This morning, Buzz Bakery announced that tomorrow would be its Navy Yard location's last day of operation. Bluejacket and the Arsenal, the adjoining brewery and restaurant, respectively, will expand into that space and convert it into a bottle shop and tasting room.
"As our neighborhood has grown and developed, we have always tried to meet the desires of our community, and have found that our guests would benefit from more programming and offerings from our adjoining brewery and restaurant, Bluejacket and The Arsenal," read the announcement, which came via Twitter (full text below).
Via email, a representative from the Neighborhood Restaurant Group estimated that the bottle shop/tasting room, which has yet to receive a more specific name, naval-themed or otherwise, would open in early August. Renovations will begin after Buzz closes tomorrow.
Four to six beers will be on tap, and bottle sales (which had already been run out of Buzz) will continue in this space.
Those thinking that the expansion will be a release valve for game- and event-day pressure for the bar, will likely be disappointed as the space only holds 18. It will, however, "be used to enhance Bluejacket's tour experiences, debut bottle releases, host private events and provide some additional seating for the restaurant during peak times," according to NRG.
The space will also "add some critical components for the Bluejacket brewery operation," although these components were not specified.
The new bottle shop and tasting room will be open on Friday evenings from 4:30 PM to 7:30 PM and from 11 AM – 4 PM on Saturdays and Sundays. Bottles and merchandise will still be able to be purchased at The Arsenal host stand or at the bar during their hours of operation.
Full text of the Buzz announcement:
For our friends in DC, the last day of operations for our Yards location will be tomorrow Friday, July 17th. As our neighborhood has grown and developed, we have always tried to meet the desires of our community, and have found that our guests would benefit from more programming and offerings from our adjoining brewery and restaurant, Bluejacket and The Arsenal. They’ll be transforming the space into a bottle shop and tasting room in the coming weeks.
A heartfelt thank you to all of our guests and neighbors who have supported us, and we look forward to seeing you at our Ballston and Alexandria locations!