Three decades and 40 restaurants later, superstar chef and humanitarian Jose Andrés is entering the hotel game for the first time. Bazaar House by José Andrés is scheduled to open in Georgetown in 2027, according to a Wednesday press release. jose andres group.
His eponymous hospitality company’s first hotel is boutique-sized (67 rooms). The luxury property will also feature an “upscale” private members’ club, “multiple” Andres-owned food and beverage venues, event space, a wellness center and “upscale” retail outlets.3000 M Street NW). So Equities, the giant developer behind luxury hotels like the Ritz-Carlton and Four Seasons, is the designated partner for the project.
Its private penthouse component, called the Bazaar Club, will be the main focal point on the top floor, complete with a “signature restaurant” that promises the best views of historic George Town. Based on the name, it makes sense that it is a derivative of José Andres’ Bazaarhis sophisticated Spanish cuisine spot in the Los Angeles suburbs overlooking the lobby of downtown’s Waldorf Astoria.
This isn’t Andres’ first project in the bustling Northwest neighborhood. His short-lived America Eats Tavern closed at the beginning of the pandemic. Georgetown has been experiencing a recent resurgence, with East Coast restaurant mogul Stephen Starr (Le Diplomate in St. Anselm) and Los Angeles star chef Nancy Silverton opening the door to the former Dean & DeLuca space this fall. Preparations are underway to debut Osteria Mozza.
Andres’ splashy announcement came just after a change in leadership. Back in May, Andres stepped down as CEO of his eponymous culinary empire, which started with Jaleo in Washington, D.C. Jose Andres Group (formerly known as ThinkFoodGroup) has promoted Sam Bakchandepur from president to new global chief executive officer. Mr. Andres has given up his title, but will remain founder and executive chairman. Bakchandepur, who currently runs the day-to-day operations, has ambitious goals to expand José Andres Group into national and international markets.
“I’m very excited to start a new chapter today at Bazaar House in Georgetown. It’s a great opportunity to welcome people to my city in a whole new way,” Andres said in a statement.
Andres is already in the members-only space. First announced in summer 2023, his new Signature Club & Lounge at Capital One Arena will open shortly with Andres headlining the food and beverage program. A 5,000-square-foot club off the main concourse level that promises “the most exclusive sports and entertainment experience” in the area will fill that void. There used to be Chipotle and McDonald’s. Along 7th Avenue NW.
The next project will augment Andres’ Penn Quarter restaurant row, including Oyamel, China Chircano and Jaleo. Members have a mandatory three-year commitment ($15,000, $18,000, $19,000), and benefits include lower-level tickets to 40 games each season for the Capitals and Wizards.
For now, it’s unclear how much it will cost to join the picturesque Georgetown club.
Expensive members-only clubs with an emphasis on food are on the rise throughout the city. Neds Club Washington DCAn elite brand created by two of London’s Soho House moguls will soon debut near the White House with two restaurants closed to the public. And West End fine wine cellar and slash bar Wine Rare recently appointed culinary veterans Scott Drewno and Danny Lee to take over the menu.