’s as well.
With a huge smile and gleam in his eyes, Ron Newmyer told WTOP the story of how back in 2009, the restaurant line rang and the U.S. Secret Service called to ask if the Obama family could visit.
“A gentleman introduced himself as a member of the Secret Service and said that Michelle Obama and her daughters were going to be coming in with some friends for a party … and that I should be downstairs to greet them,” he said.
Other notable Tenleytown guests included late President Jimmy Carter’s daughter, Amy Carter, along with professional hockey, basketball and football athletes.
Aside from the who’s who that made Armand’s a D.C. destination, it was Lew Newmyer who was one of the first people to introduce the area to pizza delivery.
Newmyer didn’t just buy a few cars and hire area teenagers to deliver his food. Instead, he bought a fleet of specially designed mini-trucks that were customized for Armand’s and featured built-in heaters to keep the pizzas warm.
“He is a visionary in the senses of business, and he foresaw that pizza delivery was going to be a big thing,” Ron Newmyer said. “He did it in such a big way.”
Now, with a post-COVID environment of inconsistent customer traffic and out of control pricing, Armand’s is still able to stand strong and celebrate 50 years in the restaurant business.
While Armand’s has not changed its pizza or style through the years, the Tenleytown location is long gone. But Armand’s continues to serve loyal, deep-dish customers in Rockville, Maryland.
That’s where customers will find the same mural from Tenleytown featuring Lew Newmyer and his smiling face, overlooking the main dining room as he makes sure every pizza is a winner, just like his longtime business.
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D.C.-based Z-Burger, which plans to double the number of its locations, finds itself in good company with its No. 4 ranking by USA Today’s Readers’ Choice Awards for best regional fast food restaurants.
A double-stacked Z-Burger with all the classic toppings. (Courtesy Z-Burger)
A double-stacked Z-Burger with all the classic toppings. (Courtesy Z-Burger)
D.C.-based Z-Burger, which plans to double the number of its locations, finds itself in good company with its No. 4 ranking by USA Today’s Readers’ Choice Awards for best regional fast food restaurants.
Z-Burger outranked regional burger chain stalwarts, including In-N-Out Burger (No. 8) and Whataburger (No.9). It is the first year Z-Burger has made the USA Today list.
USA Today readers like Z-Burger’s hearty sandwiches, like its bacon cheeseburger and spicy chicken sandwich, and its hand-spun milkshakes with 75 different flavor choices.
“We go to great lengths to make amazing hamburgers, using a special blend of sirloin, chuck, rib eye and brisket, which can’t be beat, and obviously the public agrees,” said Z-Burger founder Peter Tabibian.
The first Z-Burger opened in Northwest D.C.’s Tenleytown in 2008. It now has 12 locations in D.C., the Maryland suburbs and Northern Virginia. Another location opens soon in Towson, Maryland.
Tabibian has plans for as many as 25 new locations, including new restaurants opening soon in Centreville, Manassas, Reston Town Center, and Northeast D.C.’s Trinidad neighborhood.
Topping the Readers’ Choice list for best regional fast food restaurants are Skyline Chili in Ohio, North Carolina’s Biscuitville, and Seattle’s Dick’s Drive-In.
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