Carla Hall, photo by Jonathan Pushnik
Last week we broke the news that bumblebirds would be replacing the Good Stuff Eatery on Capitol Hill.
From a press release:
“bumblebirds, a fast-casual pop-in celebrating Southern fried chicken sandwiches, spirited cocktails, and heartfelt hospitality, will open Monday, March 16, 2026 at 303 Pennsylvania Ave. SE in the historic Capitol Hill neighborhood of Washington, D.C. A grand opening celebration will take place on Saturday, March 14, 2026 11:00 am – 1:00 pm.
Celebrity chef, bestselling author, and beloved television personality Carla Hall is partnering with Washington, D.C.-based Sunnyside Restaurant Group, the family-run restaurant company led by The Mendelsohns—Cathy, Harvey, Micheline, and Spike—to share a concept that’s equal parts flavor, fun, and personal history.
A longtime DMV resident,
Hall brings her signature cooking style and favorite Southern flavors home, anchored by recipes inspired by her grandmother and a menu designed for repeat cravings. Expect crispy fried chicken sandwiches with regionally inspired toppings, golden tenders and nuggets, and a variety of homestyle sides including Southern biscuits, a pimento cheese board, and kettle chips fried onsite. Bumblebirds will feature an Iced Tea and Lemonade Bar, plus Southern-inspired cocktails crafted by renowned mixologist Andra “AJ” Johnson.
“bumblebirds is my love letter to the South and to D.C., a place that’s been home for a long time,” said Carla Hall. “It’s crispy, saucy, bright, and joyful—exactly how I like my food and my hospitality. I can’t wait for people to taste the chicken, sip something fun, and feel the warm welcome the moment they walk in.”
Hall’s relationship with the Mendelsohn family stretches decades, rooted in friendship and the restaurant community, making this collaboration both a professional milestone and a personal reunion.
“Carla is one of those rare talents who brings heart to everything she touches—food, design, people, the whole experience,” said Micheline Mendelsohn, CEO of Sunnyside Restaurant Group. “This moment feels perfect. Capitol Hill is ready for something playful and bold, and bumblebirds lets us introduce a new kind of fast-casual energy while staying true to what we do best, quality, hospitality, and a real sense of place.”
photo by Jonathan Pushnik
A Space That’s as Joyful as the Menu
In addition to collaborating on the menu, Hall tapped into another personal passion to bring her signature warmth, color, and an intimate touch to help design the vibrant dining space. The interior decor at bumblebirds features a custom mural and a selection of Hall’s own handcrafted paper yo-yo quilts. An avid paper quilter, Hall will be showcasing her textile artwork in a restaurant setting for the first time.
“Most people know me through food, my cooking, my cookbooks, my time on television. What’s less visible is that I am also a lifelong crafter,” said Hall. “Hanging this work at bumblebirds feels like carrying my grandmother, who is my guardian angel, with me.”
What is bumblebirds?
bumblebirds is where Southern comfort meets a little “buzz.” It’s built on:
Crispy, craveable chicken with unexpected sauces and textures
Bright, feel-good hospitality that doesn’t take itself too seriously
Nostalgia + surprise—classic Southern roots with modern flavor twists
A cocktail bar designed for quick hangs, post-work meetups, and weekend pop-ins
Iced tea & lemonade bar featuring boldly flavored honey syrups
“We want bumblebirds to feel like your happiest detour, something you didn’t know you needed until the first bite,” added Hall. “Drop in to the pop in! Come hungry, leave smiling.”
The Menu
Inspired by family recipes and Southern staples, Hall and Cathy Mendelsohn developed a menu of fried chicken sandwiches blending regional flavors and her classic style.
Menu highlights include:
The OG Bumble – Crispy Fried Chicken, Black Pepper Ranch Slaw, Cheese, Pickles
The Blue & Buffalo – Celery Leaf Slaw, Creamy Blue Cheese, Spicy Buffalo Sauce
The Sassafras – Grilled Chicken, Collard Garden Aioli, Pickled Red Onion
Southern Chicken Nugs – Dipping Sauces include Jalapeño Honey, Bumble Sauce
Southern Sharing Board – Pimento Cheese, Shaved Country Ham, Pickled Vegetables
Sides include Housemade Kettle Chips, Homemade Biscuits, Shoestring Fries
Grand Opening Details
Grand Opening Celebration: Saturday, March 14, 2026
Time: 11:00am – 1:00pm
Giveaway: Choice of free fried chicken sandwich or crispy nugget cone for the first 100 guests + giveaway for a party for 6 at bumblebirds.
At the Grand Opening Celebration, the first 100 guests will receive a free OG Bumble chicken sandwich or Southern Fried Chicken Nugs. All attendees will have the chance to win a bumblebirds party for 6 at the restaurant.
About bumblebirds
Located at 303 Pennsylvania Ave. SE in Washington, D.C.’s Capitol Hill neighborhood, the restaurant seats 125 guests and is available for delivery and takeout via Uber Eats.
Hours: Sunday to Wednesday: 11am-10pm; Thursday to Saturday: 11am – 11pm”
