J. Hollinger’s, an upcoming “modern American restaurant” from The Daily Dish and The Dish and Dram owner Jerry Hollinger, is aiming for an opening in early spring, according to an update posted on the restaurant’s website.
The “full-service chophouse” will open at the former home of The Classics at 8606 Colesville Rd. in downtown Silver Spring. According to Eater D.C., Charlie Palmer Steak alum Mike Ellis, who earned a Michelin star as chef de cuisine at Palmer’s sister restaurant Dry Creek Kitchen, will be at the helm:
Look for a la carte cuts of meat along with produce sourced from D.C.-area and Pennsylvania farms. The completely renovated space next to the Fillmore is shooting for an “urban rustic” vibe, says Ellis, who helped Palmer win a Michelin star at Dry Creek Kitchen in Healdsburg, California.
Eater D.C. named J. Hollinger’s as one of its “20 Anticipated Fall Restaurant Openings to Track Around D.C.” last October.
Local restauranteur Michael Landrum originally opened Ray’s The Classics in 2006. He founded Ray’s the Steaks in 2002 in Arlington, Va., and quickly earned a reputation for offering high-quality steaks at reasonable prices.
Landrum opened Ray’s the Classics in the summer of 2006 following the same formula, adding dishes such as Southern fried chicken, veal chops, and rack of lamb.
Later, long-time employees Elliott Rattley and Nick Lopata bought the restaurant, taking over on July 1, 2013. They dropped the “Ray’s” name and trimmed the menu to focus on steaks.
Rattley and Lopata closed The Classics in February of 2018, citing “dwindling market and support from local government [that] makes continuation of business untenable.”
J. Hollinger’s is one of several recent and upcoming restaurant openings in Silver Spring, including Dog Haus Biergarten, Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, Black Lion Café, Willie T’s Seafood Shack/Be Right Burger, Underground Pizza Company, Kusshi Ko, Firepan Korean BBQ, Miss Toya’s Creole House, Flip’d by IHOP, and the Commas food hall at Ellsworth Place.
Graphic courtesy J. Hollinger’s