Business

Robert Devaney • 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.]

Robert Devaney •

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.

Robert Devaney •

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.

Robert Devaney •

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.

Robert Devaney • 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.”