In: Dixie Liquor Rises Again
Closed since before July 4, 2016, Dixie Liquor, founded in 1934, reopened April 20 — same place, same hours, same property owners, different business owners. The new owners for the business are Jason Lim and his wife Soo Hyun Lim.
Frequented by generations of Hoyas and the likes of John Fitzgerald Kennedy and former running back John “The Diesel” Riggins, Dixie — at the intersection of M Street and Key Bridge, at the bottom of the cobblestone hill of 35th Street — is considered the oldest liquor store in Washington, D.C.
The Lims have worked with other family members at the Market at Columbia Plaza apartments, located along Virginia Avenue and 23rd Street, next to George Washington University; they said they have experience with a young clientele. Along with upgrading the store’s interior, the new owners applied for a Class A liquor license and transferred a liquor license from Best DC Supermarket at 1507 U St. NW. The Miller family still owns the property at 3429 M St. NW.
In: Lululemon Back in Original Spot
Lululemon Athletica, the yoga-inspired apparel company from Vancouver, British Columbia, has returned to its original Georgetown location at 3265 M St. NW from a temporary spot along the 3300 block of M Street. According to the company, the 3,920-square-foot renovated store is inspired by the history of Georgetown, especially Georgetown University, the Potomac River and the popularity of rowing. There is an expanded men’s section and a multi-purpose community space called the Loft on the second floor. The Loft will host workshops and classes and feature local artists each month.
Out: Kit and Ace Closes All U.S. Stores
The M Street Kit and Ace store closed abruptly April 26, as founder Chip Wilson — also a founder of Lululemon — said, “We recognize the traditional world of bricks and mortar retailing is changing, which is why we’re shifting strategies.” Canadian stores remain, but stores in the U.K. and Australia also shuttered. The pricey apparel store for “technical cashmere” made its debut in Georgetown last May. The company says it will expand its e-commerce platform.
Out: Bebe to Close All Stores by May 31
The retail meltdown or transformation — call it what you like — continues. Bebe Stores announced last week that it plans to close all of its 175 stores by the end of May. The retailer of “unique, sophisticated and timelessly sexy” clothing for women plans to become an online merchant, as it is “exploring strategic alternatives,” according to a public filing. The Georgetown Bebe, which closed earlier, was located at 1211 Wisconsin Ave. NW.
Coming Soon: Subway, Greenberry, District Pizza, Say Cheese!
Apart from the nearby rat problem in the alley off Potomac Street, the corner of M and Potomac Streets is about to become livelier. The new skin care shop Aesop took over the former Subway sandwich joint in December. Now Subway is set to return across the street, in the corner space at 3277 M St. NW that once housed Capitol Prague and, before that, Morso restaurants. Except for a quick pop-up business or two, the storefront has been empty since April 2014. Under construction next door are District Pizza and Greenberry, a coffee and frozen yogurt shop.
On the east side of town on 29th Street, just south of Ike Behar, will be a grilled cheese joint, named … Say Cheese! Yes, it’s more than a food truck, but with the melted cheese selections many have come to love.