Petworth restaurant Chez Billy closed its doors on July 31st and will reportedly reopen with a new concept after Labor Day. (Photo by hauteonthehilldc via Facebook)

By DCist contributor Evan Caplan

Chez Billy, the Petworth den of cozy, dimly lit nooks, and fine French fare in the neighborhood since 2012, unexpectedly closed on Sunday.

Local blog Petworth News reported that the restaurant at 3815 Georgia Avenue NW was set to close that very same night without notice, news which reportedly only reached the restaurant’s employees themselves the same day. The restaurant was one of several establishments run by brothers Ian and Eric Hilton, including El Rey, Satellite Room, American Ice Company, and The Brixton.

Reports were initially unclear as the situation unfolded, but Chez Billy representatives told DCist this afternoon, “We can confirm that Chez Billy will be closed and a new concept is being ironed out. That is all the information right now.”

Speculation is running rampant as to what can be expected to open in Chez Billy’s place, possibly sometime after Labor Day, and if the pricier restaurant will be replaced with a more affordable option. Chez Billy was named for Billy Simpson’s House of Seafood and Steaks, a prominent restaurant within D.C.’s African-American community that was open from 1956-78 in the same location.

If you’re still craving chef Brendan L’Etoile’s confit de canard, steak frites, and loup de mer, Chez Billy Sud, the sister location to Chez Billy, remains open in Georgetown, along with their uber-cozy wine bar next door, Bar à Vin (1039 31st Street NW).