Business Ins & Outs Aug. 8, 2018

By Stephanie Green and Robert Devaney

In: Bed and Biscuits
Our four-legged friends are getting a bite out of the “on demand” movement. Beginning this month, Bed and Biscuits — bnbiscuits.com — an online service that finds pet sitters for pet owners, is available in Washington, D.C. Already buzzing in Chicago and Boston, and circulating in Europe, the site is expected to do well locally, where the political class is fondof saying that one’s only real friend here is his or her dog.

And the pets in town are sometimes more high-maintenance than their masters. Go to a kennel and be put in a cage while Mummy and Daddy are away? I think not, says the average Dumbarton Street poodle.

Colin Moncton, 30, who created the website with his twin brother Ryan, explains that more and more pet owners are turning away from kennels, which can be expensive and psychologically taxing for pets. That’s where his website comes into play. With just a few clicks, a pet owner can book a prescreened sitter to look after Max or Milo in a simple transaction, complete with insurance.

The sitter usually stays with the pet at home, but sometimes the pet is dropped off with the sitter, based on the agreement between the parties. The site also provides dog walking and day care options. An average rate at a local dog boarding facility like Wagtime DC can cost around $54 a night, whereas the Bed and Biscuits rate is $40. And unlike its closest competitor, Rover.com, there is no booking fee.

Moncton estimates that he has about 350 pet sitters nationwide, all of whom have undergone background checks. The site has the potential to employ many Georgetown University students with the perfect part-time neighborhood job.

In: Dough Jar Opens

The Dough Jar, a sweet shop that sells fun-sized cups of cookie dough, opened Aug. 4 at1332 Wisconsin Ave. NW, formerly the space of cream puff joint Beard Papa’s. The woman- owned business has several locations around the city.

In: Roots to Open Aug. 9

Roots — “the open-air lifestyle brand with a rich heritage and portfolio of premium apparel, handcrafted leather goods, footwear, and accessories,” — as the 45-year-old Canadian company describes itself, will open a 3,550-square-foot Roots Cabin store at 3259 M St. NW this Thursday. Another location will open the following day in Pentagon City. The new store will include a customization workshop for its handcrafted leather bags and jackets, a Salt & Pepper Sweat Bar and fitting rooms featuring D.C.-area scenes and a lounge.

In: Cynthia Rowley on M Street

The new Cynthia Rowley location, popping up at 3338 M St. NW, will include its collection, surf and swim, beauty, jewelry, fragrance, shoes and tech accessories. Send a message to georgetown@cynthiarowley.com to be notified when it is open.

Out: Morton’s the Steakhouse

As Georgetown Court owner Bob Elliott introduces the next big things for his mixed-use property between N and Prospect Streets, Morton’s the Steakhouse, next to Cafe Milano, has left the complex after decades at 3251 Prospect St. NW.

Hakan Ilhan, who owns Mirabelle restaurant downtown, plans to open a French restaurant there — Chanterelle — after renovations in 2019. Ilhan’s 20 eateries include Al Dente and Ottoman Taverna.

The Georgetown Morton’s opened in 1982. It was the second location outside Chicago,where the steakhouse was founded. The Morton’s downtown, at Connecticut Avenue and L Street, occupies the former site of the legendary Duke Zeibert’s restaurant.

The demise of Key Bridge Exxon at M Street and 36th leaves Georgetown with two gas stations. Georgetowner photo.

Out: Key Bridge Exxon

Ready for more residences on M Street where gas stations once stood? Longtime Key Bridge Exxon is gone, leaving Georgetown with only two gas stations at Wisconsin Avenue and Q Streets NW: Georgetown Exxon and Georgetown Shell, both operated by Hamood Abutaa, who owns other gas stations in D.C. and in Arlington and Alexandria, Virginia. Next to the Exorcist Steps and the Car Barn, Altus Realty’s Hillside condos at 3601 M St. NW are set for construction.

Out: Walking Company, Steve Madden

The Walking Company at 3101 M St. NW has departed Georgetown. Founded in 1991 in Chatsworth, California, the footwear retailer is part of Walking Company Holdings, Inc., which filed for bankruptcy in March for a second time. In June, the company closed 23 of its 208 stores.