The D.C. area is witnessing a series of notable restaurant and bar closures, as various establishments bid farewell amid changing circumstances.
In Bethesda, Maryland, Josephine GF, a gluten-free and vegan bakery, has announced it will close its doors on Thursday, July 31. The bakery, which has been a fixture in the Woodmont Triangle neighborhood for nearly three years, stated on social media that its lease is not being renewed. During its relatively brief existence, Josephine GF gained recognition for serving a diverse clientele, including those with celiac disease and other customers. The bakery became particularly well-known for its sweet-and-savory waffles, bread loaves, cookies, brownies, and baguette sandwiches. The team behind Josephine GF is actively seeking a new location and is considering options like franchising or commercializing its proprietary gluten-free flour mixes.
Columbia Heights has also seen a recent closure with the farewell of Cinco Soles, a vibrant Mexican restaurant. The establishment, under the direction of Salvadoran chef-owner Mauricio Arias, celebrated its two-year anniversary by hosting a farewell party on Monday, July 14. Once featured on the Eater 38 list, Cinco Soles transformed its location from the Italian eatery Ossobuco into a colorful destination known for its ceviches, al pastor tacos, mahi mahi tostadas, churros, bright salads, and spicy margaritas. Chef Arias will continue to operate El Rinconcito Café and Tortino in Shaw.
In Cathedral Heights, the Italian restaurant Talea Ristorante shut down unexpectedly after just a year of operation. Known for its ricotta gnocchi, branzino, and lobster diavolo, Talea Ristorante was a recent addition to the neighborhood, having opened in June of the previous year in the former Cafe Deluxe space. A liquidation sale was announced just last week, indicating a sudden end to the restaurant’s journey in the area.
Chinatown has lost a cherished institution with the closure of Full Kee, which had served the community for 40 years, offering Hong Kong-style soups, lo mein, and lunch specials. The restaurant was forced to vacate its location on Tuesday, July 1, due to the development of a new high-end commercial building. The Gallery Place-Chinatown Task Force, established to protect the neighborhood’s character and legacy Asian restaurants, expressed its concern over the closure, stating that the loss of such establishments damages the community’s story. They urged city officials to take action to preserve long-standing small businesses in the face of luxury development.
Woodbridge, Virginia, will soon bid farewell to Brew Republic Bierwerks, which will serve its last beer on Sunday, July 27, following nearly a decade of operation. The brewery’s management alleged that their landlord is forcing them out, leading to the difficult decision to close. Citing high relocation costs and the overall struggle of the brewery and restaurant industries, Brew Republic will host a weekend closing party filled with karaoke and live bands from past years to celebrate its community impact. The brewery was co-founded by former state Del. Jeffrey Frederick and developed a loyal following during its time, thanks to its award-winning ales and lagers brewed on-site and events that included comedy and trivia nights.
As these beloved establishments close their doors, the D.C. area is reminded of the ever-changing landscape of the restaurant scene, highlighting the importance of community support for local businesses.
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