FireFlies Is Closing After 15 Years In Del Ray

ALEXANDRIA, VA—After over 15 years serving Del Ray, the owner of FireFlies announced it would be closing. The last day of business will be Christmas Eve.

The restaurant at 1501 Mount Vernon Avenue has become a staple in the community, hosting local events from poetry readings to musical performances and of course the famous New Year's Day Pajama Brunch.

Marylisa and Dan Lichens opened FireFlies in 2002, naming the restaurant after memories of catching fireflies in her grandmother's yard in Del Ray. The owners have plenty of memories there, from President Obama stopping in for a burger in 2014 to getting engaged on Christmas Eve 2002.

The Del Ray Business Association said in a statement via social media, "Many, many thanks to Marylisa & Dan Lichens, Daniel Dia Barrios, and the entire FireFlies team for 15 incredible years of brunches, presidential lunches, happy hours, music, open mic nights, fundraisers, campaign events, and more in Del Ray."

The nearby Live Oak Restaurant announced on Facebook it would be introducing its second concept at the FireFlies location.

The FireFlies owners announced the restaurant's closing on Facebook. Here is the Lichens' full statement:

16 years ago, we stepped into this empty building and had a dream. It took us almost a year to renovate this old auto parts store into a hip little cafe. We have spent a wonderful 15yrs serving Del Ray. Throughout that time, we have watched children be born, grow up, and leave the nest. We, ourselves, got married, had 2 children, and moved to our house in the country. We have fed a president, a first lady, and many congress people. We have kicked off many a campaign and been a part of countless fundraisers for our community. We lost count of how many young people we have sent into the workforce after being their first job.

And, now, it’s time to pass the torch to new restaurateurs. We are hanging up our chef hats. We want to thank everyone who has been a part of our journey. Some of you have only been a line or two in our book, some of you, full chapters. We are grateful for each and every person who passed through our doors and gave us the privilege of feeding you. We look forward to the new chapter for us, and for Del Ray.

I also want to give a shout out to our awesome staff and their fearless leader, Daniel! I have never worked with such a fiercely loyal bunch as this crew. They have come miles through snow and ice so we could be open to feed the neighborhood. They have stayed late, come early and done whatever needed to be done. I am forever grateful for them.

On Christmas Eve, FireFlies will open it’s doors for one final Bluegrass Brunch. Join us and Big Hillbilly Bluegrass for our final party! Since we will not be here for New Year’s, we have moved our famous Pajama Brunch to Sunday. Bonus points if you come in Christmas PJs!

Thanks for everything!!

Image via C. Davidson/Visit Alexandria