What happened to ‘RHOP’ star Ashley Darby’s restaurant Oz? Here’s why Darbys shuttered eatery
POTOMAC, MARYLAND: Ashley Darby is a woman of many talents. The "RHOP" housewife is a TV personality, singer, mother, former beauty queen, and even a businesswoman. In 2015, the starlet and her ex-husband Michael Darby decided to venture into the restaurant business and opened their own place. In Clarendon, Arlington, Virginia, the Darbys opened 'Oz' restaurant, which features an unorthodox menu of kangaroo and camel burgers, python croquettes, and the occasional ostrich dish, possibly an ode to Michael's Australian roots.
The Darbys had opened the restaurant years ago when their relationship was still in full swing. The business had apparently even brought the couple together and strengthened their bond. In an old interview, Ashley talked about how the restaurant had helped the couple's relationship. She said, "I focus on the fact that Michael has been such a successful real estate developer for the last thirtysomething years of his life he wants to give me knowledge. He wants to be appreciated for his business acumen. So I think the fact that he can feel like he's pitching me something helps support our relationship. And then at the same time, we're both working to build something. We don't have kids yet, but this is like a child. So both of us are really giving literally,110 percent of our effort. So it makes us both feel invested in something like we're sharing something." But the Darbys later decided to pull the plug and close the restaurant after only four years of operation. What prompted them to take this drastic action? Well, here's what we know.
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What happened to Ashley Darby’s restaurant and why did the Darbys shut it down?
The Darbys have given Oz the trunk in 2019, posting an explanation for their actions. The duo also posted their reason on the restaurant's Instagram page. And what could be the reason for the closure? Well, the two closed their metaphorical "baby" for an actual baby! The Darby duo was expecting their first child, son Dean Darby, at the time. Dean was born in July 2019, shortly after the couple closed Oz. In Oz's final Instagram post sharing the news of the closure, the couple's team wrote, "It is with regret that Michael and Ashley Darby announce the closing of Oz Restaurant & Bar this Sunday, June 30, 2019. While Michael and Ashley are both involved in multiple business ventures and are expecting their first child in the coming weeks, they have made the difficult decision to close the restaurant."
It also included Ashley’s statement, “It has been nearly four years since we opened Oz Restaurant & Bar. We have been privileged to work alongside the best employees anyone could have asked for. We thank our staff, partners, vendors, customers, family, and friends who have all made Oz Restaurant & Bar an amazing dining destination and a significant part of the Clarendon community over the past several years.” The post continued with a statement from her ex, Michael Darby. It said, “I am sad to say goodbye to my little slice of Australia, but I am thankful to have created so many amazing memories with our staff and customers who were able to enjoy the Australian experience at Oz. We are replacing one Aussie baby with a new Aussie baby, as we prepare to welcome our little boy.”
Catch Ashley in ‘Real Housewives Of Potomac’ Season 7, airing Sundays on BravoTV at 8.pm ET/PT