Georgetown Standby Wingo’s Vows to Rebuild After Fire

Wingo’s, the nearly 20-year-old carryout that bathes its coveted chicken wings in two dozen sauces and invites customers to toss beaded necklaces into a neighboring tree, says it fully intends to come back from a two-alarm blaze that took several hours to bring under control.

“Unfortunately, we must close for now, but we are working to re-open as soon as possible!” management wrote on social media. The two-story restaurant sustained significant damage on June 26 when an accidental fire that started in the kitchen spread throughout the collegiate favorite (3207 O Street NW). The fire also damaged neighboring florist shop, English Rose Garden.

Wingo’s management did not provide a specific timetable for when the original shop might return, or address whether the rebuilding effort would affect plans to open a second location in Glover Park. “We promise to come back stronger than ever before!” management assured supporters on social media.

Meanwhile, a former Wingo’s employee is fundraising online for restaurant staff who are out of work during the rebuilding process. The campaign’s goal is to collect $25,000 for the two dozen employees affected by the temporary closure.

Wingo’s joins other iconic D.C. restaurants that have been sidelined by fires, including the flagship Mandu and recently relocated Zenebech.

• Wingo’s Has Burned. Georgetown Mourns. [Washingtonian]
• Our Town: Our Wingo’s [Georgetown Metropolitan]