The restaurant formerly known as RH Bistro has relocated to the State Plaza Hotel because of University President Steven Knapp’s move to Alumni House.
The University told the restaurant’s owner this spring that its lease would not be renewed because the Alumni Association – which was formerly in Alumni House – needed the space. The restaurant operated in that location for about four years.
Robert Truelove, the owner of the eatery, changed the name of the restaurant to the F Street Bistro, noting that RH Bistro is too reminiscent of its relationship with the University.
“I think it’s one of those things where it’s an unintended consequence,” Truelove said, referring to Knapp’s move. “But in the end it worked out great, we’re at a closer proximity to GW.”
Truelove said after leaving their old venue they approached the State Plaza Hotel – located on F Street between 21st and 22nd streets – because they had an empty dining area.
“(State Plaza) liked the fact that (RH Bistro) was busy and people seemed happy,” Truelove said. “And they obviously know we have a good relationship with the University and students as well.”
Though the restaurant moved during the summer, they are still waiting for full GWorld capabilities. Truelove said he is waiting to resolve this before advertising more extensively.
“One of things we knew would impact us was when they changed the meal plan in the Marvin Center,” said Truelove, referring to the required spending limits for underclassmen implemented this year at J Street.
He said since a lot of his customers were freshmen in Thurston, the spending limits were going to hurt their business regardless of the move.
Truelove said within several months they will be up to full service, once again providing their take-out menu.
Matt Lindsay, director of Alumni Communications, said the Alumni Association moved across the street so they could remain on campus.
Lindsay added that renovations to the Alumni House can begin as soon as October 12, when they have moved out completely.
The Hatchet reported last month that the D.C. Commission on Fine Arts approved plans to renovate the historic building. The plans need to be presented to the D.C. Residential Association, and then re-approved by the Commission on Fine Arts before renovations can begin.
