Business Ins & Outs Feb. 21, 2018
By • February 21, 2018 0 691
By Selma Khenissi and Robert Devaney
In: D.C. Gets 3rd Luke’s Lobster
Fast-growing Luke’s Lobster — in Georgetown and Penn Quarter — has set up a third Washington, D.C., spot near the White House and Farragut Square at 800 17th St. NW. Now a partner with the Ocean Foundation, Luke’s also celebrated its certification as a B Corp (the nonprofit B Lab’s certification for companies that meet “rigorous standards of social and environmental performance, accountability and transparency”). Founded in 2009 in New York’s East Village by Maine native Luke Holden, a Georgetown University business school grad, the company has more than 30 locations, including six in Japan.
Moved: Yamanair Creative
CEO Yaman Coskun. Courtesy Yamanair.
This company, which helps craft audio, video, digital and graphic design content, is smitten with Georgetown. Even after making plans to move to a new location, the company chose to relocate from the Canal Square complex on 31st Street to another Georgetown space, 3238 Prospect St. NW, where Yamanair Creative signed a five-year lease. “None of my team members wanted to leave Georgetown. Neither did I. We are thrilled with our new address,” said CEO Yaman Coskun. Among Yamanair’s clients are WTOP and Comcast SportsNet.
In (after Lent): Reformation
No, not the one started by Martin Luther 500 years ago — but the Reformation brand, founded by Yael Aflalo in 2008. Touted as “an Eco Label the Cool Girls Pick,” the fast-fashion clothing line with its vintage and sustainable fabrics will set up its ninth shop at 3033 M St. NW. Look for the simple, feminine bodycon dresses hanging next to tight jeans and off-the-shoulder tops. So, Georgetowners, along with Rihanna and Taylor Swift, “Change the World Without Changing Your Style,” as Ref proposes your OOTD in its unique, high-tech fitting rooms.
Out: P Street Gallerie
P Street Gallerie owner Lisa Brown has closed her art oasis at 3235 P St. NW. The California native, who described herself as having “a passion for art and its unique capacity to transcend the bounds of culture, geography and socioeconomic status,” is moving her art-selling online.
Under Construction: Unnamed Restaurant
Near Boulangerie Christophe, the retail space for 1424 Wisconsin Ave. NW intends to change into restaurant space, as a sign indicates. Though it’s not clear what the restaurant will be as of now, it is possible to catch a glimpse of the reincarnation going on inside.
Available for Pre-Sale: KnoNap
Danya Sherman.
Danya Sherman, KnoNap’s founder, who presented at Halcyon Incubator last fall as a fellow, is getting ready to launch her product: KnoNap, a napkin designed to detect specific rape drugs in drinks. The product’s creation helps give this George Washington University student, a victim of drug-facilitated assault herself, closure on her betrayal by someone she considered her friend. The napkins, slated to launch this fall, are available for pre-sale at knonap.com.
Out: Sports Zone Elite
Sports Zone Elite.
No more giant posters. The business at 3140 M St. NW, where men and women could buy sports-related and athletic clothing and shoes, is closed. The explanation for the closure of this Sports Zone Elite store was posted out front: “Our lease has expired and we have decided to move on.” Other nearby locations include 14th Street NW and Fairfax, Virginia.
Out: Mephisto
It turns out that having comfortable footwear for sale isn’t a surefire way to keep a store’s doors open. Mephisto, formerly located at 1329 Wisconsin Ave. NW, has closed its doors in Georgetown. The business is still open in online form. Also, next to the former space, now available for lease, is Comfort One Shoes, which touts the Mephisto brand.
