Jiwa Singapura closes in Tysons but may live on in D.C.
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Chef Pepe Moncayo. Photo courtesy of Scott Suchman
Singaporean restaurant Jiwa Singapura has closed in Tysons after 10 months.
Why it matters: Jiwa was the D.C. area's only upscale Singaporean spot, and it was short-lived compared to its big size and ambitious offerings from Cranes chef/owner Pepe Moncayo.
The intrigue: Moncayo tells Axios he's planning to move the concept to D.C.
- First, as a long-term pop-up in a portion of Cranes in the new year. He's bringing in a chef friend from Singapore.
- "If it takes off, we'll make a permanent home," Moncayo says.
Catch up quick: Moncayo, a Spanish talent who spent a decade-plus working at Michelin-starred restaurants in Singapore, opened Jiwa in Tysons' upscale Galleria mall in February.
- The 250-seat restaurant specialized in hard-to-find dishes like chili crab and $78 tasting menus.
Yes, but: Moncayo tells Axios that business started trailing off six months in — he suspects due to the economy and location.
What he's saying: "In hindsight, doing a fine dining Asian restaurant in that location was something people weren't looking for. I think they were looking for something more casual."
- Moncayo started considering closing months ago. "It's not about being a good decision or a bad decision. It's numbers and investment. The business keeps going down, and you want to keep the quality of the service and maintain the staff. It wasn't working."
The bottom line: "I really believe that if Jiwa — if I could pull it out and fly it to D.C. — it would do well," Moncayo tells Axios. But first, he's moving employees to Cranes or helping position them in other restaurants.
- "I found myself surrounded by people motivating me and encouraging me. I was super touched, and thankful for my team who give me the strength to keep going."