Wiedmaier Converting Markham’s into Destination for Musicians

Robert Wiedmaier’s RW Restaurant Group is continuing its expansion in Montgomery County.

The latest property being taken over by the group is Markham’s Bar and Grill—which new owners and longtime rock and roll fans Robert Wiedmaier, Brian McBride and Frank Shull are converting into a live music venue offering casual fare called Villain & Saint. Steve Markham, the former owner of Markham’s, will be a minority partner in the project.

“Our idea is to build a place for musicians,” Shull said. “We want to take care of musicians and really treat them well.”

The Bethesda restaurant has been closed for renovations and new stage has been installed. An opening is planned for mid- to late-April. The changes were first reported by local news website Bethesda Now.

Shull said the space will have a green room downstairs where musicians can hang out before shows and between sets. The restaurant will offer local and touring acts a place to play in Bethesda, Shull said.

Villain & Saint will offer a healthy bar-style menu, American craft beers, a range of rums and bourbons, and “great cocktails,” according to Shull. A new sound system is being installed that’s designed to give customers quality sound from any seat in the restaurant.

Concerts will be streamed to the restaurant’s website, providing those who can’t make it to the Wisconsin Avenue venue with the opportunity to view the bands. Initially, Shull says acts will perform on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights, but that schedule may be expanded to five nights a week if there’s enough interest.

The interior will be decorated with posters of rock ‘n’ roll bands and rock stars.

The restaurant is the third in southern Montgomery County acquired by the RW group this year. The group’s owners have also taken over the former Roof Bethesda space in Woodmont Triangle, which they’re planning to re-open as Urban Heights this spring. And last month, they took over The Tavern at River Falls in Potomac.

The restaurant group also operates Wildwood Kitchen and Mussel Bar & Grille in Bethesda, Brasserie Beck in Gaithersburg and Washington, D.C., as well as other restaurants in the D.C. metro area.

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