Business Ins & Outs 2023
By • January 2, 2024 0 1696
In —
Sara’s Market Resurrected on Q
Vivien Tsang and John Michael Kushner, co-owners of Dent Place Market, reopened Sara’s Market at 3008 Q St. NW which closed its doors last June — a closure many thought would be forever. However, the store now looks shiny and new, as its new owners renovated the space, inside and out. Established in 1919, Sara’s will have much of what is offered at Dent Place Market.
Cafe con Bagel
In May, Pablo Salazar opened his coffee and bagel joint at 1332 Wisconsin Ave. NW in the former space for Petite Soeur and, before that, the Cookie Dough Jar and, before that, Beard Papa, a cream puff shop. He is co-owner of the business with his brother Marcello Salazar. The business’s motto is “In Coffee We Trust, On Bagels We Feast.”
Boat House Apparel … at the Canal
Boat House Apparel opened along the C&O Canal at 1061 31st St. NW, specializing in graphic tees, sweatshirts and accessories centered around lake life and relaxing vacations. Owned by Samantha Ring, the small business has “built a community around a love for fashion, travel, and water, capturing the magic of summers.” It is located on the Canal Street level of the Georgetown House boutique hotel.
Ever/Body
Ever/Body — “a pioneer of a first-of-its-kind approach to cosmetic dermatology that combines an unparalleled industry standard of medical expertise with a convenient and modern client experience,” the business tells us — opened at 1242 Wisconsin Ave. NW.
Van Leeuwen
Van Leeuwen, the Brooklyn-born brand known for its made-from-scratch dairy and vegan ice creams, opened in May at 3245 Prospect St. NW. For the debut of its Georgetown outpost, the brand has partnered with beloved neighborhood bakery Baked & Wired to create a limited edition ice cream flavor — Dirty Chai Cupcake.
Bitty & Beau’s Coffee
After temporarily closing in March, Bitty & Beau’s Coffee, the North Carolina-based company that “reinvented the coffee experience,” reopened at 3207 M Street NW. Named after their two children with Down syndrome, the brand was launched by the Wright family in 2016 and adds that it is “human rights movement disguised as a coffee shop.”
Away on M St.
Away, the original disruptor of the travel goods industry, opened its first retail storefront in Georgetown at 3237 M St. NW in September. The company told us: “With this opening, Away is the first travel brand to have a retail presence in Georgetown. The brand was eager to invest in the market not only for its rich history, culture, and a strong sense of community, but also because Georgetown serves as a major travel hub for residents, students, and visitors alike.”
Curated by Cecilia
Curated by Cecilia opened in September at 1259 Wisconsin Ave. NW. Inspired by Cecilia Cassini’s keen eye and passion for fashion, extensive retail buying and personalized styling experience, the boutique carries a variety of brands. Upstairs, there are the season’s event wear and high-end gowns. Get curated yourself: One-on-one appointments with Cecilia are available.
Blank Street Coffee On Prospect St.
Blank Street Coffee at 3241 Prospect St. NW — next door to Van Leeuven Ice Cream — opened in September. “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.
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.”
Baker’s Daughter
Baker’s Daughter opened in October at 1065 Wisconsin Ave. NW, the former spot for Taïm falafel. The boutique café comes from the team behind Gravitas and Michele’s.
Say Cheese! Now at the Graham
Business owner Suzy Nabil opened a new place for serving her grilled cheese sandwiches, salads and soups. It’s a blue, white-tiled annex to the Graham Hotel at 1071 Thomas Jefferson St. NW, which formerly housed the Curios shop. The 2900 M project forced the neighborhood favorite Say Cheese!, formerly at at 1132 29th St. NW, to move.
Clare V. on Wisc.
Last month, the Los Angeles-based Clare V. — founded by fashion designer Clare Vivier in 2008 — set up shop at 1238 Wisconsin Ave. NW, once the site of the trendy Tramps Discoteque. Expect hip handbags, accessories and apparel — with a nod to the brand’s vintage resale items as well as its EMC donations, “Every Mother Counts.”
Arcay Chocolates on O
Arcay Chocolates opened in May at 3211 O St. NW, the former site of the cat cafe, Crumbs & Whiskers. The bright, airy building is completely renovated with a front counter as you enter and a meeting space on the second floor. Anabella Arcay de Berti is the award-winning artist with the chocolates and the murals around the shop. Her husband, Dario Berti, is the CEO of the business.
Kyojin at Cady’s Alley
The upscale Kyojin opened at 3315 Cady’s Alley, where the late, great L2 nightclub used to be. The 130-seat Japanese restaurant is brought to you by Jeff King and Peter Kannasute, of Yume Hospitality Group, which also owns Arlington’s Yume Sushi. The larger space allows for a sushi bar and sake tasting counter as well as a dining area that features Kannasute’s specialty omakase menus.
Wolford
Exquisite — and, yes, sexy — hosiery. Founded more than 70 years ago, Wolford, the Austrian Apparel and Skinwear brand, opened its first Washington, D.C., boutique in January 2023 at 1234 Wisconsin Ave. NW, bringing sophisticated ready-to-wear, athleisure, knits, legwear, lingerie, accessories and more to the neighborhood. It is Wolford’s 23rd store in the U.S.
Commonwealth Proper
Welcome to Commonwealth Proper at 1355 Wisconsin Ave. NW, above the incoming bakery, Maman, next to Compass Coffee. It is, we’re told, “a modern ensemble of the best tailors, designers, and personal stylists in America working together to make exceptional custom clothing” — thanks to owner Craig Arthur von Schroeder.
Fuel Body Lab on P
Fuel Body Lab began its 13th year in Georgetown at a new location — 3003 P Street NW, next to Morgan’s Pharmacy. Says the team on P: “The new, cozy studio lends itself to private sessions, duets and small, focused group classes. We have state of the art Pilates equipment including four reformers, three chairs and a full-sized cadillac for private sessions.”
Oakberry
A new eatery — Oakberry — opened at 1560 Wisconsin Ave. NW. The franchise is all about smoothies and açai bowls. It takes over the former spot of La Jolie Bleu bakery and, before that, Dolcezza gelato — at Q & Wisconsin, next to Los Cuates Mexican restaurant.
Nisolo on M
Started in 2011, Nisolo is an eco-friendly, sustainable, living-wage shoe brand. Founder Patrick Woodyard is all about the artisans getting their classic products to market in a fair manner. Their second-ever store opened at 3251 M St. NW. The company’s flagship store is located in Nashville’s Buchanan Arts District — with a main factory in Peru.
Sleep Number
Minnesota-based Sleep Number, which makes the Sleep Number and Comfortaire beds, has set up shop at 1239 Wisconsin Ave. NW, next to the Apple store. The adjustable bed company had revenues of $1.856 billion last year — and, as of 2018, employed 4,220 persons across the U.S. The building once housed the Loft and, before that, Ann Taylor.
The Poppy on P Replaces the Avery
The cozy and intimate boutique guesthouse Avery Georgetown has undergone a rebrand of sorts. Nico Vroom, general manager, told The Georgetowner that the venue at 2616 P St. NW is officially “in bloom” as The Poppy Georgetown Guesthouse and Gardens come June. And it has. It was “love at first sight” when TBC Hotels acquired the property in February 2022, said Emily McAuley, director of digital strategy and communications for TBC Hotels. As the acquisition developed, it became apparent that TBC Hotels wanted to offer something “a little different, a little extra.”
The Tox
Speaking of Barbie, the Tox has opened on the second floor of 3003 M St. NW — “Bringing NYC’s Famous Lymphatic Experience to Georgetown.” As the business tell us, “The Master Tox is a unique blend of different modalities that heal your body from the inside out. The Tox Technique focuses on detoxifying your body & mind. The Master Tox is a technique that works directly with your lymphatic and digestive systems. The Tox Technique incorporates different body techniques that increase your metabolic rate, rid your body of excess toxins, cleanse your colon all while giving you long lasting results.”
Pasha Castle on M …editerranean
Mediterranean food rules … especially from Beirut. Pasha Castle Sweets & Tea opened in June at 3279 M St. NW. Its mission, we’re told, is “to deliver unparalleled Mediterranean sweets and tea experiences to the discerning palates of the D.C. area …”
Dolce Vita at Wisconsin & O
Dolce Vita — Steve Madden’s upscale brand for women’s boots, flats and sneakers — took over the old Prince & Princess space in December at 1400 Wisconsin Ave. NW. (Meanwhile, the upper floors at the corner building have been converted into apartments.)
Home Court … Advantage?
Home Court — “Buy, Sell, Trade” — took over the space vacated by the Showroom at 1363 Wisconsin Ave. NW, which had taken over the former space of Riccardi Clothier. Like its previous occupant, the sneaker spot looks to trade, buy and sell basketball, training and running shoes.
Georgetown Garden Shop on O
The Georgetown Garden Shop opened at Robert Bell’s spot at 3214 O St. NW. Caroline Ervin is selling garden decor, small tools and accessories on the first floor and continuing her Landscape Design business from the lower level.
Lugano Diamonds at Eno Space
Who knew that wine, cheese and charcuterie could lead to diamonds? Lugano Diamonds & Jewelry, designer and manufacturer of high-end, one-of-a-kind jewelry, took over the space once held by the Eno Wine Bar at 2810 Pennsylvania Ave. NW. Next to the Four Seasons Hotel, the luxe jeweler was founded in 2004 and purchased by Compass Diversified two years ago for $256 million. Lugano has four other retail shops: Newport Beach and Aspen as well as Palm Beach and Ocala, Florida.
Mèo Maison!
Yes, we have another cat cafe, as it were. The kitties are at the window at 1336 Wisconsin Ave. NW in the former Goodyear tire shop. The owners say: “Our mission is to reduce euthanasia in animal shelters and to improve the lives of homeless cats. We partner with Lucky Dog Animal Rescue, who save homeless cats and kittens at risk of euthanasia and we house them in our cafe.”
Vuori on M
The California-based apparel company, Vuori, opened in November at 3222 M St. NW in the space which was once the main entrance to the interior shopping mall, known as the Shops at Georgetown Park. “Launched in 2015, Vuori delivers elevated, everyday essentials that blur the lines between fitness and life,” the company tells us. “An active yogi and surfer, founder Joe Kudla was motivated to create clothing that’s ‘Built to Move in. Styled For Life.’ Today, Vuori has stores in nearly 30 cities, including Malibu, New York and London.”
Zadig & Voltaire
French clothing brand Zadig & Voltaire opened at 1227 Wisconsin Ave. NW, the former site of shoes and leather good retailer Ecco. Founded in 1997 by Thierry Gillier, Z&V writes: “Zadig & Voltaire invents a diverse universe that thrives in the in-between. Not just for him or her, day or night, or work or leisure, the Parisian fashion house redefines modern femininity with wild, free, and rock-fueled wardrobe essentials that embody the strength and sensuality found in the rough and undone.” (The business is named after the Enlightenment philosopher Voltaire and a character in one of his novellas.)
B&B Italia
To be or not to be B&B … B&B Italia, the global contemporary design furniture group, brought its iconic, timeless furniture to its first Washington, D.C., three-story flagship in Georgetown at 3330 M St. NW in the former Baker Furniture store. Part of the luxe design stores in Cady’s Alley, the 12,809-square-foot space, designed by the brand’s artistic director, Piero Lissoni, has a very contemporary feel that provides a striking contrast with the exterior brownstone building.
Fangyán, Fashion from Asia
East Asian fashion store Fangyán opened in June at 1057 Wisconsin Ave. NW in the ground floor space which once held the AT&T store. The clothing store will feature collections from more than 15 Asian designers and labels such as Mukzin, ZI II CI IEN and Fansilanen, in addition to its own brand of silk, wool and cashmere styles including, outerwear, swimwear, dresses and more.
Maman
Maman, NYC’s French bakery and café, opened at 1353-1355 Wisconsin Ave. NW on Valentine’s Day and features its signature sweet treats, cozy drinks — along with a dedicated room, “The Study,” catering to Georgetown students, the company said. Expect Maman classics like famous Nutty Chocolate Chip Cookies and Croque Maman.
Tiachi Bubble Tea
Next to Maman, Tiachi Bubble Tea at 1357 Wisconsin Ave. NW opened in February. It’s a nice add-on to a reinvigorated block that includes Compass Coffee and Luigi Parasmo Salon and Spa. The fast casual eatery offers bubble tea, poke bowls and ramen.
Studs, as in Earrings
Calling itself “a fresh take on ear piercing & earrings,” Studs took over the closed store and studio of Allure skincare at 3288 M St. NW.
Streets Market, Now on P
A well-stocked grocery store opened in the former 7-Eleven space at the northwest corner of P and 27th Streets in April. It is the seventh Streets Market store in Washington, D.C. “I was elated the moment I walked into the new Streets Market,” educator and former advisory neighborhood commissioner Monica Roaché told The Georgetowner, reflecting the sentiment of many of her neighbors.
Dig, as in ‘In’
Dig opened in April. Long awaited at the old Paolo’s side space (once a Little Tavern hamburger joint) at the corner of Wisconsin Avenue and N Street NW, Dig is on a mission of mindful sourcing for its ingredients — with bowls of salads or main dishes of chicken or meatballs with names like the Autumn Harvest or Lime Leaf Salmon.
Alkova, Yoga Co-working
Alkova opened at 1510 Wisconsin Ave. NW and offers yoga in a co-working setting — “We’ve created a place where you can peacefully work, practice yoga, or both. This space, like an alcove in a city, is a respite from the disconnection present in the outside world. While we can’t control all external chaos, we can provide the tools for you to create an inner oasis, wherever you go.”
Villa Yara, Lebanese Delight
Villa Yara opened over the summer in the former Le Pain Quotidien at 2815 M St. NW. The restaurant serves Mediterranean and Lebanese cuisine — with seating up to 119, including a garden in the back. Early reviews are enthusiastic.
Hitched
Hitched — it has nothing to do with Will Smith — is a new wedding shop opening at 1663 Wisconsin Ave. NW. And it’s not about dresses, either. There was a Hitched shop down the avenue that offered wedding gowns a few years ago. Headquartered in Philadelphia, the new place is about wedding rings — founded by husband and wife, Chris and Stephanie Sammons, in 2018.
District Doughnut Reopens
District Doughnut, formerly at 3327 Cady’s Alley NW, reopened at 3333 M St. NW, once home to Sweetgreen, and long before that, a Little Tavern. As the company proclaimed, “Happiness Found (Again)!”
Alo Yoga
The popular yoga clothing and accessory company Alo took over the prime Georgetown retail space previously occupied by Banana Republic at the corner of Wisconsin Avenue and M Street — 3200 M St. NW in June.
Mugsy on M
Mugsy — not the basketball player, but the super smooth jeans maker — opened at 2922 M St. NW, where Keith Lippert once had a shop. Made with high-tech fabrics, Mugsy sells, and it tells us, “the most comfortable men’s jeans ever” that are “infused with buttery softness and insane stretch.”
Manse on O
Manse, “a housewares and lifestyle store focused on carrying unique and artisan-made products” from Old Town Alexandria, now occupies the former Arlandia Floors space — and, before that, the esteemed Antiques of Georgetown at 3210 O St. NW.
Frame on M
Frame opened its store at 3105 M St. NW, after renovations, in the space left by Michael Kors during the pandemic. Founded in 2010, Frame is an American fashion-retail company that designs and sells high-end clothing for men and women. The company is known for its denim jeans and hand bags sold at retail outlets in the U.S. and has been patronized by models Karlie Kloss, Miranda Kerr and Emily Ratajkowski.
Sutliff’s Pop-up Becomes Robin’s Gallery
Artist Robin Sutliff — who has exhibited at L’Enfant Gallery at Wisconsin and P for years — has become the proud proprietor of Robin’s Gallery, which opened last month as a seasonal pop-up space. It’s now her permanent gallery, showing off her winter white collection. Robin’s Gallery is in Canal Square at 1054 31st St. NW.
Frank Darling Rings
The new retailer at 1305 Wisconsin Ave. NW, second floor, is another jeweler with new ideas and old-fashioned crafts. “This is where Frank Darling stands humbly at your service. Meticulously crafted rings at ridiculously honest prices? You might say, we’re #practicallyromantic.”
Stretch Lab Near Safeway
Along the ground floor retail row under Safeway, Stretch Lab opened at 1855 Wisconsin Ave. NW, Suite B. Experts do what it sounds like they do — “Don’t just stretch, get stretched.”
Out —
Booeymonger
In April, the signage was stripped off the awning and the windows papered up. The unique Georgetown deli, known as Booeymonger, ended its 50-year-old existence at 3265 Prospect St. NW. “Yes, Booeymonger is closed,” Leslie Samuel, property owner and co-founder of the business, told The Georgetowner. “A new restaurant is forthcoming.”
It will be a French bistro, Samuel said, from the owners of Zeppelin and Chaplin’s, two restaurants on 9th Street in Shaw. He added that he understands that the new business owners, Ari and Claire Wilder, plan to call it La Bonne Vache — “The Good Cow.”
Since 1973, Booeymonger — at the corner of Prospect and Potomac Streets, near residential homes and one block from busy M Street — was a gathering spot for neighbors, business folks and Georgetown University students. The unusually named sandwiches, the “Patty Hearst,” “Fifth Avenue” and “Tuna Turner,” fit the eatery’s quirky name, taken from a student newspaper in Ohio which one of the co-founders thought was cool.
Banana Republic
Another fallen retail legend. The Banana Republic at Georgetown’s iconic intersection closed on Martin Luther King Jr. weekend — and was succeeded by a yoga store and exercise spot at 3200 M St. NW. The corner property’s most legendary occupant was the haute cuisine French restaurant, Rive Gauche.
Nike
The Nike footwear store vacated its roughly 33,600-square-foot space at 3040 M St. NW — but reportedly was seeking a smaller space along the 3200 block of M Street NW. In the 1970s and ’80s, the building at the corner of M & Thomas Jefferson Streets NW contained the movie theater, Cerberus — and, after that, the beloved bookstore, Barnes & Noble, which now plans to return to the spot.
Intermix
The Georgetown Intermix store at 3300 M St. NW closed suddenly in March, along with most other Intermix locations. The Georgetown woman’s fashion spot stood prominently at the corner of 33rd & M since 2012, after moving west from the Georgetown Park complex. “Intermix saga continues,” according to Yahoo News: “The multibrand retailer, which is now owned by private equity firm Regent LLP, has closed 17 of its stores, with five still operating.”
Ike Behar
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.
Vans, ‘Off the Wall’
The classic sneaker store, Vans “Off the Wall,” at 3239 M St. NW shut its doors the last day of 2022.
Ching Ching Cha
After 25 years, Ching Ching Cha tea house and shop at 1063 Wisconsin Ave. NW left Georgetown on Jan. 29, 2023. “Our decision to close the tea house came sadly after I met with the two young landlords in April,” business owner Hollie Wong told her customers in a letter. “Ching Ching Cha has always been a dream for me and together we made it happen.”
Lush
Purveyor of hair and skincare products, makeup and other fresh, vegetarian body products, Lush closed at 3066 M St. NW. In 1996, the first Lush shop opened in Vancouver, Canada. Today, it has 269 shops in North America.
Kintaro
Kintaro at 1039 33rd St. NW has closed its doors. The intimate sushi spot was 10 years old and never recovered from the loss of business during the pandemic.
Marston Luce
Gregory Marston Luce died in January of 2022. He founded his renowned antique store in Georgetown more than 40 years ago. Its time came, too, to say good-bye. The Georgetowner last featured Marston Luce and his business three years ago.
Truist Bank
The Truist Bank at 1365 Wisconsin Ave. NW — once a BB&T Bank — closed in March. The other Georgetown branch of Truist Bank remains open at 2929 M St. NW and has a parking lot.
Naadam, Replaced by Grown Brilliance
Naadam — “the world’s fairest cashmere” — at 3003 M St. NW, having set up in the former i-Thai restaurant space, departed the town after little more than a year. The space will be taken over by Grown Brilliance, which tells us: “Our mission is to create an ethical, transparent, and value-driven approach to jewelry.”
Bangkok Joe’s at Washington Harbour
Bangkok Joe’s at 3000 K St. NW closed in March. Its farewell note read, “Thanks, D.C. Dear Friends: We are saddened to announce Bangkok Joe’s permanent closure. We kindly thank all of our supportive past patrons and appreciate the opportunities we’ve had to serve in Georgetown, DC. It’s been an honor to have shared our cuisine for the past 20 years. With Love, Chef Aulie Bunyarataphan & Mel Oursinsiri.”
Bangkok Joe’s first opened in 2003, home to the first “Dumpling Bar in the Nation’s Capital.”
Saxbys, a Hoya Favorite, Replaced by Coffee Republic
Saxbys Coffee abruptly departed the corner of 35th & O and was placed by Coffee Republic. Saxbys told The Georgetowner: “Georgetown has been a special place for Saxbys. For the last 16 years, we’ve had the true honor and privilege of being a staple in the neighborhood, serving guests and the community at large.” Added Russ Wilkin, Saxbys Senior Vice President of Brand & Cafes: “Sadly, our franchise partners decided it was time to move on from the location, and we wish the best of luck to both them and the new occupants of the space. While this chapter may have come to an end, we hope to be back in the future as we grow The Saxbys Experiential Learning Platform across the region.”
Saxbys opened at 3500 O St. NW in 2006, replacing Sugar’s Campus Store which had occupied the spot for 85 years.
Olive Oil Co.
Owners Emil and Hristina Merdzhanov — owners of the Georgetown Olive Oil Co. with its rows of bottles of extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar — have shuttered their store at 2910 M St. NW, having moved five years ago from 1524 Wisconsin Ave. NW. The 2900 M project forced the move.
Scotch & Soda … Quickly
The Scotch & Soda clothing store — which returned to Georgetown on March 31, at 1214 Wisconsin Ave. NW, next to El Centro — and then closed abruptly.
Edible Arrangements
Edible Arrangements at 1600 Wisconsin Ave. NW — the corner of Q and Wisconsin — has closed. The Atlanta-based franchising business specializes in fresh fruit arrangements, combining the idea of a fruit basket with designs inspired by a floral arrangement. The Georgetown store opened in 2009. Before that, it was a 7-Eleven.
Moved —
Prince & Princess
For years at the corner of Wisconsin Avenue and O Street, Prince & Princess, the classic sneakers and sportswear store, has moved next door to 1406 Wisconsin Ave. NW. Prince & Princess is co-owned by siblings Parviz Mizrahi and Lida Solmen. Meanwhile, the top floors on the corner building are being converted into apartments.
Georgetown Frame Shoppe
Because of the 2900 M Project, the Georgetown Frame Shoppe has left 2902½ M St. NW and will relocate to 2818 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, a few doors from Lugano — and between Bourbon Concierge and DTR Galleries. Established in 1989, the business is a leading dealer of fine art prints and works on paper and tells us: “Our extensive collection includes modern, contemporary, street, and pop art from blue chip and emerging artists. We buy and sell artwork from our global network of dealers and clients, in order to connect you with the highest quality pieces for the best possible price.”
Washington Printmakers Gallery
Washington Printmakers Gallery — “the greater DC metro area’s primary source for contemporary fine art prints and photographs” — moved to 1675 Wisconsin Ave. NW, next door to A Mano.
Coming in 2024 —
Barnes & Noble … Redux
Gone from Georgetown since 2011, the the United States’s largest national bookstore chain will return to its original location at 3040 M St. NW, having signed a 33,754-square-foot lease for the same three floors, as first reported by the Washington Business Journal.
“We couldn’t be more pleased to return to Georgetown,” said James Daunt, Barnes & Noble’s CEO, in a prepared statement. “There is no better example of the changing fortunes of physical bookstores, and Barnes & Noble specifically, than to reopen in this magnificent building at the heart of Georgetown.”
The 48,773-square-foot building is owned by a joint venture between Cara Real Estate and Lincoln Property, which acquired the property in 2019 from Vornado. At the time, the space was occupied by Nike, whose lease was slated to end in 2022, though it had options to extend, according to WBJ. Nike left Georgetown in early 2023.
“The Georgetown market has experienced a renaissance following COVID with many new brands and a lower vacancy rate than prior to COVID,” David Dochter of Dochter & Alexander, which represented the owner, said in a prepared statement. “It demonstrates that we can continue to be bullish about this market as a walkable vibrant neighborhood with a strong projection of success.”
As expected, the large bookstore will sell books, newspapers, magazines, music and gifts — and contain a café.
Osteria Mozza, Starr’s Next Super Star
More than a year ago, restaurateur Stephen Starr said he is partnering with Michelin star chef Nancy Silverton to bring an Italian restaurant to the former Dean & Deluca space at 3276 M St. NW and added, “I am confident that what we create together will knock the socks off of D.C.”
Osteria Mozza will include an Italian market, mozzarella bar and restaurant, spanning more than 20,000 square feet within the historic Georgetown Market building — next to the C&O Canal and less than one block from the intersection of Wisconsin Avenue and M Street.
The Starr Restaurant Group’s Washington menu includes Le Diplomate, St Anselm, Bread Alley, El Presidente, Pastis — and, by the end of 2024, the Georgetown Italian super star as well the landmark Occidental, next to the Willard Hotel.
Pure Sweat + Float Studio on Prospect
Pure Sweat + Float Studio, “a community-focused retreat for health, healing and connection within,” plans to open its first studio in Georgetown early next year at 3345 Prospect St. NW, formerly a corner dry cleaners.
Jinya Ramen in Via Umbria Space
Sam Shoja will open a seventh location in the Washington area when he brings Jinya Ramen to 1525 Wisconsin Ave. NW, formerly the space for Via Umbria, the Italian restaurant, market, and event space.
Tatte Bakery at Former Capital One Bank
Tatte Bakery will be moving into the former Capital One Bank building at Wisconsin Avenue and Q Street, according to Georgetown Metropolitan, which cited planning applications. Empty since May 2022, the Capital One Bank property at 1545 Wisconsin Ave. NW was acquired by Roadside Development and Waterview Capital Management in the summer. The building and its parking lot were purchased for $3.15 million to be redeveloped for retail use.
Kim Kardashian’s Skims on M
Founded in 2019 by Kim Kardashian, shapewear brand Skims is looking to open a store at 3300 M St. NW next year, according to the Washington Business Journal, which cited a filing with the D.C. Historic Preservation Review Board. The corner spot at 33rd and M currently houses a Sandro pop-up — and was an Intermix store, before that, for years. Skims — which sells loungewear, undergarments, and other clothes — raised a $270 million funding round that valued the brand at $4 billion, The New York Times reported.
Brompton Bikes
Brompton bikes plans to open a shop at 1214 Wisconsin Ave. NW in the former Scotch & Soda clothing store. Brompton tells us: In 1975, Andrew Ritchie, a young engineer in London, “invented a bike with an ingenious three-part fold. A lightweight vehicle that transformed into a small locked package in under 20 seconds. A bike that you could take anywhere. A ‘magic carpet for the city.’ ”
Sports & Social
The former Ri Ra space at 3125 M St. NW is slated to become a Sports & Social, a sports restaurant that’s big on wide-screen TVs, burgers, tacos, salads — and betting. As the Bethesda version tells it: “Big Screens. Big Eats. Big Bets. Enjoy the exciting addition of FanDuel Sportsbook to enhance your sports watch experience. Make in-person bets and Game Day with us. Open during restaurant hours.” The upcoming Georgetown site plans to offer sports betting as well.
New Balance in Old Glory Space
A New Balance store is coming to 3139 M St. NW, the former space for the short-lived America Eats Tavern, which shut down during the pandemic, and Old Glory for 26 years before that.
As first noticed by Topher Mathews, “This is a bit of a shame. Not for any fashionable reasons, but because it means yet another restaurant building on M St. is being converted to fashion retail. While the decline has been less steep in recent years, the aggregate loss of dining options on M St. over the past 10-15 years has been significant. True, Old Glory itself closed way back in 2018. But the relatively short-lived Americas Eats Tavern maintained a lot of the same casual dining spirit (although not quite at the same prices). The two restaurants combined for nearly 30 years of food being served at this address. Now it will be only dad shoes served instead.
Outerknown on Wisconsin
Another cool, sustainable clothing store is about to open at 1240 Wisconsin Ave. NW. The seven-year-old business tells us: “We’re committed to protecting the environment and supporting fair labor. … The materials we use are vital to designing responsible products. We have a fiber policy and scorecard that has helped us navigate which fibers we consider to be preferred based on criteria for sustainability and circularity potential. This is why we work to increase the amount of preferred fibers (such as organic cotton, hemp, recycled cotton, responsible wool, etc.) in our products. … We work with two B Corp Certified suppliers and have eight facilities running on renewable energy. We diversified our country of origin and moved 67 percent of our supply chain to ensure that every supplier we work with prioritizes and respects human rights.”
Hakan Ilan to Remake Paolo’s Space
The long shuttered Paolo’s Ristorante space, most recently High Street Grill, will become Alara, a Turkish restaurant by Hakan Ilhan. Meaning “beautiful water fairy” in Turkish, Alara will feature seasonal menus and wines with a focus on the four Mediterranean coastal nations of Turkey, Greece, Lebanon and Israel, according to Eater DC.
The prime restaurant space at 1303 Wisconsin Ave. NW is next to the Dig eatery, which took the smaller corner portion of the old Paolo’s, which closed in August 2018 after a 30-year run.
Among Ilhan’s extensive portfolio is Brasserie Liberte, one block away on Prospect Street — along with Al Dente on New Mexico Avenue and Il Piatto at Black Lives Matter Plaza. Alara is scheduled to open in March.
Citibank Center to Replace Empty Gap
An expediter for the property owner and Citibank has submitted a conceptual plan to the Old Georgetown Board for a Citibank Center at 1258 Wisconsin Ave. NW, the former Gap space, next to Martin’s Tavern. As first reported by the Georgetown Metropolitan (tell what you’re really think, Topher), the stand-out white building will contain, among other amenities, a Citigold lounge. The top floor will reportedly be residences. The property owner is TI Asset Management, Inc., of Marietta, Georgia.
The four-level historic building used to be called Forrest Hall, built in 1851. An assembly hall, it was used during the Civil War for offices and a prison. Mark Twain spoke there. It was the site of many community meetings.
Citibank is the main sponsor of the Washington Open tennis championship — which is also known as the CitiOpen. Citibank’s parent company, Citigroup, has assets totaling more than $2.4 trillion.
Former EagleBank Converting to Eatery
Now that the Georgetown Branch of Eagle Bank at 3143 N St. NW has closed, renovations are beginning in the space. It will become another fast-casual eatery, according to business insiders. The address is situated between Cafe Georgetown and Dig at the corner of N Street and Wisconsin Avenue. (More details to follow.)
Greco
Next month, an authentic Greek fast casual restaurant will open at the corner of Wisconsin Avenue and Dumbarton Street — 1335 Wisconsin Ave. NW — in the building which previously housed &pizza and, before that, a 5 Guys burger joint. The corner is most famous for its time as Au Pied de Cochon, the late-night and storied French restaurant.
“Greco is the neighborhood we grew up in, the stories we heard while growing up, the people we loved,” the eatery says. “Greco is a trip, and we travel along with it. And in that trip we carry our recipes and share all the smells and tastes of home. Greco is our ‘meraki,’ It’s our need to remember and create. And there’s one way and one way only to do that. Our truly Greek way.”
There’s already a Greco in Union Market — and several in Boston, where the company is based.
Filomena Expands at Street Level
With the departure of Ching Ching Cha Tea Room at 1063 Wisconsin Ave. NW, next door Filomena Ristorante is taking over that space with its new Filomena’s Georgetown Emporium, offering pick-up and catering and pastas and sauces for sale as well as an elevator — “ finally” — which will descend to the dining room at the lower level. Expect a spring opening.
Gold’s Gym on M St.
Gold’s Gym — founded in 1965 by Joe Gold in Venice Beach, California, and now with 700 fitness studios worldwide — is coming to Georgetown. It is owned by German company, RSG Group GmbH, and is headquartered in Dallas, Texas. The company signed a 24,000-square-foot lease with Jamestown, owner of Georgetown Park, the former interior shopping mall which now fronts on M Street and Wisconsin Avenue.
The Georgetown Gold’s Gym will follow much of the design of the Berlin facility, dubbed “the gym of the future.”
Along with various classes, the fitness center — to be located on the lower level of the retail complex — will incorporate natural wood elements, greenery and “a modern locker room experience,” including an infrared sauna, according to the company.
