Ins & Outs: Foxtrot, Roll, Freshbee’s

IN: FOXTROT OPENS IN GEORGETOWN

On March 1, Foxtrot — the first-of its-kind corner store/café/delivery retail market — made its East Coast debut at 1267 Wisconsin Ave. NW, at the corner of N Street. An enthusiastic crowd of Georgetown residents, business owners and visitors lined up to check out the newest neighborhood spot.

“We were thrilled when this building and location opened up,” co-founder and CEO Mike LaVitola told The Georgetowner, as he welcomed new customers of all ages to the gleaming market. “We want to be part of the neighborhood in every way. That means hiring local staff — about 20 permanent and temporary — and offering the best local products.”

As a result, the market offers a selection of locally brewed beers, steaks and other butcher cuts from Stachowski’s Market, daily fresh flowers, its own crafted cheeses and locally produced gifts from candles to scents. “We see ourselves as a high-end market that is a café with fresh locally roasted coffee during the day, with storecrafted toasts, sandwiches, salads and tacos and a neighborhood wine bar in the evening,” said LaVitola.

In the eight-year-old company’s own words: “As a digitally native, direct-toconsumer brand, Foxtrot marries the in-store experience of its neighborhood shops with swift, under-an-hour delivery via its proprietary app and website. Foxtrot hires and deploys its own couriers for a truly seamless on-demand experience.”

“We want to add to Georgetown in every way, not be competitors, but part of the neighborhood,” LaVitola said. “We love being across the street from Martin’s Tavern. We eat there every day.”

The Georgetown location is Foxtrot’s 11th market and its first in Washington, D.C. There are plans for an additional store to open at Mount Vernon Triangle on March 22.

IN: ROLL BY GOODYEAR DRIVES INTO TOWN

New tire-change concept Roll by Goodyear opened in February at 1336 Wisconsin Ave. NW. The premise of the business — with the slogan “Tires, on Your Terms” — is to let the customer pick the time and place to have tires installed at no additional cost. Expect lots of great tire puns on the website, like “This is how you Roll,” to explain how to get your tires.

IN: FRESHBEE’S REPLACES BIBIBOP

Freshbee’s American Grill & Cafe took over the former Bibibop space at 2805 M St. NW. The refreshed spot, which held a ShopHouse by Chipotle earlier, offers all-American burgers, all-day breakfast, smoothies and other sandwiches (looks tasty). Welcome to the neighborhood, too.

IN: TASTING ROOM IN FLAVIO

Occupying a second-floor speakeasy perch inside Flavio restaurant at 1073 31st St. NW, Tasting Room Georgetown is slightly hidden. The brainchild of Daoud Harris, chef-owner of catering company Six Street Eats, and Hyatt alum Ashley Blake, T/R opened last month. More than seven different small plates, ranging from vegan ceviche to lamb, are offered during twohour time slots for $99 to $125 — plus allyou-can-eat tacos for $25 on Taco Tuesdays.

COMING TO CADY’S: AVOCADO MATTRESS

Dubbing itself “the antithesis of the traditional mattress store,” Avocado Green Mattress is planning to open its doors at 3336 M St. NW this summer. Aiming to cater to the health- and environmentally conscious, the Cady’s Alley shop, with a light, airy vibe, will include a space for yoga classes and speakers and a wellness café with kombucha on tap.

MORE CADY’S NEWS: RELISH GETS VOGUE KUDOS

If you haven’t skimmed through the latest issue of Vogue, you may want to do so sooner rather than later. The publication released a guide to the best small businesses in the country and Relish, a boutique at 3312 M St. NW in Cady’s Alley, made the cut. Just a dozen and a half stores were featured in the piece, designed to shine a light on businesses faring well during the pandemic. Founded nearly 30 years ago by Nancy Pearlstein, Relish is a great place to visit for one-of-a-kind pieces.

Additional reporting by Peggy Sands.