With Restaurant Growth in Petworth, There Have Been Losses as Well

It's been an up-and-down year for restaurants in the neighborhood of Petworth. Even though several notable places have debuted, including Slim's Diner, Timber Pizza Company, and The Twisted Horn (among others), there have been some significant shutters as well. News of Chez Billy's closing this week is one of several losses for the neighborhood. Here's a rundown of the closures that have affected the neighborhood this year:

April 2016: Crane & Turtle shutters. The ambitious restaurant's closing was due to circumstances — its chefs were relocating to New York, and the owners were reluctant to carry on the concept without them. The place has been temporarily replaced with Cappy's Crabs for the summer.

April 2016: On the Petworth/Columbia Heights border, El Sol revealed it would be closing its original location (it has since been replaced by International Cafe). They will open a new restaurant, though, called Mezcalero Cocina Mexicana, at 3714 14th St. NW down the street.

July 2016: Neighborhood pioneer Domku says goodbye. The restaurant had operated for more than 11 years in the neighborhood; the owner was unable to cope with a major rent increase proposed by the landlord.

August 2016: The original Chez Billy closes its doors. Its future remains a bit of a mystery — after originally saying it was closing for renovations, ownership later made statements indicating it will be replaced with a new concept of some sort. Georgetown spinoff Chez Billy Sud and its affiliated wine bar Bar a Vin will remain open.