FREDERICK, Md. — Maryland's Top Chef brothers are cooking up a brand new concept in their hometown.
Wye Oak Tavern, a modern-day tavern and steakhouse, will be part of a brand new hotel opening soon in downtown Frederick.
It's the first restaurant Bryan and Michael Voltaggio will open together.
The Voltaggio Brothers gained national fame squaring off in the season six finals of Bravo's cooking competition show, Top Chef.
Michael defeated Bryan, yet both have gone on to enjoy award-winning careers in the restaurant industry.
Bryan remains in Frederick, where he's owned and operated several upscale eateries, including VOLT on N. Market Street, which turned into Thatcher & Rye in 2020.
The restaurant closed at the end of June and is now The Ordinary Hen under different ownership.
Meanwhile, the Voltaggio's newest venture marks a piece of Frederick history.
The hotel housing Wye Oak Tavern, is the first to open downtown in half-a-century.
Named Visitation Hotel, the 65-room building is located inside an 1800s convent and Catholic school.
In fact, Wye Oak incorporates some original artifacts in its floor plan, including the convent's original stained-glass windows.
Another example is the altar being transformed into the restaurant’s bar.
Meanwhile, the school auditorium and its original stage, is being re-purposed to host weddings.
The Voltaggio's have a hand in that as well. The brothers are launching Acorn Provisions, an event catering company, that will run out of the hotel, along with a grab-and-go cafe.
Visitation Hotel and Wye Oak Tavern is expected to open at 211 E. Church Street in the coming weeks.
Bryan is expected to lead day-to-day operations at the restaurant, with Michael offering creative help from his home base in Los Angeles.
