Saying an abrupt goodbye to Crazy Aunt Helen’s
Vibrant, LGBTQ-owned restaurant Crazy Aunt Helen’s closed two weeks ago. Known for its purple staircase, maximalist décor, and parade of events, this Capitol Hill destination suddenly shuttered on Nov.
1, but will be remembered for the influence it had during its two years in business. In a public statement on the closing, owner Shayne Mayson noted that there were several challenges he faced, like “opening during COVID, our location challenges, staffing challenges, repair and maintenance costs associated with an older building and equipment.” He also said, “we gave it our best go.
I’m so proud of my waitstaff and kitchen crew for taking my vision for Crazy Aunt Helen’s and bringing it to life. They are the reason we made connections with our neighborhood and the DC community.
I will miss working with them very much.” Crazy Aunt Helen’s opened in 2021 to much fanfare, given that owner Mayson was no stranger to the industry.
