Ripple Is Closing on June 24

Critically acclaimed new American restaurant Ripple is closing later this month, bowing out of the tumultuous Cleveland Park dining scene due to what management says is “the reality of a slowing business.”

Restaurateur Dean Gold shuttered Dino in 2013 due to similar financial constraints. He’s since reemerged in Shaw with Dino’s Grotto. James Beard Award-winning chef Frank Ruta pulled the plug on fan favorite Palena a year later; he’s again drawing crowds — and high praise — downtown at upscale French restaurant Mirabelle.

A hostess at seasonally inspired Ripple — which has in recent years been helmed by chef Ryan Ratino, a nominee for “Rising Culinary Star of the Year” at this year’s RAMMY Awards, and Top Chef alum turned Smoked & Stacked founder Marjorie Meek-Bradley — said that a blast about the impending closure was delivered to OpenTable reservation holders late June 8.

“It is with great sadness that we will closing Ripple later this month,” reads the message from management. “Despite a great sense of pride and accomplishment for everything that our team has achieved over the last seven years, the reality of a slowing business means we will no longer be able to serve our guests in Cleveland Park.”

The farewell note mentions the restaurant’s recent inclusion in the Washington Post’s Spring Dining Guide as a high point, but warns that plaudits don’t pay the rent. “Unfortunately, our reviews and recent acclaim have not translated to the bottom line,” the message says.

Ripple is expected to remain open through dinner on Saturday, June 24.

Update: Ratino tells Eater he’s planning on staying in the area. Up next: “An R&D trip in Europe starting soon,” he says.