Bateau, one of the biggest 2015 ideas in Capitol Hill food and drink, is closing for a 2025 restart UPDATE

Bateau, Boat Bar, and General Porpoise will close on June 19 for a planned transformation, with a reopening scheduled for later this year. Ownership aims to refresh the concepts to better align with Capitol Hill's evolving food and drink landscape, which has been impacted by high rents and labor costs. The decision follows the departure of key staff members, including chef Taylor Thornhill and general manager Jamie Irene. Sea Creatures, the parent company, emphasized that recent unionization efforts among employees did not influence their plans. Former staff will be prioritized for positions when the venues reopen, and some are already being placed in other locations.

The updated Bateau will introduce a broader menu with varied price points and a streamlined service. Notably, the original Bateau was part of a wave of significant Capitol Hill investments in the food and drink sector that began in 2015. The changes reflect broader economic trends reshaping the Capitol Hill dining scene.