$27 could get you a seven-ounce sirloin with a sauce, salad, and bottomless fries at Frenchy’s Naturel. But that deal wasn’t enough to keep the Eatwell DC restaurant in Logan Circle in business. Restaurant group owner David Winer confirms the restaurant’s last day of service will be this Sunday, July 28.
Frenchy’s was Winer’s second try at operating a restaurant in the space at 1337 11th St. NW. The bistro serving French classics opened in January, replacing The Bird, which debuted in 2016. The Bird was known for serving poultry of all sorts and “Moscow Mueller” drink specials. Both iterations were most successful at brunch.
Winer says he’s walking away from the building for good instead of trying a third time. “I think I’m concepted out of that corner,” he says. “It was a tough corner to begin with.”
The restaurateur struggles to pinpoint one single reason for the closure, but believes various chef changes impacted the consistency of the food. “Ultimately we didn’t do a good enough job and that’s the reality,” Winer says. He notes that diners have “many more choices” now than when The Bird opened back in 2016.
“It’s good for the dining public, but harder for restauranteurs,” Winer continues. “Our jobs are to execute. If we’re not doing it at the top of our game, then I guess we get punished.”
No critic gave Frenchy’s Naturel a starred review during its six months in business, but the Post published a “First Bite” that mostly dinged the restaurant on service.
Frenchy’s will thank its customers by offering 25 percent off through the restaurant’s final week. The restaurant will be open for dinner through Friday, brunch and dinner on Saturday, and just brunch on Sunday.
Eatwell DC is also behind other restaurants in the neighborhood including Commissary, Logan Tavern, and The Pig.
Frenchy’s Naturel, 1337 11th St NW; (202) 518-3609; frenchysnaturel.com