Following a series of delays caused by permitting issues and staff turnover, 2910 Kitchen and Bar is now set to open next month.
Since acquiring the former P. Brennan’s Pub space on Columbia Pike last year, the new owners — Raheel “Ray” Khan and his wife, Griselda Giselle Fernandez — said they faced several setbacks, including building and permitting issues, which forced them to postpone the restaurant’s opening twice.
ARLnow first reported a summer 2023 opening, but the opening was delayed due to concerns from the county’s historical review board regarding interior renovations. Khan then aimed for a January opening, but that was postponed a second time because of fire hazard concerns having to do with wall decorations.
“It was basically artificial panels, like flowers and stuff like that,” Khan said.
In addition to dealing with permitting problems, Khan faced a significant turnover among his employees, with his executive chef, general manager, and assistant general manager all leaving within a three-month span.
Khan and the three former employees told ARLnow that their separation stemmed from a dispute concerning unpaid wages.
Khan has appointed a new chef and is in the process of hiring a new general manager and other employees to operate the restaurant. While he has not filled the 30 to 40 available positions yet, Khan says he has received hundreds of applications from online job platforms and walk-in candidates.
“There’s a lot of resumes that were sent in so I don’t think it will be a problem hiring people,” Khan said. “There are a lot of people looking for jobs.”
Despite the change in chef, Khan noted the menu will continue to feature “upscale” American cuisine, with seasonal rotations.
“Basically adding a little more fine dining experience but in a casual atmosphere,” he said.
During a visit this week, ARLnow observed that the majority of the renovations appear finished, with the furniture already in place. All that’s left to do is spruce the place up and train the new employees, says Khan.
The restaurant’s new tentative opening date is sometime in late April.
“We’re hoping to have a soft opening the week of April 22,” Khan said.