[BlueStarAirlines]

I worked in Crystal City for 15+ years. You are spot on regarding the restaurants and regularly saw them open and close.

[charlie1]

Originally Posted by G.R.I.T.S.

The theater closed and apparently golfers weren’t enough to keep Tierra del Sol restaurant going. The same group also ran Fenney. Just not profitable enough for the operator.

If you ever noticed, the developer almost always owns the restaurants in the clubs initially and sells until they release them to a restaurateur. The developer stilled owned Tierra Del Sol and initially Fenney. A couple of years ago, the developer basically got out of the restaurant business as they found new owners for the Sawgrass Tavern, The Kitchen in Sawgrass, and Boosters. They leased the Sawgrass Tavern and The Kitchen in Sawgrass to FMK, and Boosters to Sulieman. They also leased the Fenney Grill to the then Manager and another person, not sure who. That left them with only Tierra Del Sol as a restaurant they still managed. I am sure they had been looking since day 1 to find a real operator for Tierra Del Sol also! The justifying reason to keeping Tierra Del Sol was they did most of the catering for the developer and the Rec Centers. Once the theater moved out, it was probably hard to justify keeping it open and after years of trying to re-lease the restaurant, they probably gave up! Also, if you noticed, other catering services have started over the last couple of years in competition with Tierra Del Sol.

All that being said, I thought the Fenney Grill was doing well. From the rumors I heard, it really was due to inexperienced management. I frequented often and the food was reasonably priced and good for a neighborhood place! Not 5 star, but good.

Miss the Fenney Grill and look forward to its new chapter! Hopefully, it is another neighborhood type restaurant with Breakfast, lunch and early dinner!

[DonH57]

Originally Posted by Teed_Off

Sorry, forgot to post the photo too. I properly added to my original post.

I just saw that. Actually I think that picture was taken at Tierra. The waitress holding the wine bottle looks like one that worked there. I think it was taken before the last renovation change they made enclosing the outside area.

[Topspinmo]

I’m not familiar what goes on down south, but I thought Fenney was rec center? Didn’t the developers sell the amenities to district?

[charlie1]

Originally Posted by Topspinmo

I’m not familiar what goes on down south, but I thought Fenney was rec center? Didn’t the developers sell the amenities to district?

Fenney does have a Rec Center, we are talking about the restaurant next door! This is not part of the district property.

[Annie66]

I'm told that Fenney has had a number of possible operators look at the location. They all have backed away opting not to pursue a lease because the kitchen was too small. The renovation costs would be prohibitive on top of the cost of the lease.