The Unexpected Journey: 5 Things To Know About Compass Rose DC’s Closure And Its New Life As Sook

For over a decade, Compass Rose Restaurant in Washington DC was a culinary anchor on 14th Street, celebrated for its globe-trotting 'Silk Road' menu and its cozy, transportive atmosphere. As of late December 2025, however, the restaurant you knew and loved has closed its doors, marking the end of an era for DC's international dining scene. The good news? The space has immediately begun a vibrant new chapter under the same acclaimed ownership, ensuring that the spirit—and the most famous dish—lives on in a fresh, all-day format.

The closure of the original Compass Rose in mid-2024 was a significant piece of news in the DC food world, but it paved the way for a more casual, community-focused concept called Sook. This evolution, led by restaurateur Rose Previte, transforms the beloved jewel-toned space into a dynamic cafe and wine bar, proving that the best culinary journeys often involve a new destination.

The Restaurateur's Profile: Rose Previte and The Previte/Maydan Hospitality Group

The story of Compass Rose cannot be told without detailing the remarkable career of its founder, Rose Previte. A Washington D.C. native with Sicilian-Lebanese roots, Previte's passion for food was ignited by her extensive travels, particularly a year-long journey with her husband along the historic Silk Road.

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• Full Name: Rose Previte
• Hometown: Washington, D.C. area
• Education: Master's Degree in Public Policy (a career she shifted from to pursue hospitality)
• First Restaurant: Compass Rose (Opened 2014, Closed 2024)
• Current Restaurants: Maydan (Michelin-starred), Kirby Club, and Sook
• Culinary Philosophy: Focused on street food, regional specialties, and the cuisines of the Middle East, Caucasus, and Central Asia, inspired by the Silk Road journey.
• Accolades: Maydan earned a Michelin Star, and Compass Rose was named to numerous "Best Restaurant" lists upon its opening.
• Newest Project: Sook DC (Opened 2024, in the former Compass Rose location)

Previte's approach is defined by authenticity and a deep respect for global culinary traditions. Her flagship, the Michelin-starred Maydan, focuses on the open-hearth cooking of the Middle East. Compass Rose, before its closure, served as a "culinary passport," with a rotating menu that celebrated dishes from dozens of countries along the Silk Road, from Russia to Turkey to Morocco.

The Closure of an Icon: Why Compass Rose Ended Its 11-Year Run

The news that Compass Rose would be closing its doors on 14th Street after 11 successful years came as a shock to many loyal DC diners. The restaurant, which opened in 2014, was instrumental in establishing the global dining scene in the Logan Circle/U Street corridor.

A Strategic Evolution, Not a Failure

The decision to close was not a result of poor performance, but rather a strategic choice by Rose Previte to pivot the concept. The original Compass Rose, with its complex, ever-changing menu that spanned dozens of countries, required significant operational effort. Previte saw an opportunity to create a more streamlined, community-focused space that could serve the neighborhood throughout the entire day.

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The closure in mid-2024 was announced with a promise: the spirit of the restaurant would remain, and the most beloved elements would be preserved. This transition highlights a trend in the post-pandemic dining world toward more flexible, all-day cafe concepts that can maximize the use of a space.

The Enduring Legacy of Silk Road Cuisine

During its run, Compass Rose was celebrated for introducing Washingtonians to a vast array of international street foods and regional specialties, many of which were previously hard to find in the city. The menu was a tribute to the ancient Silk Road trading routes, offering dishes that told stories of cultural exchange and culinary migration. Entities and dishes that defined its legacy include:

• Khachapuri: The signature Georgian cheese bread (Adjaruli style).
• Kachina: A popular cocktail known for its vibrant flavors.
• Shashlik: Eastern European skewers.
• Khinkali: Georgian soup dumplings.
• Burek: Flaky Balkan pastries.

This commitment to diverse, authentic global flavors is a legacy that Previte continues across her other establishments, including Maydan and the new concept, Sook.

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Sook DC: The New All-Day Cafe and Wine Bar (Khachapuri Still Served!)

The biggest update for former Compass Rose fans is the arrival of Sook DC, which opened in the exact same location at 1346 T Street NW shortly after Compass Rose closed. Sook, which means "market" in Arabic and Persian, is a collaboration between Rose Previte and her longtime friend, Sashi Jayatileke.

Sook is designed to be a "premier gathering space," seamlessly transforming its function from morning to night.

1. The All-Day Concept: Coffee, Wine, and Market

Sook operates as a true all-day cafe, filling the void for a neighborhood spot that can cater to various needs.

• Morning & Day: It functions as a coffee shop, serving thoughtfully sourced espresso drinks, including unique offerings like a fig-leaf latte and ginger tonic. The coffee beans are sourced from DC-based Lost Sock Roasters.
• Afternoon & Evening: The space transitions into a relaxed wine bar, focusing on sustainable small plates and a curated global wine list.
• Market: Sook also features a small market component, selling pantry staples and perhaps some of the unique ingredients inspired by Previte's travels.

2. The Menu: Beyond Just Khachapuri

While the Khachapuri is the star, Sook's menu is a nod to the global influences of Compass Rose, albeit in a more focused and casual format. The offerings are designed to be quick, comforting, and perfect for sharing.

• The Signature Dish Lives On: The famous Georgian Khachapuri (cheese-filled bread with za'atar, organic egg, and local butter) is served all day, every day. This was a non-negotiable for the new concept, recognizing its status as a DC dining icon.
• Breakfast & Lunch: The morning offerings include breakfast khachapuri, Lebanese platters, pastries from local bakeries, and classic breakfast sandwiches.
• Small Plates: The evening menu features small plates and snacks, maintaining the commitment to global flavors but in a more tapas-style format suitable for a wine bar setting.

3. The Vibe: Cozy and Community-Focused

The interior space—the same jewel-toned, greenery-filled room that made Compass Rose so charming—has been slightly refreshed for Sook. The atmosphere is more casual and intended to foster a sense of community. By offering coffee and breakfast, Sook aims to be a daily destination for neighbors, rather than just a special-occasion dinner spot. This shift reflects a desire to create a more accessible and integrated part of the 14th Street corridor.

What This Means for DC's Global Dining Scene

The transformation from Compass Rose to Sook is a fascinating case study in restaurant evolution. It shows that even the most successful concepts can be retired to make way for a new vision that better suits the current market and the owner's goals. While the grand, globe-trotting menu of Compass Rose is missed, its most iconic element—the Khachapuri—has been preserved.

For diners, Sook offers a more flexible and frequent way to engage with the hospitality of Rose Previte and Sashi Jayatileke. It’s a place to grab a morning latte, hold a casual midday meeting, or enjoy a glass of wine and cheesy bread in the evening. The legacy of international exploration remains, distilled into a vibrant, all-day neighborhood hub that continues to honor the culinary traditions of the world's great trading routes.