Bigger Media Deal at Nearly $1 Billion: Sinclair Broadcast to Buy Allbritton TV Stations
• August 7, 2013

Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc., has agreed to buy Allbritton Communications’ TV stations, which include the Washington’s WJLA Channel 7 and NewsChannel 8. Awaiting approval by the Federal Communications Commission, the $985-million deal was first announced July 29.

Sinclair of Hunt Valley, Md., owns 149 TV stations. “To buy a full-blown news operation in our nation’s capital and an infrastructure that allows us to be connected to our branches of government and be the pulse of national issues is a once-in-a-lifetime event,” said David Smith, head of Sinclair. “We are especially excited to acquire the NewsChannel 8 local news channel.”

The Arlington-based Allbritton Communications will retain Politico.com and concentrate on digital media businesses. Its chairman and CEO Robert Allbritton lives on Q Street in Georgetown.

Mike Isabella Leaves Bandolero
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The Mexican restaurant Bandolero has lost its star chef, Mike Isabella, who with others opened the eatery of small plates and fancy tequila drinks in late May 2012 on M Street.

Isabella announced July 31 that he was ending his management agreement with the business owners, Jonathan and Bethany Umbel, who also owns Tackle Box next door. Bandolero is in the space once occupied by Hook, a seafood restaurant. Umbel’s Pure Hospitality is fighting a lawsuit — which Isabella has nothing to do with — from the property owner of that space.

In a prepared statement, Isabella explained his decision: “I am no longer part of Bandolero. I own all my other restaurant concepts. And with the opening of G Grab and Go, Kapnos and G this year, it’s time for me to focus on those concepts. I am very proud of the modern Mexican concept my team and I put together, but it’s not 100-percent my restaurant … It’s time for me to focus on the restaurants where I have full operational control.”

Isabella — a “Top Chef” alumnus — was the subject of a Georgetowner feature in June 2012.

Fashion Boutique Steven Alan Picks Cady’s Alley
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Steven Alan, the casual fashion boutique for both men and women, is set to open its first D.C. location in September in Cady’s Alley in that courtyard that features Kafe Leopold and L2 Lounge. The 670-square-foot store will be located in retail space, once occupied by Muleh and, before that, Alessi.

Begun in New York City in 1994, Steven Alan showcases first-time designers and launched its own line in 1999.

As a leader in casual wear, the business offers modern versions of classic ready-to-wear standards for both men and women.

Dog Tag Bakery Plans Early February ’14 Debut
• July 18, 2013

Dog Tag Bakery, a unique non-profit bakery that teams with and trains veterans, is slated to open at 3206 Grace St., NW, once the location of Grace and Bamboo restaurant. It also plans to have a small cafe on the rooftop.

“We hope to open early February 2014,” says Adam Mortillaro, director of development and fundraising for Dog Tag Bakery, which is headquartered at the Jesuits’ residence, Wolfington Hall, on Georgetown University’s main campus.

The non-profit was begun by Rev. Richard Curry, S.J., who also founded the National Theater Workshop for the Handicapped. Curry also heads up Georgetown’s Academy for Veterans, a program which assists veterans returning to civilian life that combines performing arts, spirituality, medical care and learning. Born with a disability himself, Curry states the mission of Dog Tag Bakery: “To create a bold, new model for transition assistance and job training for veterans (and their care givers) with a service-connected disability who served in the U.S. Armed Forces.”

Dog Tag Bakery says it will “feature an assortment of baked breads, from Father Curry’s book, ‘The Secret to Jesuit Bread Making,’ as well as specialty, seasonal and holiday items. The bakery will also offer light fare for breakfast and lunch and a full service coffee and beverage bar. … will also produce homemade dog biscuits for our canine customers. These delicious dog biscuits are made with all natural ingredients and will be baked on-site and sold both in-store and online.”

GNC Opens on Wisconsin Avenue
• July 17, 2013

GNC, the vitamin, supplements and sports nutrition store, has opened at 1336 Wisconsin Ave., NW. It replaces the clothing store Coogi.

Ezrailson’s Reddz Trading Opens on Wisconsin Ave.
• July 4, 2013

A little bit of now-gone hot Georgetown businesses, Commander Salamander and Up Against the Wall, are back on the street. Reddz Trading, a resale clothing shop, opened at 1413 Wisconsin Ave, NW, last week, in the old antique rug shop next to CVS. Also with a Bethesda store, the business is owned by Wendy “Red” Ezrailson, who with her husband and others ran those other trendy clothing days for several decades. “Reddz is a modern approach to recycled designer clothing and accessories,” the company promises. “Save money, make money or trade for something fresh. Upscale resale is like consignment, but Reddz pays cash for your clothes.”

Max’s Ice Cream to Stay Through Oct. 31
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Max’s Best Ice Cream gets to stay at 2416 Wisconsin Ave., NW, through Oct. 31, in a deal with the business owner Max Kehani and landlords Gail and Barbara Bassin. The popular shop in Glover Park for two decades had its lease extended past the June 30 deadline after the neighborhood protested the upcoming move. Lawyers for both parties stated: “Max’s Best Ice Cream will continue in business at 2416 Wisconsin Avenue through October 31, 2013. Max and Gail and Barbara Bassin, the owners of the property, have agreed that this represents a fair and reasonable outcome for all involved. It gives Max and the community the benefit of having Max’s Best Ice Cream in Glover Park for the entire 2013 summer and part of the fall. We are grateful to John Snedden and Rocklands Barbeque without whose active support this arrangement could not have been achieved.”
By Nov. 1, however, the business will have to move, and the space will be taken over by next-door Rocklands Barbecue.

Kintaro to Get Temporary Liquor License
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Kintaro, the Japanense restaurant that opened in May at 1039 33rd St., NW., in the former L. Chocolatier space, received approval during the July 1 advisory neighborhood commission meeting to request a “Stipulated License while license is pending.” Run by Tetsuro Takanashi and Ken Yamamoto, Kintaro will meet with D.C.’s Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Administration to get the final O.K.

Media-Marketers BrandLink Moves to M Street
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BrandLinkDC, owned and operated by Barbara Martin and Jayne Sandman, has moved its offices to 3109 M St., NW., less than one block from Georgetown’s busiest intersection. Experts in media management, events and marketing activations, Martin and Sandman deal with D.C. events along with reporters and photographers. They made a big splash in a December 2010 New York Times article, which tagged them as “the architects of the new Washington.” Washington Business Journal selected them as “Women Who Mean Business” awardees in 2012 as part of its annual award feature. They’re on the second floor. Welcome to Georgetown, ladies.

Noodles and Co. Opens Near Safeway
• July 3, 2013

Noodles and Co. opened last week at 1815 Wisconsin Ave., NW, near Safeway and Drybar. The company with hundred of locations across the U.S. has two others in D.C. — in Woodley Park and downtown. Noodles and Co. features favorites like Wisconsin Mac & Cheese, Pad Thai, Spaghetti & Meatballs and Bangkok Curry — hours, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. It also has a rooftop dining space.