Del Frisco's Grille Now Eying the D.C. Suburbs

Del Frisco's Grille won't be content with its single D.C. location. The restaurant and bar is now turning its thoughts towards the suburbs, according to the real estate brokers representing the company.

"We're definitely in the mode to do a few more, not just a couple more," said Bill Miller of Miller Walker Retail Real Estate. No other leases are signed, but Del Frisco's Grille, the company's more casual restaurant (they also have an upscale Double Eagle Steak House that is reportedly opening in the CityCenter development downtown) tends to thrive in areas that have a lot of office development, but aren't totally dead at night. That could mean places like Reston Town Center or Tysons Corner. There needs to be a power lunch business and a happy hour crowd for it to work, Miller said. Maryland and Virginia are both being considered, along with additional D.C. spots, but Virginia has a lot of opportunities for the company.

The first D.C. restaurant of the Dallas chain opened almost a year ago. Each restaurant has a different design and tries to appeal to upscale crowds without being too stuffy. "It's somewhere you can go after work while still wearing a suit and tie," said Miller.
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[Photo: R. Lopez]