Support Nardelli Family After Blue 44 Closure

I was compelled to write this letter after reading the August Chevy Chase newsletter and I asked Chris to share his VIP/close friend list with me.

As the owner of partyhands, I have had the privilege of collaborating with Chris on numerous events over the years. Although we often found ourselves debating the details, each event turned out to be a resounding success, with the highlight being my daughter Molly’s wedding last December. Chris worked closely with the couple, the groom from New Orleans, to provide an outstanding oyster bar, muffulettas, gumbo, and more. The NOLA crowd was thoroughly impressed, and Chris is deeply loved by us all.

When I learned about the closing of Blue 44, I was devastated for Chris, his family, his employees, and the neighborhood. It is difficult to accept that a thriving restaurant, led by such a talented and dedicated owner who worked tirelessly and never turned down a challenge, could be forced to close, leaving behind only debt after 13 years of hard work. While my own business cannot be directly compared, I can relate to the struggles of post-pandemic small businesses. If I were to close after 14 years and 10,000 events, all I would have to show for my efforts would be a substantial SBA loan.

Today, I urge you to consider how we might alleviate the financial strain that Chris and his family are currently experiencing. This burden persists despite Chris adhering to regulations, being an exemplary employer, and consistently producing delicious food at reasonable prices while working tirelessly. Something is certainly amiss, and I ask you to join me in making a small correction.

I respectfully ask you to consider making a financial contribution to help support Chris during this challenging time. Your generosity can make a significant difference in alleviating the pressure on his family and ensuring that the legacy of Blue 44 lives on in our community.