In a press released on Feb. 3rd, Elm Group announces the closure of upscale French concept Arro at the close of service on Friday, Feb. 5. According to the release, The decision was not made lightly.
“The restaurant has been held in high regard locally and on the national level since we opened in summer 2013,” says Scott Hentschel, one of ELM’s founding partners. “We recently made significant improvements to the space – expanding the bar area and creating an outdoor patio in order to even better attract late-night and Sunday brunch crowds – and we’ve been seeing a good return on this investment. However, after we sat down with fellow local entrepreneur Bridget Dunlap (Lustre Pearl, Clive Bar, Bar 96, Container Bar, Burn) to discuss her proposed new bar concept at our prime location in the bustling West Sixth Street entertainment district, we were able to strike a mutually beneficial deal. We carefully considered the pros and cons, and ultimately decided that selling made the most sense for the area and would provide the least risk and highest return for our investors.”
ELM also announced that there are no plans at this time to relocate but all staff, from dishwashers to managers, will be given the opportunity to work at the other ELM concepts. They also mention the boom in the bar business on West Sixth bodes well for the Austin economy at large – and for the group’s upcoming project Irene’s, a dive bar and casual eatery opening this spring that’s located just around the corner. ELM’s opening of a second outpost of Easy Tiger this summer is also hotly anticipated, and there are a handful of other notable projects in the development stage at this time.
In the spirit of celebration, the ELM invites its loyal friends and patrons to come “Drink Us Dry” Wednesday through Friday, Feb. 3-5. Chef Andrew Curren will create a special menu with items ranging from $5 to $15, and all drinks (including the amazing wine collection curated by Beverage Director/Master Sommelier Craig Collins) will be half price. Come raise a glass and join the staff in bidding adieu to a wonderful space!