Business

Gary Tischler • June 30, 2014

The Georgetown Business Association will honor Ron Swarthout, longtime proprietor of Georgetown Floorcoverings, the durable business which he ran from 1967 to 2012, and which celebrates its 60th anniversary this year.

At its June 18 Leadership Luncheon at Tony and Joe’s Seafood Place, the GBA will present Swarthout with its 2014 Lifetime Achievement Award.

Georgetown Floorcoverings has been one of those institutions in our city and village which practically defines the idea of several terms that are bandied about casually—“mom and pop store,” “family business,” “business business” “and “hard work and service.”

“That’s one of the things about our business,” said Swarthout, who lives in Spotsylvania, Va. “We don’t just have a product. It’s all about helping people, doing a professional job. We install as well as sell. It’s about being proud of how you do the work and gaining people’s trust. ”

Small businesses and family businesses are a dying breed in America’s economy, but Georgetown Floorcoverings is the essence of a family business. Swarthout’s father Herbert started the business in 1954 in a small space at 1417 28th Street, NW, with a warehouse in the basement. Herbert Swarthout started out in flooring by working as an installer, which served him well in his own business. He enlisted his son in his teens to work as a helper to the carpet mechanics for 50 cents an hour.

It took a while—a stint in the U.S. Marine Corps in the 1960s, and working with Western Electric for two years—but Ron Swarthout got in the family business in the 1960s, down at 3233 K St., NW, where his father had moved the store, and managed the store after his father’s retirement in 1979, before buying the business when his father passed away in 1979.

Swarthout was a visible part of the business community, with friends like Brad Altman, who ran Altman Parking and with whom he lunched regularly at Chadwick’s on K Street. The industrial atmosphere on the street had changed over the years. So, he moved the warehouse to R Street, SW, where it remains to this day.

“There have been changes,” he said. “You can’t get any parking anywhere, including K Street, for one thing. I guess that’s true all over the city. I think it’s probably harder for small businesses today, than it was when my father started.”

Swarthout made his wife Judy a half-partner in the business because he said he believed in sharing everything in their life. He has a son, Warren, who’s with the Fairfax County Fire Department, Marci, who’s a child psychologist and teacher and another daughter, Karen Swarthout Ori, who purchased and runs the business — and is GBA treasurer.

Swarthout remains active in the day-to-day operation of the business doing billing and accounting and drops by the office and Georgetown at least “once a week.”

Natalie Koltun • June 20, 2014

Hidden above a Wisconsin Avenue yoga studio, unbeknownst to many, is another oasis of relaxation.

Since November 2012, Nails Chic has offered nail care and waxing services – from the classic manicure and pedicure to a paraffin foot treatment – to Georgetown residents, business people and students. Though the name says nails, the salon offers 16 types of waxing services for both men and women. Prices start at $8 and go up to $60.

The quaint salon features exposed brick and an excellent view of one of Georgetown’s main avenues. Lining the far wall is a row of plush massage chairs to further pamper customers getting a pedicure.

Owner Linh Nguyen is an expert in the art of nail care. Born in rural southern Vietnam, she immigrated to the United States at 17 and immediately began her career in the nail industry in Texas. Two years later, she moved to northern Virginia with her husband. With over 13 years of experience under her belt, Nguyen was encouraged by her business partner to open her own salon in Georgetown in 2012, just a year after her daughter was born.

“I love D.C. The people are so nice here,” said Nguyen.

Nine months after the salon opened, her business partner pulled out, leaving Nguyen to manage things on her own. Instead of closing her doors, she chose to continue to provide a variety of nail services to the Georgetown community.

Customers can choose from Nails Chic’s large selection of OPI, Essie and China Glaze nail polish. The salon’s most popular service, a gel manicure priced at $35, lasts at least two weeks and is resistant to chipping and fading.

“The gel is good for busy people because it lasts long and the customer doesn’t have to get their nails redone as often,” Nguyen said.

Just a short walk from Georgetown University, Nails Chic offers a student discount, and many students frequent the salon, according to Nguyen. To give the business people of Georgetown an opportunity to relax after a long workday, she keeps her store open until 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday (when it opens at 10 a.m.). It is also open Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Georgetowner • June 4, 2014

IN: Donghia Celebrates Move to Cady’s Alley

Donghia — which specializes in decorative fabrics and furniture – celebrated its move to Cady’s Alley last week with a standing-room-only party. The 3,413-square-foot retail property is at 3334 Cady’s Alley, NW. Founded by the late Italian-American designer Angelo Donghia, the luxury contemporary home furnishing collection sells exclusively to interior designers and architects through its showrooms. Its furniture is made in the U.S. and accessories are handmade in Italy in Murano, next to Venice. [See Social Scene on page 30 for photos from the May 29 event.]

OUT: Serendipity 3 Shuts Its Doors

Georgetown’s Serendipity 3 closed its doors June 3. Since its opening in 2011, the home of the $1,000 “golden opulence” sundae, has had a bumpy ride. Health code violations and a disagreement among the owners caused temporary closures in 2012 and 2013. There is no word yet as to why Serendipity closed, but rumors quickly arose regarding a lawsuit from the landlord of the M Street restaurant, who is allegedly owed more than $98,000 dollars in rent, utilities, and other fees.

IN: Carine’s Bridal Atelier Acquires Second Location
?Carine Krawiec, owner of luxury bridal salon, Carine’s Bridal Atelier, has acquired a 4,200-square-foot second location in Georgetown, set to open a two-floor boutique at 1623 Wisconsin Avenue, former home of Georgetown Cafe, by Winter 2014-15.
Krawiec plans to provide a fresh take on the bridal shopping experience through the boutique’s cutting-edge design while enhancing its exceptional customer service and wide-array of high-end inventory.

“Our store has grown so fast over the past seven years, I wanted to provide a more spacious and luxurious atmosphere for our brides, while maintaining the welcoming and intimate reputation our store has become known for,” says Krawiec. The expansion into 1623 Wisconsin Ave., NW, will welcome rising stars, Zuhair Murad and Inbal Dror, to the boutique’s designer repertoire. The existing location, 1726 Wisconsin Ave., NW, will remain a part of the bridal retailer’s growing empire.

Since its establishment in 2006, Carine’s Bridal Atelier became home to legendary designers, such as Monique Lhuillier and Carolina Herrera, after Krawiec was encouraged by leaders in the industry to open a couture bridal atelier in the D.C. area.

OUT + IN: Bangkok Joe’s to Become Mama Rogue

Bangkok Joe’s, the Thai restaurant at the entrance to Washington Harbour at 3000 K St., NW, closed June 1, as its owners transform the space into a French-Southeast Asian restaurant, named Mama Rouge.

The new restaurant will open in September, owners — chef Aulie Bunyarataphan and Mel Oursinsini — told their patrons in a May 27 email. They also cited the changing tastes of customers. The same team runs Tom Yum District across Key Bridge in Arlington as well as T.H.A.I.

The self-described “dumpling bar and cafe” — reviewed by Zagat as having “dumplings “to die for” and “great cocktails to boot” — has attracted the likes of such boldface diners as Nicole Kidman and Nicholas Cage.

Opened in September 2003, Bangkok Joe’s is getting a re-boot, so to speak, to stay current with its guests. Along with a revamped menu, the space will be redesigned and get a new kitchen.

IN: Orange Anchor Coming to Washington Harbour

Restaurateur Reese Gardner is expanding to Washington Harbour with a nautical-inspired eatery, Orange Anchor. Next to Nick’s Riverside Grille and in front of the fountain, the new restaurant takes over the former Cabanas space and is set to open in August. Gardener runs other spots, such as the Might Pint, Cooperwood Tavern and Irish Public House.

Here’s how the Orange Anchor describes itself: “Our menu consists of seasonal small bites, Maryland crabs, a la cart proteins and shared sides, all sourced locally. The bar program will be highlighted by fresh squeezed orange cocktails and a large selection of rare rums.”

IN: Café Deluxe Opens on M Street in West End

Known for its spot up Wisconsin Avenue near Macomb Street, Cafe Deluxe has opened another place in the West End in the new Hilton Garden Inn at 22nd and M Streets, NW, across the street from the Ritz-Carlton.

Part of the hotel and restaurant in the neighborhood, Café Deluxe, according to the company, “will accommodate up to 130 people in the dining room with seating for 38 at the bar, about 50 in the private dining room area and an additional 2,500 square feet of event space in the hotel that can seat up to 225 — ideal for holiday parties and special occasions. Room service from the kitchen of Cafe Deluxe will be available nightly to all 238 rooms of the Hilton Garden Inn.”

IN: EverFi Celebrates New Offices on K Street

The educational tech firm, EverFi, which started in 2008 on Potomac Street, has moved again to 3299 K St., NW. Co-founded by Tom Davidson, EverFi has steadily expanded. The company occupies two floors and has a balcony overlooking the Potomac.

IN: Sushi Keiko Taking Over Sushi Ko Space

A restaurant named Sushi Keiko has leased 2309 Wisconsin Ave., NW, the former home of Sushi Ko, according to the Hyperlocal Glover Park blog: “The Sushi Keiko menu will feature a variety of Asian foods, including sushi and sashimi, small plates such as grilled baby octopus, and entrees including roasted Maine salmon.” One of the first sushi spots in D.C., Sushi Ko closed last summer in Glover Park but has another place up Wisconsin Avenue in Chevy Chase, Md.

Georgetowner •

I-Thai, a new Southeast Asian Restaurant and Sushi Bar, at 3003 M St., NW, celebrated its recent opening with a grand-opening party April 29. Along with the party-goers were i-Thai owner Debbie Ratanaprasith and Damon Banks of Damon M. Banks Freelance Writing and Consulting.

Georgetowner •

Roosters, a men’s grooming center at the new retail space next to Safeway on Wisconsin Avenue, held its grand opening May 1. Among those attending was councilman Jack Evans shown in photo at right with proprietor John Santanella. Offering hair cuts, shaves and more, Roosters is at 1815 Wisconsin Ave., NW.

Georgetowner •

Fashion duo Alvaro Roche and Elsa Arcila have deep roots in the industry, but it wasn’t until they found each other in D.C. that their brand Aroche was born.
“We love D.C. because it has all this international influence,” Roche said.
Created after years of Roche’s work around the globe – which included six years with Italian designer Gionfranco Ferré and the co-founding of children’s clothing line EPK, now sold all over Latin America – Aroche is the product of a perfect pair. Roche and Arcila shared a passion for creating a brand that was simple, sophisticated and, most importantly, practical.
“Understated and getting it done; like the DC woman,” is how someone described Aroche in a tweet. And Roche agreed.
“We’re trying to create something well-designed, understated, minimalist, but at the same time a little sexy,” Roche said. “Getting it done and practical.”
Combining their international experiences, Roche and Arcila have seen the industry shift in a huge way. When the two began working on the brand in late 2012, they first started talking about the industry’s move in the direction of online sales. They have watched major design brands rethink flagship stores and open fewer, larger stores.
“The online presence is bigger and that’s what is important,” Roche said.
After splitting his time among Europe, Latin America and China, Roche was looking for something more manageable and personable. Coming from a time when fashion was brick and mortar only, Roche is having fun with his new online venture.
Arcila lived in Venezuela before attending school in Los Angeles at Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising, where she studied marketing and brought her knowledge to Roche’s vision of starting a brand from scratch.
“We always say ‘enjoy the process,’” Aroche said. A year and a half of detailed work later, Aroche’s debut spring collection featured three styles of nylon bags and three pairs of flats. The bags can be monogrammed and the fall collection is expected to include even more items. Find more at Aroche.us.