Business Ins & Outs Sept. 12, 2018

In: Guapo’s Shimmers at Washington Harbour

Guapo’s, the Tex-Mex restaurant chain that began in Tenleytown almost 30 years ago, finally got its Georgetown waterfront spot, its ninth location. Situated in the former Orange Anchor restaurant space at 3050 K St. NW — next to Nick’s Riverside Grill, with Fiola Mare around the side — the new Guapo’s opened on Aug. 27. On the ground level of Washington Harbour, right in front of the fountain/ice rink, the restaurant has 100 seats inside, 16 at the bar and 40 outside on the patio. With the Potomac mere yards away, Guapo’s shimmerswith an ultramodern vibe. Executive chef Nathan Breedlove and sous chef Sergio Galindo are part of the new team, with Elissa Reyna as pastry chef.

Signs Up: French Baguette, Pica Taco

Also coming are French Baguette at the corner of Wisconsin Avenue and S Street and Pica Taco on O Street near the corner of Wisconsin Avenue. From Bethesda, French Baguette has put up its sign at the 1737 Wisconsin Ave. storefront, formerly occupied by Sweet Frog frozen yogurt. The Bethesda-based Fresh Baguette is known for its fresh breads, pastries, sweets and sandwiches. With a spot on Florida Avenue, Pica Taco is a Mexican-American takeout joint, replacing Gtown Bites and, before that, the longtime Georgetown Dinette, at 3206 O St. NW.

Happy 5th, Gypsy Sally’s

The “music venue for serious music lovers who don’t take themselves too seriously,” Gypsy Sally’s at Water and 34th Streets, is ringing in its fifth anniversary this month with rock ‘n’ roll. The Grateful Dead and the Allman Brothers were covered on Sept. 8 at this jam-band venue, started by David and Karen Ensor to help fill the live-music void in the city.

On the Way: Domino’s, Indian Eatery

In other Glover Park news, the word is that Domino’s Pizza will be moving to the same block, opposite the old Whole Foods, and an Indian restaurant will take the place of the old Bruegger’s Bagels.We also hear that Town Hall, a preppy favorite, is shopping for buyers, as is All About Burgers, just down the avenue.

Paolo’s: 1987 to 2018. Georgetowner photo.

Out: Paolo’s Ristorante

A part of the Georgetown dining scene since 1987, Paolo’s Ristorante at 1303 Wisconsin Ave. NW closed its doors for good Aug. 22. Part of Capital Restaurant Concepts, a company co-founded by Paul Cohn and Bechara Nammour in 1984, Paolo’s, while applauded for its happy hour, breadsticks and olive tapenade, pizza and minestrone soup, suffered from mixed reviews by diners and an out-of-date menu. The company tried to revive the establishment but had also closed other Paolo’s restaurants around the region.

Another CRC company restaurant on M Street, Old Glory Barbecue, closed and reopened as José Andrés’s America Eats Tavern. The original J. Paul’s Dining Saloon remains but faces an uncertain future, one restaurant insider told The Georgetowner.

The new eatery expected to move into the former Paolo’s space will reportedly involve Spanish-American cuisine.

In: Wingo’s Spreads Out in Glover Park

Wingo’s is back, bigger than ever — in Glover Park. The original O Street eatery in Georgetown has been closed since a brutal fire on June 26, which mercifully didn’t involve any injuries. Staff had been receiving half their salaries, according to owner Mike Arthur.The Glover Park Wingo’s, at 2218 Wisconsin Ave. NW, opened Sept. 3 and is able to employ all of the O Street workers and then some. In the former Mad Fox Taproom, the 5,000-square-foot new digs, complete with flat-screen TVs, is a perfect football-watching venue.The 18-year-old Wingo’s on O will reopen in November or December, says Arthur, and will keep its cozy takeout vibe. The Glover Park restaurant is a traditional diner, focusing on the Wingo’s signature items — burgers, fried chicken and hot dogs — but also serving alcohol. Arthur plans to offer brunch on Friday, Saturday and Sunday later this fall (we’re already excited about the bloody marys and waffles). What’s more, an Adams Morgan Wingo’s is coming in January of next year.