Business Ins & Outs: Ike Behar; Blank Street Coffee, Baker’s Daughter
By • September 18, 2023 0 1490
In: Blank Street Coffee On Prospect St.
Blank Street Coffee at 3241 Prospect St. NW — next door to Van Leeuven Ice Cream — opened on Sept. 16. “With a limited, quality menu and state-of-the-art coffee technology, Blank Street makes the daily coffee run quick and easy,” we’re told. Its Georgetown location is part of the coffee company’s broader expansion in Washington, D.C. where it’s already in Dupont Circle and Shaw.
In: Hingham Savings on TJ
Hingham Savings discreetly opened in a renovated townhouse at 1061 Thomas Jefferson St. NW during the summer. The bank operates in Boston, Nantucket and San Francisco.
“Founded in 1834, Hingham Institution for Savings is one of America’s oldest banks and one of the oldest banks operating in Washington, D.C.,” the business tells us. “Hingham is one of the few family-run banks left in Washington.”
“The bank provides commercial mortgage, personal and commercial deposit banking, as well as portfolio residential mortgages from its offices in Georgetown near the C&O Canal. With a portfolio of well over $1 billion in greater Washington, we are an active commercial real estate lender, with a focus on stabilized multifamily properties. We also provide owner-occupant commercial real estate financing for our nonprofit clients.
“Our Specialized Deposit Group has a particular focus on commercial real estate investors, property managers, professional services firms, investment firms, and nonprofits, including trade associations. This group also provides personal banking services and portfolio residential mortgage lending.
“Our commitment to Washington runs deep, as several principals of the bank lived in Washington and maintain close personal ties to the city. We are proud of our commitment to affordable housing in the District and we were an early investor in the Washington Housing Initiative, an innovative solution for the preservation and creation of workforce housing in the metropolitan Washington area.”
Out: Ike Behar at 29th & M
We knew this day was coming, and we’ll miss this truly classy Georgetown shop. The redevelopment on the 2900 block of M Street NW did not include the men’s clothing store, Ike Behar, located at 2900 M St. NW. The store opened in 2014 and had the entire Behar family on hand for a grand opening party — founder Ike Behar along with wife Regina as well as sons Steven, Alan and Lawrence Behar.
“We hate to be forced out,” store director Alan Behar told The Georgetowner, adding, “I’ll be back.” He is still seeking a new spot in Georgetown.
Meanwhile, another Ike Behar store remains downtown at 1619 K St. NW.
Coming Soon: Baker’s Daughter
Baker’s Daughter will be coming to 1065 Wisconsin Ave. NW, the former spot for Taïm falafel. The opening is slated for the end of September or early October.
The boutique café comes from the team behind Gravitas and Michele’s. The all-day cafe offers breakfast, coffee, baked goods, prepared foods, gourmet grocery items and gifts. Other locations are on Okie Street NE and 12th & K NW.
