The region’s restaurant scene is always changing. And with new openings also come heartbreaking closures. Here are nine recent restaurant closures throughout Northern Virginia.
Bazin’s on Church and Bazin’s Next Door
The Vienna community was crushed when owner Julie Bazin announced the closing of this community staple. For nearly 20 years, the spot on Church Street became a place to gather for an American dish with a contemporary twist. Former Clarity chef Nick Palermo purchased the space and opened Evelyn Rose in its place.
BGR Burger
RTC West saw another restaurant closure this summer. BGR (Burgers Grilled Right) closed its Reston location back in June. The small burger chain served a selection of craft burgers; sides of fries, tater tots, and onion rings; and handspun shakes. The Arlington and Springfield locations remain open.
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Blackfinn Ameripub
Moviegoers needed to find a new pre-movie restaurant after Blackfinn Ameripub — which was located next to the AMC Theaters in Ashburn — closed in May. The pub still has a location in Washington, DC.
El Fuego
The Peruvian restaurant quietly closed late this summer. Founder and chef Manny Alfaro, who was the winner of an episode of Guy’s Grocery Games, started the business as a food truck before moving into the Arlington brick-and-mortar location in 2018.
Farm Truck Pizza & Greens
The Westfields Center restaurant announced its closing in September. It will be transformed into a new “Americana-style” fast casual eatery called Farmside Kitchen. The new concept is set to open in early 2025.
La Sandia
Many shoppers have stopped by the Mexican restaurant for a quick bite after a long shopping trip at Tysons Corner Center. Now they’ll need to find a new spot to satisfy their appetites. The eatery closed on June 23 after deciding not to renew its lease. Expect plenty of changes on that side of the mall, including the new Cheesecake Factory and Maggiano’s Little Italy locations.
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Russia House
After 32 years, the go-to for Russian restaurant had its last service. The closure was announced in June, but diners didn’t have to be sad for too long. Owners Ali and Homeyra Darugar announced the restaurant would transition to French cuisine as La Bonne Vie after July 9.
Sakura Japanese Steak, Seafood & Sushi
Sakura’s Leesburg location served its final meals on October 13. The Hibachi restaurant was known for serving teriyaki chicken, shrimp flambé, rib eye steak, and other surf and turf options. There are still three NoVA locations — Fairfax, Tysons, and Woodbridge — along with a handful throughout Maryland.
Skorpios Maggio’s Family Restaurant
The owners of this family-run business decided to close after being unable to work a deal with the landlord. The original intent was to transfer ownership and management to new owners in order to keep the beloved restaurant open. Two weeks after this initial announcement, the Vienna restaurant let diners know that the deal was not accepted and the restaurant had to close for good.
Clik here to view.
Taim Mediterranean Kitchen
Only four months after opening, the fast-casual Mediterranean restaurant closed its doors for good in Reston. The New York-based chain still operates 13 locations, including one in DC.
The Counter
Another burger place shuttered in Reston. The custom burger joint called it quits at the end of July. Reston Town Center won’t be without burgers for too long as Shake Shack is slated to open in the same location in 2025.
TGI Fridays Leesburg
You won’t be able to enjoy a meal at TGI Fridays after a day of shopping at the Leesburg Premium Outlets. The location officially closed on Tuesday, October 8. The Burn reported that a plan was filed to tear down the building and build a new Chili’s.
Feature image courtesy Bazin’s on Church
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