Main Street Cheers Jenn Crovato and Awards 8 Grants

Georgetown Main Street’s annual “State of the Street” meeting on March 31 at Fathom Gallery buzzed with energy as business owners and community supporters gathered to celebrate the momentum of Georgetown’s commercial district.

“Everyone is invested in Georgetown’s success,” said Executive Director Rachel Shank. “There’s a real spirit of camaraderie and collaboration at GMS gatherings.”

A crowd favorite moment: chef and owner Jenn Crovato of 1310 Kitchen & Bar was named GMS’s 2026 Outstanding Community Partner—while simultaneously catering the event.

Also in attendance was Rosemary Suggs-Evans, director of the District’s Department of Small and Local Business Development.

This winter, GMS launched Georgetown Bucks, a community gift card program with Yiftee designed to drive spending to local food and beverage businesses along Wisconsin Avenue. The pilot debuted with a buy-one-get-one promotion through March 31 and has already generated more than $6,500 in local spending.

Shank also shared that a refreshed GMS website is slated to launch by late summer 2026.

“GMS is building real community among business owners,” she added, noting the launch of a new Slack channel connecting local merchants and managers.

GMS also awarded eight $5,000 small business grants to support improvements across the neighborhood:

• Mane Street DC — new exterior signage and custom awning
• The Phoenix — rat abatement reimbursement
• Pillar & Post — professional photography
• Oliver Dunn / Moss & Co — garden restoration
• Hitched — showroom redesign and furnishings
• Georgetown Beauty Bar — interior refresh and signage
• Caspian Crust — second-floor community space renovation
• Spot of Tea — interior updates at Grace Street Collective

Department of Small and Local Business Development Director Rosemary Suggs-Evans and Georgetown Main Street Executive Director Rachel Shank. Photo by Bill Starrels.

Samantha Hays Gushner of The Phoenix and Georgetown Main Street Executive Director Rachel Shank. Photo by Bill Starrels.

Luis Valle and last years’s GMS honoree Billy Martin of Martin’s Tavern flanks David Suski of M&T Bank. Photo by Bill Starrels.

tagsD.C. Department of Small and Local Business DevelopmentGeorgetown commercial districtGeorgetown Main StreetGeorgetown Main Street Executive Director Rachel ShankJenn Crovato of 1310 Kitchen & Bar