River Bend Bistro May Open in Summer 2013

The opening date for the River Bend Bistro has been pushed back to summer 2013.

Bill and Caroline Ross, the local couple who purchased the former Village Wharf storefront in the Hollin Hall Shopping Center in 2012, say the River Bend Bistro may open as early as July. The couple originally hoped to open the River Bend Bistro in March. 

Bill Ross told Patch that they submitted the blueprints to the Fairfax County Building Department. The county made some comments, and the Rosses have resubmitted the new drawings to the county on Friday for final review. They have also applied for a liquor license and have made a public posting in local newspapers this week notifying residents that they have applied for the license and that there is a 30-day comment period.

"It's moving at a snail's pace," Ross said of the process. "But it's moving."

River Bend Bistro will offer casual fine dining and local foods. The restaurant will seat 74 and have a full bar. Caroline Ross is the former executive chef at La Bergerie in Old Town, Cafe Milano in Georgetown and Stella’s on Duke Street in Alexandria. She also managed Rick's Wine and Gourmet in Alexandria, which closed in January after 20 years of operating at its Duke Street location.

See also:

Fort Hunt Couple Hopes to Open Bistro at Old Village Wharf Site

Potential Tenant for Old Village Wharf Site

New Bistro Coming to Hollin Hall Shopping Center

Restaurant Replacing Village Wharf Set to Open in March