101 V Street, SW. courtesy The Stacks
From a press release:
“The Stacks, Buzzard Point’s newest waterfront neighborhood, announced that Café Unido, the acclaimed Panama-based specialty coffee brand, will open its third Washington, D.C. location. Building on the success of its locations in Shaw and Union Market, Café Unido will bring a café to a 730-square-foot space along The Corso, The Stacks’ pedestrian-only retail promenade. Located on the ground floor of Colette, one of The Stacks’ three residential buildings, the café will also connect to Colette’s expansive lobby, offering guests access to an additional 1,100-square-foot space with ample seating and gathering areas.
Known for sourcing directly from partner farms in Panama’s highlands
— including producers of the country’s celebrated Geisha — and for a terroir-first roasting approach, Café Unido will open at The Stacks Spring 2026, bringing a transparent, farm-to-cup program from Boquete and Volcán to DC.
“We are thrilled to welcome Café Unido to The Stacks,” said Katie Hartley, managing director of development at National Real Estate Development. “The brand’s commitment to craft and community perfectly complements the neighborhood’s energy. From our growing retail lineup to our host of free community events, The Stacks is a destination that brings people together, and Café Unido will be a standout part of that experience.”
“With Café Unido joining the neighborhood alongside our fitness and coworking concepts, FLEX DC and Launch Workplaces, The Stacks is truly coming to life,” said Kristin Connall, vice president of development at Akridge. “As our residential community continues to grow, Buzzard Point is quickly emerging as one of D.C.’s most exciting new destinations. Café Unido’s globally inspired yet community-centered approach is exactly the kind of dynamic, welcoming experience we’re proud to bring to The Stacks.”
“The Stacks has the same energy we love in Panama’s historic old quarter—lively, walkable, community-minded. The only thing missing was a Panamanian coffee shop. We’re filling that gap with a neighborhood-first café and retail shoppe, a greatest-hits menu, and a rotating single-farm coffee program,” said Alejandro Carvallo, CEO of Café Unido. “From our menu to our design, everything reflects Panama’s vibrant landscapes and the passion of the farmers we work with directly. We look forward to sharing Panama’s coffee culture with our neighbors in Buzzard Point.”
Located in the lobby of Colette, the café will feature signature drinks made from Panama’s diverse growing regions, including single-origin pour-overs, espresso drinks and cold brews. Guests can also expect Latin American-inspired pastries and savory dishes, indoor and outdoor seating and a design that reflects the lush terrain where Café Unido’s coffees are grown. Café Unido first entered the U.S. market through Union Market’s La Cosecha and has established a full café in Shaw. The Stacks location will also bring a broader culinary and event program to the neighborhood.”