A cafe and flower shop in Ballston is shuttering after four years, in the latest closure for the neighborhood.
Poppyseed Rye, which sold bouquets and hosted flower arrangement workshops in addition to serving up soups, sandwiches, salads and coffee, is closing its doors for good on Sunday at 818 N. Quincy Street. Founder Scott Parker told ARLnow that business had been down for about five or six months, despite loyal customers in the neighborhood.
“We know there are a lot of people that love Poppyseed, but it’s time for us just to move on,” Parker said. “We’re thankful for all the support that the community has given us up to this point.”
Poppyseed Rye opened in 2021
- The restaurant took over the former Buzz Bakeshop space in November 2021, and took on Greg Lloyd — a former executive chef at D.C.’s Le Diplomate — the following year.
- Its menu included breakfast dishes like biscuits and gravy, bagels and the quiche of the day, plus hearty sandwiches in varieties like roasted turkey, BLT and roasted vegetable panini.
- A storefront message announcing the closure reads, “It was a difficult decision to make and not one we anticipated. We wish everyone the best and again thank you for all the good times and smiles.”
It follows other nearby restaurant closures
- Several other Ballston eateries have closed in just the last few months.
- Pirouette Cafe & Wine Shop shuttered in October, followed by Grand Cru and Union Kitchen in November and Mussel Bar & Grille in December. The last closure was reportedly for renovations.
- On the other hand, Life Alive Cafe opened next door to Poppyseed Rye in November, while Scolapasta opened in Ballston Quarter last month. A fast-casual Korean restaurant, K-Food Casual, also recently replaced Hangry Joe’s Hot Chicken & Wings at 875 N. Randolph Street.
