The trophy office building with residential and retail in downtown Bethesda at 7272 Wisconsin Avenue, has signed another retail tenant to fill its remaining ground floor space. 

Owner and developer Carr Properties said the Blagden Hospitality Group (BHG) is expanding out of D.C. with several locations in the works.

The new concept called Bar Ivy is inspired by west coast restaurants and bars. An announcement from Carr describes the concept as a “relaxed vibe of the West Coast with a Mid Atlantic approach to ingredients, shining the spotlight on seafood and vegetables, vibrant cocktails and low-intervention wines. Guests can expect an elegant but laid-back atmosphere with subtle influences from the opposite coast, with attractive al fresco dining, an open, airy bungalow-style interior, and a casual Kiosk serving morning coffee and breakfast.”

“When I was 18 and working in the restaurant industry, I traveled through Northern California for the first time, dined at The French Laundry, Chez Panisse, met Wolfgang Puck. It opened my eyes to the West Coast approach of cooking, using fresh ingredients sourced locally, prepared simply but manipulating them just enough to create something so incredible. It always inspired a dream in me to open a restaurant in that realm,” said Chef/Owner Nathan Beauchamp.

BHG’s other restaurants include Tiger Fork, Calico, Fainting Goat, Hi-Lawn, and Hei Hei Tiger.

Retail tenants already at 7272 Wisconsin Avenue include the first Tatte Bakery and Café outside D.C. Proper and Coldwell Banker. Office tenants include Fox 5 DC and affiliates, first-to-market Bitcoin ETF company ProShares, energy solutions company Enviva (NYSE: EVA) and most recently multi-family housing investor Walker & Dunlop.

The first Bar Ivy location will be in the Clarendon neighborhood of Arlington County, Virginia in another Carr-owned building. That location is expected to open this spring, while the downtown Bethesda location will open in 2023. 

Blagden Hospitality Group (BHG) opened Calico, back in 2017 in D.C.’s Blagden Alley, led by Chef Nate Beauchamp. Menu items include American fare such as cheeseburgers, shrimp po’boy’s, and classic philly-style pizza. Calico made Condé Nast Traveler’s list of the 14 Best Bars in Washington, D.C.