Upscale event venues appear to be the first trend to emerge in Bethesda for the year 2025. The Cordell is soon to open at 4865 Cordell Avenue. Now it is revealed that the secretive demolition and construction project at the former Claire Dratch building at 7615 Wisconsin Avenue is also an event venue. Bon Venue will be a two-level space, with the second level largely being an open rooftop. A dizzying virtual tour on the Bon Venue website places you in the center of a cocktail party/happy hour-style event, and Wisconsin Avenue traffic can be seen rushing past below through a large window wall at the west end of the rooftop deck.
Bon Venue will be "dedicated to creating extraordinary experience by providing a versatile and elegant space for every occasion," the website states. "Whether it is a wedding, corporate event, or social gathering, we deliver unparalleled service, meticulous attention to detail, and a warm welcome atmosphere. Our mission is to transform moments into lasting memories, ensuring every guest feels celebrated and inspired.” The space is scheduled to open in early 2025.
The former Claire Dratch building was gutted in early November 2024, as seen in these photos. A construction permit posted at the site described the new use as being a banquet hall, but did not list the name of the business, which as of this morning we now know is Bon Venue.
1 comment:
I really don't see the logic of these "event only" spaces. Yes, you can make decent money for hosting an event, but that's not steady income. At best, you have the place filled 2 days/week. The other 5 days, it's sitting empty and not earning money, meanwhile you're stuck with your fixed overhead costs like rent.
The reason bars in Bethesda stay open 5-7 days/week is that the marginal extra revenue they bring in on slow days still helps to make a big dent in covering overhead costs.
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