Great Falls is welcoming a James Beard Award-nominated chef to anchor a local restaurant — a culinary milestone born from an online silent auction bid at Colvin Run Elementary School. Taking over the former BRX American Bistro space, the wine bistro anchors the owners' deep community roots and boasts elevated American fare and an inviting outdoor garden.

In May 2023, Julie Safa and her husband, Kaveh, wanted to connect with their community after buying a home on the Great Falls street where Kaveh grew up. While attending the 20th anniversary celebration for Colvin Run Elementary School where their son was starting kindergarten, the couple won an online silent auction for a gift card to BRX American Bistro on Seneca Road — sparking a dining experience that changed their trajectory.

Julie said the moment didn’t feel like a business calculation so much as fate. “The stars really aligned” when the school auction bid led them to BRX, a chef “of my dreams,” and the chance to build a neighborhood restaurant where their community could gather.

By coincidence, the owner of BRX had recently read about the couple's culinary success. The Safas had launched Arlington’s Courthaus Social in April 2015, pivoted during the 2020 lockdowns to launch Farmsy — a customizable farm-box delivery service partnered with local farmer Casey Feezle. They opened Yum Yum Hibachi in Ashburn in June 2023.

Recognizing their passion, the owner approached them before their winning meal was over, asking if they wanted to buy BRX. The idea of owning a restaurant in their own backyard was impossible to resist.

"We just thought it would be so much fun to serve our neighbors," Julie recalled.

Three months later, they closed on the property. Now, after three years of listening to guest feedback, the couple is debuting The Cellar on Seneca at 1025 Seneca Road, in the Seneca Square shopping center near Georgetown Pike. Julie noted that the completely remodeled space showcases historical and current photographs and art.

Though Farmsy's doorstep delivery has ended, the couple is bringing that local agricultural network to Great Falls by bringing on James Beard-nominated chef Christopher Carey to lead their kitchen. Carey is a celebrated locavore advocate known for anchoring menus around regional ecosystems.

Chef Carey will helm the kitchen, offering a seasonal, locally sourced menu paired with a curated collection of more than 200 wines. 

Asked about his sourcing philosophy and how their from-scratch kitchen accommodates food allergies, Carey was quick with an answer.

“My thoughtful, holistic, and from-scratch style focuses on ingredient integrity. We do our best to source from great purveyors both local and far who understand this focus, attention to detail, and adhere to our guidelines. Since most of our menu items are produced in-house, I reduce the risk of allergens and sensitivities,” Carey said.

The restaurant will feature monthly wine dinners, private dining, catering, and a members-only Cellar Club. Julie said the club gives members “wine lockers that give members immediate access to their favorite vintages” and “we help them curate the wines in their locker as we get to know their taste,” plus discounts, exclusive tastings, events, and priority dinner access.

“If I know you love Sancerre wine, and one of our distributors comes in with a brand-new Sancerre, I might reach out and say, ‘Hey, would you like me to put one or two in your locker for you to try?’” Julie said.

The couple plans a soft opening in late July, tracking updates on Facebook and Instagram (@cellaronseneca), followed by an August grand opening.

Kaveh said they wanted an approachable spot with 200-plus bottles. “Every bottle earns its place, whether it's paired with something on the menu or just a small producer we think people should know about.”

As for the space, the couple is going for a “warm and easy” vibe.

"Somewhere you can settle into a corner table, pour something great, and actually relax. Less stuffy than a tasting room, more like an extension of the neighborhood's living room," Kaveh said.

For a couple who just wanted to meet fellow kindergarten parents, it is a chance to turn that online silent auction win into the neighborhood's next culinary anchor.