Georgetown Main Street Boosts Small Businesses
By • March 27, 2023 0 1973
Georgetown Main Street — a non-profit that promotes and supports small businesses along the Wisconsin Avenue commercial corridor — met March 22 for its annual meeting at Fathom Gallery in the building that displays the famous Georgetown neon sign, appropriately enough.
The gregarious crowd of business owners and supporters was greeted by GMS Board President Melanie Hayes, who introduced Ward 2 Council member Brooke Pinto, chair of the Committee on the Judiciary and Public Safety. Pinto noted that the Council would be reviewing the mayor’s budget over the next 60 days and that safety — besides traffic and parking — was uppermost in residents’ minds. She asked people to let her know their concerns.
GMS Executive Director Rachel Shank then went over a slideshow of retail and visitor information concerning Georgetown commercial activity. Among GMS programs, upcoming are the Flower Tour on May 13 and Georgetown Art All Night 2023, planned tentatively for Sept 22.
As the town recovers from the pandemic gloom, there are signs of vibrancy all around — not the least of which is the newly owned Shouk at 1426 Wisconsin Ave. NW. The Israeli street food eatery looks like a hit.
Shank also spotlighted and congratulated chef-owner Cagla Onal-Urel of Green Almond Pantry at 3210 Grace St. NW. Ever since first operating at the Rose Park Farmers Market, the Mediterranean café counter and market has just gotten more and more patrons. Onal-Urel thanked her fans and landlords and said she loves her Grace Street location.
Throughout the meet-and-greet, attendees enjoyed small bites from Kitchen 1310 and chef Jenn Crovato.
Founded in 2017, Georgetown Main Street notes it “is a designated DC Main Streets program from the D.C. Department of Small and Local Business Development. GMS grew out of the Georgetown Business Association, which was created in 1976, as a non-profit membership organization committed to maintaining and improving the climate for conducting business in Georgetown.”
GMS Board Member Ellen Waugh and Board President Melanie Hayes. Georgetowner photo.
Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner Joe Massaua with GMS-G.U. Ambassadors C.C. Mesa and Max Langenbacher. Georgetowner photo.
The Georgetown Main Street Board of Directors. Courtesy GMS.
Jenn Crovato of Kitchen 1310. Courtesy GMS.
