CherCher Ethiopian Cuisine to defend its liquor license after violations at Bethesda restaurant

It's been a bumpy ride for Ethiopian restaurants in Bethesda. Two of the three have closed. The last remaining, CherCher Ethiopian Cuisine now faces a critical test, and could lose a significant amount of revenue if they lose.

Montgomery County's liquor control board is summoning the owners to their September 3, 2020 meeting to explain why the board should not revoke the restaurant's liquor license, or impose fines or other penalties. The board alleges violations of liquor laws have occurred at CherCher, sufficient to fine the business, or take away their license altogether.

CherCher is located at 4921 Bethesda Avenue. They have another location in the District at 9th Street NW.

Lucy closes in Bethesda

Lucy, the Ethiopian restaurant at 4865 Cordell Avenue, has been cleared out. Tuesday night, men were loading equipment into a U-haul truck parked out front. The next time I went by last evening, the space was empty. Bethesda has gone from having three Ethiopian/Eritrean restaurants to having just one now, CherCher on Bethesda Avenue.

Chercher Ethiopian Cuisine & Bar opens in Bethesda

Chercher Ethiopian Cuisine & Bar was open at 4921 Bethesda Avenue when I went by last night. An employee reached at their D.C. location confirmed the restaurant was open. To make reservations, call (202) 299-9703. You can also place a take-out order at the same number. Their menu can be reviewed online.

Signage installed at Chercher Ethiopian Cuisine in Bethesda (Photos)

The permanent sign is up and lit at the future Chercher Ethiopian Cuisine & Bar at 4921 Bethesda Avenue. An awning with the restaurant's logo has also been installed at the front of the building. Chercher is one of two Ethiopian restaurants opening soon in downtown Bethesda, the other being Dinquesh Ethiopian Restaurant at 4865 Cordell Avenue.

Chercher Ethiopian Cuisine & Bar opening in Bethesda

Chercher Ethiopian Restaurant & Mart, a Michelin Guide-recommended restaurant near Logan Circle in the District, is expanding to Bethesda. Chercher Ethiopian Cuisine & Bar will open soon in the recently-vacated Suma/Nest Cafe space at 4921 Bethesda Avenue. Their Washington, D.C. location has an enviable 4.5 star rating on Yelp.

The arrival of Chercher means that a town that currently has no Ethiopian restaurants will soon boast two; Dinqnesh Ethiopian Restaurant will be opening soon at 4865 Cordell Avenue. It is a spin-off of Silver Spring's well-established Lucy. Let the competition begin!

In addition to popular Ethiopian beef dishes, Chercher will also offer vegan, organic and gluten-free options. Although that block of Bethesda Avenue is less-traveled than those further east, Fresh Baguette, Pescadeli, Butcher's Alley and Bethesda Crab House have shown people will venture there for a worthwhile product.