20 restaurants — and not a single national chain — planned for Wharf
https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/food/at-least-20-restaurants--and-not-a-single-national-chain--planned-for-wharf/2016/03/10/711146ee-e4f9-11e5-b0fd-073d5930a7b7_story.html
The first eight restaurants and bars that will open in the multibillion-dollar Wharf project on the Southwest Waterfront all have roots in the District, the companies behind the project announced on Friday.
That includes new concepts by D.C. chefs Fabio Trabocchi and Mike Isabella as well as new locations of established brands such as Taylor Gourmet, Rappahannock Oyster Bar, Dolcezza Gelato and Hanks Oyster Bar. Theres even a rum distillery and bar courtesy of Todd Thrasher, the trailblazing mixologist at Restaurant Eve and PX in Alexandria.
What wont be found at the $2 billion Wharf? The same restaurants and watering holes found in just about every other city in America. We have no national chains coming into the Wharf, says Monty Hoffman, chief executive of developer PN Hoffman.
Both PN Hoffman and Madison Marquette, developers of the mile-long Wharf on the Washington Channel, want a project with a distinctly D.C. fingerprint, says Hoffman. That doesnt necessarily mean every restaurant and bar will be owned and operated by Washingtonians. Some out-of-town eateries may be announced later. But it does mean these places collectively will become a destination unique to the District when the first ones open in October 2017. All told, the developers expect to attract 20 to 22 restaurants and bars.
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