Gillian Clark's General Store Closes Suddenly In Silver Spring

Silver Spring has apparently just lost its go-to fried chicken joint as the General Store shutters its doors over a landlord conflict. Chef Gillian Clark and her business partner Robin Smith posted an announcement on Facebook apologizing for the closure and explaining: "The landlord has not paid his back taxes and the county is taking back the building."

The Washington Post, which spotted the Facebook post first, found a Montgomery County tax record declaring a lien on the property and notes that the General Store owners have had trouble with their landlord even before they opened out in Silver Spring.

The full Facebook announcement:

It's with heavy hearts we're announcing that The General Store is closed. For the entire 4+ years we've been involved with this building we have been bullied by the landlords. The landlord has not paid his back taxes and the county is taking back the building. We want to take this opportunity to thank all of you for being more than just customers. We consider all of you friends.

Eater's call to the restaurant went unanswered, but a voicemail apparently recorded earlier this week says, "Due to unforeseen circumstances, we will be closed Tuesday and Wednesday. Please check back with us for more information. Thank you." Commenters on the Facebook page are expressing remorse — some apparently hoping it's just an early April Fool's Day prank. Doesn't look like it, but let's just hope this doesn't affect Clark's plans for a new venture in NoMa.

· The General Store in Silver Spring is closed? [WaPo]
· All Previous General Store Coverage [-EDC-]

The General Store [Photo: Ned L./Yelp]