Kelly is the general manager of Del Frisco’s Grille. The restaurant and bar at 1201 Pennsylvania Ave. NW opened last weekend.
Have you been involved in D.C. restaurants before?
I’m sorry, no. I’ve been in Boston for the past 12 years. I lived in Northern Virginia a lifetime ago, so it’s nice to be back.
What do you think about the D.C. restaurant scene?
So far, very impressive. I’m trying to go out as much as possible. I’ve checked out the Clarendon neighborhood and Georgetown, and then checking out all the restaurants and bars in the Penn Quarter neighborhood that we’re [in], and I’m very impressed.
Tell me a little me a little bit about Del Frisco’s Grille.
Del Frisco’s Grille is a fun and modern take on an upscale steakhouse, so we still feature all the best items that you would expect at an upscale steakhouse such as prime steaks, an expensive wine list and some classic sides. … We have current music, a great bar atmosphere and just a really modern kind of feel to the dining room with lots and lots of energy. And then we also took a classic steakhouse menu and lightened up a little bit.
Why did you decide to bring Del Frisco’s to D.C.?
Great location, and just the right time to expand to an international, cosmopolitan city with some fantastic dining. So we wanted to be the new player in an already great dining market.
What are the biggest challenges about opening a new restaurant?
Probably staffing. You want to get a great team together.
– Naomi Jagoda
