“Duke’s Grocery Dupont closing for renovations ahead of 10-year anniversary”

1513 17th Street, NW courtesy Duke’s Grocery

From a press release:

“Duke’s Grocery will reach a milestone on September 6, 2023 with the ten-year anniversary of its original location in Dupont Circle (1513 17th St, NW), and a series of celebrations is planned to commemorate a decade of serving the neighbourhood. Months ahead of the festivities, the restaurant will temporarily close for renovations and enhancements to the building on February 13.

“This historic row house has been consistently busy for over nine years straight, so it’s a good time for a refresh and show it some love,” says Director of Operations, Angie Duran. “We are looking forward to welcoming everyone back to an upgraded Duke’s Dupont once renovations are completed and kick off the next ten years.” The temporary closure is expected to last a few months; last service will be brunch this Sunday, February 12.

The beloved East London-inspired restaurant has since opened restaurants in Woodley Park and Foggy Bottom, has taken residency in The British Embassy Washington, and will soon open in Navy Yard, but the Duke’s brand launched from its humble beginnings on 17th Street. “We are beyond grateful to our hundreds of team members who have been integral to our story. Some of them have been with us since 2013, and without them there wouldn’t be such a history here,” says Managing Partner, Daniel Kramer. In its almost-ten-year run, Duke’s Dupont has hosted countless events and gatherings of families, friends, and first dates, including birthdays, anniversaries, and wedding celebrations, and has been a popular destination for viewing the annual Pride Parade and naturally, the High Heel Race, whose finish line is right in front of the restaurant. “We are incredibly proud of our team’s accomplishments at Duke’s Dupont and the imprint we have left on our guests and the community,” continues Kramer. “Neighbours and friends who have moved away from DC make it a priority to stop in at Duke’s Dupont when they return for a visit, a testament to the positive experiences our team has provided.”

Guests also come back to enjoy Duke’s sarnies, bevvies, brunch and, of course, its award-winning burger. Duke’s Grocery’s Proper Burger® has been voted Best Burger in Washington City Paper’s Best of DC Readers’ Picks seven years in a row. From just a two-foot square flat-top, approximately half-a-million burgers have been served at the original location. While Duke’s Dupont undergoes its renovations, Duke’s fans will still be able to get their Proper Burger® fix at Duke’s Counter in Woodley Park, Duke’s Grocery Foggy Bottom, and very soon at Duke’s Grocery Navy Yard. “‘When one door closes, another door opens'”, quotes Kramer. “We may be temporarily closing our doors at Duke’s Dupont, but we are beyond excited to open the doors at Duke’s Navy Yard!”

The opening date of Duke’s Grocery’s Navy Yard location will be announced in the next few days.”