Mark Bucher, the restaurateur who is about to open Community, an upscale diner in Bethesda’s Woodmont Triangle, apparently isn’t done yet.
It appears Bucher has received a county permit to build a Medium Rare restaurant in the space next door to Community, according to county records.
Bucher, who along with partner Tom Gregg owns two Medium Rare restaurants in Washington, D.C., would not confirm that he’s opening a new location in Bethesda. However, “Medium Rare” is listed on a $300,000 commercial building permit applied for in July to alter the space at 4904 Fairmont Ave. on the ground floor of the 7770 Norfolk apartment building. Community is located next door at the intersection of Fairmont and Norfolk avenues.
Inside the Medium Rare space Wednesday, a brick wall had been installed at the back, while other construction materials could be seen. Medium Rare serves only salads, steak, fries and desserts.
Construction is ongoing inside the space next to Community. Credit: Andrew Metcalf
Bucher said he hopes that Community will open in the next week or two, pending final approval of county permits. He said he’s waiting for a new door to be installed along Norfolk Avenue and once that happens, the restaurant should open to the public shortly after.
On Wednesday night, Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School students were holding an event for the school’s newspaper inside the restaurant.
Workers were putting finishing touches on Community Wednesday. Credit: Andrew Metcalf