Retro 1940s-Themed Grill Plans January Opening In Potomac

Benny Fischer promises big portions and reasonable prices when he opens later this year.

The new restaurant will soon start renovating the former Popeye's space of the Cabin John Shopping Center, giving it a 1940s retro makeover and an 1800-square-foot addition to allow for seating for 200 or more guests, according to Fischer. The restaurant will honor Fischer’s late grandfather, Benny Bortnick, a presence in the DC wrestling scene in the 1940s. 

The casual, sit-down eatery will culminate 30 years of experience in the restaurant and food service industries, Fischer said. With a menu comprised of steaks, chops, chicken, seafood, burgers, sandwiches and more, the dining experience will be similar to those of Houston’s – now the – and .

“I’ll have big portions and reasonable prices,” Fischer said. “Being in this area as long as I have, I know the market here. I know what they’re looking for.”

His focus will be on quality comfort food – from house-made breads to local produce. Benny’s Bar and Grill will serve breakfast, lunch dinner and late night snacks, with prices starting at $10-12 for lunch and $15-16 for dinner. A fully stocked bar, 65 feet long, will serve at least eight beers on tap and many more by the bottle.

“We’re going to serve the best drinks in town,” Fischer said, adding that he’ll focus on correct proportions. His pet peeves in restaurant dinning – tiny plates, weak drinks and high prices – will have no place at the new grill, set to open sometime in January. 

Fischer says the grill will start construction soon, after years of landlord negotiations and construction permit delays. Currently the space formerly occupied by Popeye’s sits totally gutted, a new pizza oven and rotisserie waiting for installation in their delivery boxes. 

“I had watched this location and though to my self that it would be a great restaurant site,” Fischer said. “I’m an opportunist. I saw a void in the market for a sit down, casual restaurant with a bar.

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