After a year of delays, plans to open a well-regarded Mediterranean restaurant in a former Clarendon music venue appear to have fizzled.
The space that the Fairfax-based Kirby Club identified for a second location back in 2022 is now listed as “available” on The Crossing Clarendon’s retail leasing page.
The shopping center’s general manager, EJ Enciso, declined to comment on the restaurant’s status but said “maybe we’ll have an update within the next few weeks.”
The Eastern Mediterranean-inspired eatery planned to occupy the spot previously filled by the IOTA Club, a popular attraction that closed in 2017 after more than 23 years in business. Kirby Club, founded by award-winning restaurateur Rose Previte, had pushed back its opening date at 2832 Wilson Blvd from spring 2023 to fall of that year.
The restaurant’s Mosaic District location opened in late 2022 to plenty of fanfare and has received a number of accolades since.
While Kirby Club’s future is in doubt, a new barbershop is opening next door. Signage for Bold Blade Barbershop, which promises “masterpiece” haircuts that heighten individual senses of style, has appeared at 2836 Wilson Blvd.