Tegeste Ethiopian Restaurant Abruptly Closes in Columbia Heights – Landlord Posts Returned Rent Check

Back in Nov. ’10 we first learned that a new Ethiopian restaurant, Tegeste, would be opening up in Columbia Heights at 3521 14th St, NW in the old Catti Mexican Restaurant space (which had been closed for years.) In Dec. ’10 they had applied for a liquor license and just last month they got a great new sign. Word on the street (and here) had been very positive. Unfortunately on Friday I started to receive numerous emails saying that their sign was gone and a for rent sign had been placed in the front window.

I went to check it out on Saturday and unfortunately it is true the restaurant has been closed. In addition to a for rent sign there is also a small sheet of paper under the for rent sign taped up on the front window. The landlord (presumably it was the landlord) posted a canceled rent check showing that there were insufficient funds in the bank. Seems a bit harsh but I don’t know the whole story. If Tegeste is able to open up in a new space I’ll be sure to update.