Ins & Outs: Nike Town, Mie N Yu and Drybar
• August 15, 2013

Just Do It: Nike Town to Open Oct. 25

“Nike Georgetown opens 10/25. Your official destination for all things Nike in the nation’s capitol [sic].” So read the Nike D.C. tweet, formally alerting runners, walkers and shoppers to the Washington area’s only Niketown, ready for business Oct. 25. The 3040 M Street address, at the corner of Thomas Jefferson Street, once housed a Barnes & Noble bookstore, its loss widely lamented, and, before that, the movie theater Cerberus.

While there are Nike factory stores in Virginia and Maryland, the large M Street store in the nation’s capital will be a showcase for the Oregon-based company which is the world’s leading supplier of athletics shoes and a major manufacturer of sports equipment. At the end of its fiscal 2012, Nike posted more than $24 billion in revenue.

OUT: Another One Bites the Dust.

Oh, No, It’s Mie N Yu Mie N Yu, the cool Asian fusion, richly painted restaurant at 3125 M St., N.W., with its award-winning, unisex lavatory, closed suddenly Oct. 14.

“It’s hard to believe we’re closing our doors after almost 10 years on M Street,” wrote the
restaurant’s management on its website. “We’ve enjoyed sharing our unique food and beverage flavors with visitors near and far, and the whole Mie N Yu family has so greatly appreciated your support over the years. Thank you for dining with us, for welcoming us into your organizations, for spending a few extra moments with us at the bar. We’ll certainly miss being a part of Georgetown’s vibrant community.”

Upon a request for more information, a Mie N Yu representative replied to the Georgetowner: “Unfortunately, it was a leasing issue, but most of the staff has new jobs lined up. We are excited to see what our team can accomplish now that this chapter has ended.”

Mie N Yu joins a growing list of Georgetown eateries killed or lost during 2012: one of the first, Papa-Razzi Trattoria; during the summer, the Michel Richard’s Citronelle in the Latham Hotel and La Madeleine, the legendary Guards and Georgetown Falafel; and last month, Uno’s Pizzeria; Fino’s Restaurant moved away.

IN: Tip Top Boutique, Fighting Modern-Day Slavery

Innocents at Risk just opened a thrift shop with partner, Dr. Laura Lederer. Tip Top Boutique is at Hamilton Court, 1228 31st St., N.W., across from the Georgetown post office. Funds raised go to Innocents at Risk, Global Centorium and Courtney’s House to benefit anti-trafficking projects. Open Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m; (202) 625-4338.

IN: Drybar Opens Oct. 19

Remember, as previously reported, Drybar, a blow dry bar, opens Oct. 19 at 1825 Wisconsin Ave., NW, near Safeway.

IN: Bethesda Nightlife Shuttle Offers Safety, Specials

A new shuttle – with stops at St. Elmo Street, Wisconsin & M and 18th and Connecticut – links the restaurants and bars of the Washington nightlife scene. Allowing a night out without the worry of driving or driving after one or two drinks, the bus may particularly help out Georgetown, which has not Metrorail station.

“The D.C. Hopper is a nightlife shuttle service (not to be confused with a party bus), that
provides cheap, reliable and fun transportation from Bethesda to Georgetown, Dupont Circle and vice versa. Don’t hassle with expensive taxi rides or inconsistent Metro service again.”

But wait, there’s more: “Ride the D.C. Hopper by yourself or with a group of friends, either way, you won’t have to worry about paying bar cover charges or waiting in any lines.That’s right . . . you get a special wristband that excuses you from paying bar cover charges and waiting in line at our participating bars and clubs. The website is TheDCHopper.com.

Back in the Action: Jenny Zinn, Tom Gerber

Jenny Zinn, former manager of the Betsey Johnson store, has a new job. She is at the Magic Wardrobe at 1661 Wisconsin Ave., NW. Betsey Johnson closed all of its retail stores in May and early June.

The adventuresome Thomas Gerber returned to his 35th Street home after four years of working in Hilton Head as a parasail captain. Yes, the senior loan officer has a trusty bulldog by his side.

Three’s a Crowd: Ueno and Kuno Unloading P Street Home

The biotech couple, Ryuji Ueno and Sachiko Kuno, of Sucampo Pharmaceuticals and the S&R Foundation, who made headlines in Georgetown and across the city by buying Evermay and Halcyon House, two of the best historic properties in D.C., are selling a third Georgetown house. With those two great places, it seems it is time to let go of their six-bedroom, four-level townhouse at 3128 P St., NW; they are asking $3.695 million. It does have a second kitchen and a two-car garage with a driveway.

T.J. Maxx to Open Sept. 8
• August 9, 2013

T.J. Maxx and HomeGoods, a new combo store at the Shops at Georgetown Park, will have a grand opening Sept. 8. At 3222 M St., NW., the clothing and housewares businesses will join the vibrant retail mix of commercial Georgetown. The opening day will run 8 a.m until 8 p.m.

Amazon’s Founder to Buy Washington Post
• August 7, 2013

We know you already know this stunner. It is definitely the talk of this town. When the founder of a marketing uber-website goes shopping, it’s not for a couple of books with a Super Saver discount. Billionaire Jeff Bezos agreed to purchase the Washington Post for $250 million, as reported by the hometown’s big newspaper Aug. 5, marking the end of 80 years of Graham family involvement. [Editor’s note: see more on the editorial page.]

Einstein’s Bagels Coming to Glover Park
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Einstein Brothers Bagels is making plans — as approved by the D.C. Board of Zoning Adjustment — for a new location on Wisconsin Avenue, reports Hyperlocal Glover Park. The Colorado-based chain will move into the space, vacant for five years, once occupied by Vespa Scooters and Fan Fair at 2233 Wisconsin Ave., NW, in the Georgetown Plaza office building. Einstein’s Bagels has another nearby spot: a kiosk on the second floor of the Car Barn building on Prospect Street.

Dr. Martens Back on M Street
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It is apparently time to stand for something again on M Street: British footwear retailer Dr. Martens will be moving to the old P&C Art Shop space at 3108 M St., NW. For more than 50 years, Dr. Martens, with its iconic boots, has remained in the ownership of the Griggs family, headed by Max Griggs.

Cardinal Bank Opens; Ribbon Cutting, Sept. 12
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Cardinal Bank at 1825 Wisconsin Ave., NW, next to Safeway, opened Aug. 5. The Tysons Corner-based bank represents Cardinal’s second location in Washington, D.C. The new bank is part of a recent expansion of new boutiques and retail services along Wisconsin Avenue.

“We already have strong ties to the vibrant Georgetown community, and are excited to now have a physical presence as well,” said Kate Carr, Washington president of Cardinal Bank.

With on-site parking, the bank will be open seven days a week. It will host a grand opening ceremony on Sept. 12.

Bigger Media Deal at Nearly $1 Billion: Sinclair Broadcast to Buy Allbritton TV Stations
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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.”