Drama at The Islander: “there is NO PENDING ARRANGEMENTS for any related transactions and ABSOLUTELY NO PLANS to make any”

1201 U Street, NW

A reader reports:

“I heard the islander was sold last week. Talked to the family the other night. Their not sure when their last night will be but they’ll be opening up a smaller joint somewhere else.”

The Islander’s Facebook page says:

“It has been brought to the attention of the ISLANDER FAMILY that a Gofundme Account has been established in the name of Sheldon Gill for the restoration of The Islander Caribbean Restaurant & Lounge. This IN NO WAY HAS ANY DIRECT CORRELATION TO THE Islander Caribbean Restaurant or ANY OF ITS OWNERS OR MANAGERS! The Islander is NOT being handed over to anyone and there is NO PENDING ARRANGEMENTS for any related transactions and ABSOLUTELY NO PLANS to make any!! SO… the following link http://www.gofundme.com/theislander
is FALSE AND GROSSLY MISREPRESENTED!!!”

The GoFundMe page says:

For over 40 years, Chief Addis Green, better known as The Queen, has built a legacy within the Metropolitan Washington, DC’s Caribbean community with her family owned restaurant and lounge- The Islander. Providing their consumers with the finest Trinidadian cuisine with a welcoming atmosphere, The Queen is turning over her crown to a new prince, Sheldon Gill. For over 15 years, he has managed and owned a restaurant (Under the Coconut Tree) and catering company. His experience in the food and entertainment industry has exposed him to the resources needed to revamp The Islander, with respect to tradition.

In its current state the restaurant is in desperate need of repairs from head to toe. With the aggreement of the building owner, Mr. Gill plans to expand The Islander by taking over the entire building (3 floors), establishing more seating on the 2nd floor and a spacious lounge on the 3nd floor for entertainment.

All this requires funding before Chief Green retires. Mr. Gill is asking for your help to continue The Islander statue as a landmark for not only the Caribbean Community but for anyone who wants to escape the city life and experience taste, sound, and feel of the tropics. Help us keep the heritages alive.

We appreciate you for reading our story and contributing to not only our dream but yours too, for our mission is to treat you like family.

All those that donate would be our special guest at our grand opening, which we project would be this winter.

Anyone else hear about a sale of any kind? Updates as this shakes out.