Business Ins & Outs: Rí Rá, Chase, Rothy’s, Lutèce by Bonaparte
By • December 18, 2019 0 861
RE-BRANDED: CAFE BONAPARTE IS NOW LUTÈCE BY BONAPARTE
Serving Georgetown since 2003, Cafe Bonaparte at 1522 Wisconsin Ave. NW reopened as Lutèce by Bonaparte on Dec. 12 with a new look, new menu and new chef, Martin Senoville. According to the Popal Group, which also owns the Berliner at the Georgetown waterfront and Lapis in Adams Morgan: “Straight from the city of light, the 32-year-old chef will make his debut onto the American dining scene. Hailing from a family of chefs, Senoville began working in Paris kitchens at the age of 18. Senoville’s menu will include tried-and-true classics and innovative takes on French fare, featuring dishes like pan-fried foie gras, lobster french toast and for the herbivore-inclined, vegetable barley bowl.”
OUT: RÍ RÁ
Rí Rá, which opened on Dec. 30, 2013, at 3125 M St. NW, the former space of Mie N Yu and, before that, Hamburger Hamlet, announced that it would close at the end of January. Meaning “the king of good times,” Rí Rá is a popular Irish pub that offers live music. One of its centerpieces is a statue of St. Patrick, Ireland’s patron saint.
MOVING: ARTIST’S PROOF
Last week, Artist’s Proof owner Peggy Sparks told her clients and friends: “After seven years in Georgetown, the gallery will be relocating to Bethesda, Maryland, in the new year. Your support has been integral to our success, and we hope to continue to assist you with your art needs. In the meantime, it’s full steam ahead with our featured artist and their works on our website and upcoming shows at the W Hotel and various commercial spaces in the District!” The gallery, previously located in Cady’s Alley, opened at 1533 Wisconsin Ave. NW in 2014.
IN: CHASE BRANCH AT WISCONSIN AND P
On Dec. 10, another bank opened in a building that once housed a classic Georgetown business, beloved by residents and seen in movies. JPMorgan Chase will hang out another Georgetown shingle at Wisconsin Avenue and P Street. The property, at 3217 P St. NW, comes with a parking lot. Across from the Thomas Sweet ice cream parlor, the building housed the famed Neam’s Market for decades. Marvelous Market opened there in 2000 and closed in April of 2014. Except for the occasional pop-up store, the building has been empty for more than five years. (There’s another Chase branch opening near Wisconsin and M, next to the Capital One Cafe.)
IN: ROTHY’S ON M
A Meghan Markle favorite, Rothy’s shoes exude hip style and ecological sensitivity. The store opened at 3068 M St. NW on Dec. 16, announcing: “At Rothy’s, we create beautiful, comfortable, washable shoes — sustainably. To date, we’ve transformed over 30 million plastic water bottles into stylish f lats … Our owned and operated factory in Dongguan, China, sets the standard for sustainable, responsible manufacturing. Continually striving for zero waste, we combine the best of 3D knitting technology and handcrafted assembly to create our signature style and comfort.” Time’s Person of the Year Greta Thunberg just might want a pair.
Rothy’s, a Meghan Markle favorite.
