New pizza and sandwich cafe to replace Little Beast in Reston

A new cafe is on its way to RTC West in Reston.

Kook Dogg Cafe, a new concept, will sell delicatessen sandwiches, toasted hot subs, salads and fresh pizzas, along with a selection of craft beers. It’s slated to take over space at 12100 Sunset Hills Road that was vacated last year by Little Beast Cafe and Bistro.

The incoming tenant was first reported by The Burn, which noted that a “coming soon” banner has been draped on the storefront.

The restaurant was established in 2021 by chef Paul Huckler, a Northern Virginia native, for the “sole purpose” of opening and operating a “neighborhood” specialty sandwich and pizza restaurant, according to company business materials.

After exploring restaurant sites, Kuchler settled on the Reston Town Center area for a flagship restaurant. 

The business has four partners: Kuchler and his wife Noel, along with Walter Hodges and his wife Karen.

“We are currently renovating the space and plan to open in early April of 2024,” Hodges told FFXnow.

Hodges said the decision to sign a lease at RTC West was an easy one. 

“The location has high visibility, easy access, free parking and pleasant surroundings.  The location is well sited to serve the Reston residential community as well as a thriving business community which we hope to feed regularly either through our catering business or for a relaxing after-work beer or cocktail,” he said.

Little Beast Cafe and Bistro and Red Velvet Cupcakery closed their RTC West locations at the end of 2023. They can still be found in D.C.’s Chevy Chase neighborhood at 5600 Connecticut Avenue NW.