(Scott Suchman/Tail Up Goat)
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The trio behind ‘Tail Up Goat’ announced their plans to close down the iconic Michelin-starred spot at the end of the year as a result of the economic difficulties that the restaurant experienced in the aftermath of the pandemic.
Since then, two of the three ‘Tail Up Goat’ founders, married couple Chef Jon Sybert and Jill Tyler, have announced plans to open a new restaurant in D.C. during 2026!
What is the new restaurant going to be?
The new restaurant is reportedly going to be known as ‘Rye Bunny’ and will feature a counter-service model that aims to offer the same quality of hospitality as a full-service restaurant, while allowing the restaurant to maintain the “non-negotiable” benefits package for its employees that was a source of financial strain during the later years of ‘Tail Up Goat’.
The concept behind the restaurant’s new counter-service model was apparently inspired by a prix fixe counter-service restaurant called “Birdie’s” in Austin, Texas, after being invited by the restaurant’s founder, a former colleague of Chef Sybert, Arjav Ezekiel.
According to the duo of Chef Jon Sybert and Jill Tyler, their initial skepticism and concerns over the new model were quickly washed away after seeing the award-winning wine bar down in Texas operate with fluidity and finesse.
We also know that the same beverage director who made ‘Tail Up Goat’ a wine fan’s dream destination, Audrey Dowling, is staying on to look over the wine list and develop new signature cocktails.
Photo: courtesy Tail Up Goat Where is Rye Bunny going to be?
It seems like the new restaurant will be established at same spot as the ‘Tail Up Goat’ location, with plans reportedly being made to ‘rip out’ the existing bar to make room for more seating, completely swap out the current flooring, overhaul the inventory of plateware & glassware, bring in new furniture, and add a bit of new “Mid-Atlantic folk art”.
(Scott Suchman/Tail Up Goat) When is Rye Bunny supposed to open?
There are no official reports of any specific opening date at this time, but we do know that the ambitious duo behind this eatery is aiming for a 2026 opening.
Naturally, as the remodeling of the location and new menu come together in the coming months, more updates will be available!
For now, speculation alone drives us to think an opening might not take place until Fall or Winter of next year, given the depth and breadth of the overhaul.
Victoria Milko via Bon Appetit Is the trio’s other restaurant, Reveler’s Hour, going to stay open?
While ‘Reveler’s Hour’ has become an equally impactful neighborhood favorite, the duo of Chef Jon Sybert and Jill Tyler will be leaving Reveler’s Hour to be operated exclusively by the third co-founder of ‘Tail Up Goat’, Bill Jensen.
So while ‘Reveler’s Hour’ will remain in operation, the 2/3 of its founding members are moving on to develop the new ‘Rye Bunny’ restaurant in the same location where ‘Tail Up Goat’ once stood.
Dining and Cooking