A new cafe is coming to Mount Pleasant to the former Last Exit space underneath Radius. The cafe, to be called Habit, comes from the owners of the newly opened American–Filipino restaurant, Purple Patch, next door. I’m told that there will be coffee and pastries but other details are still being worked out. Sounds like it could be a little friendly competition for Flying Fish. Stay tuned.
3155 Mt. Pleasant St, NW
14th and U Street, NW
A reader reports:
“This order was filed in the DC district court May 5 (see below for full PDF). Seems the Dunkin’ Donuts at 14th and U is at risk of losing its franchise for allegedly not paying franchise fees. My question/concern is: if Dunkin’ terminated the franchise agreement last month, but the place is still open, where on earth are the owners currently getting their donuts from?!”
Plaintiff Dunkin’ Donuts Franchising, LLC (“Dunkin’ Donuts”) brings this action against 14th Street Eatery, Inc., Mohammad Hoque, and Yasmin Parveen (collectively, the “Defendants”) for breach of contract and trademark infringement. Dunkin’ Donuts alleges that Defendants failed to pay franchise and other fees, and as a result Dunkin’ Donuts terminated the franchise agreement between the parties. Despite this termination, Defendants continue to operate an eatery holding itself out as a Dunkin’ Donuts franchise, thereby infringing Dunkin’ Donuts’ trademarks and violating the terms of a covenant not to compete. Before the Court is Dunkin’ Donuts’ motion for a preliminary injunction, which Defendants have failed to oppose. Upon consideration of the uncontested motion, the entire record, and for the following reasons, the motion is granted.
For the foregoing reasons, Dunkin’ Donuts’ Motion for a Preliminary Injunction is granted. Defendants are enjoined during the pendency of this matter from using Dunkin’ Donuts’ trademarks or operating a competing business within a five mile radius of the former franchise. Within 30 days, Defendants must file with the court a report in writing under oath setting forth in detail the manner and form in which the defendant has complied with the injunction.
918 F Street, NW
Bluebird Bakery opened up a couple weeks ago at the new equityeats pop up space formerly Living Social at 918 F St, NW. From their facebook page it looks delicous:
and free wifi:
80 T Street, NW behind Rustik
A reader writes:
“I’ve been hearing rumors that 80 T St. NW has been rented and will become an espresso bar. The building was just painted yesterday.”
Anyone else hear these rumors?
8th and Monroe Street, NE
From an email:
“It’s finally here: Bikes & Coffee!
Years of dreaming, planning and hard work are becoming a reality, and we couldn’t be more excited to share it with you. Join us Saturday for the GRAND OPENING of our new shop in Brookland.
We’ll offer basic bike maintenance on the Arts Walk (and balloons!)
The Monroe Street Market will host it’s first Farmer’s Market of 2015
Our friends at Brookland Pint will celebrate by pouring coffee brews all weekend [“18 amazing coffee beers”]
We can’t wait to see you all Saturday on the Arts Walk at 716 Monroe St. NE!”
15th and A Street, NE (101 15th Street, NE)
A reader tweets us:
“Any intel on this coffeshop coming to 15th and A NE, @PoPville?”
This is Mia’s Coffeehouse:
“Coming May 2015
Premium coffeehouse located in Capitol Hill offering Chemex Pour over Coffees supplied by some of the best roasters in America”
Check out their menu here.
904 Palmer Alley, NW
From a press release:
“Robb Duncan, Washington’s premier gelato artisan and co-owner of Dolcezza, is pleased to unveil his newest location which will open April 17, 2015 at 904 Palmer Alley, NW, 20001 at CityCenterDC. Dolcezza CityCenterDC will debut a new way to enjoy coffee made by harnessing high-pressure nitrogen to create a smooth, creamy iced coffee. Dolcezza’s nitro coffee is unmatched in the DC region and is unique because of the way it infuses nitrogen using a special patented-membrane at the point-of-sale using Dolcezza’s own custom recipes and Stumptown’s seasonal, single origin beans. The system used to make this new offering was created by AC Beverage Inc. — pioneers of the draft beer and beverage industry — using their expertise of draft beer technologies and adapting it to coffee. Priced at $5.50 per cup, Dolcezza’s nitrogen coffee program will offer fans their favorite cup of coffee with added flavor, elevated caffeine, and a smoother taste. Additional benefits include:
• Dolcezza’s nitro coffee will always taste fresh because it is only in contact with nitrogen at the point of sale. So there’s less time for the nitrogen to denature the coffee concentrate.
• Dolcezza has the creative freedom to experiment with an unlimited number of coffee recipes.
• Dolcezza’s process will give the coffee a smoother texture and showcase the natural sweetness of their recipes.
• Dolcezza will be able to adjust parameters to deliver varying nitro coffee experiences, from spicy and dark brews similar to a Double IPA to lighter and more floral blends reminiscent of a Belgian Ale.
Dolcezza will also be showcasing their close partnership with Stumptown by being the first in the DC region to sell and stock Stumptown cold brew coffee + milk.
The 1,200-square-foot space boosts a 10-foot-long communal table that can accommodate ten guests, as well as a standing bar for ten that runs along 9th Street. The space also incorporates a private alcove near the entrance that can accommodate up to four guests seated. The tables and light fixtures throughout the space were created by Housewerks, a salvage industrial outfitter out of Baltimore, Maryland. Also of note is the coffee bar and espresso station, which is a custom state-of-the-art setup conceived, designed, and built by the coffee wizard of Baltimore, Bruce White of Perfect Brew.”
“Hours of Operation:
Monday through Thursday: 7 AM to 11 PM
Friday: 7 AM to 12 Midnight
Saturday: 8 AM to 12 Midnight
Sunday: 8 AM to 10 PM”
2nd floor of 18th and Wyoming Ave, NW
More coffee news for Adams Morgan – from an email:
“Anyone out-and-about in Adams Morgan should drop by Friday, April 17, from 9am – 7 pm to welcome our newest neighbor, Sweet Science Coffee, that shares space with the legendary home furnishings store, Skynear Designs, at 1800 Wyoming Avenue, NW…
Friday will mark the soft opening of this delightful coffee boutique…”
2477 18th Street, NW
From a press release:
“Upon opening in D.C. on Friday, April 17th, Songbyrd Record Café will be the first of its kind in the city. Songbyrd is defined by the freedom to enjoy, consume, and interact with music in a comfortable, social environment. In addition, the Adams Morgan cafe houses one of the country’s only 1947 Voice-O-Graph recording booths, on which anyone and everyone is encouraged to record their own sounds directly onto a 45-rpm record.
Microphone from Voice-O-Graph. photo: James Jackson
The moniker Songbyrd pays tribute to legendary DC musician, Charlie Byrd. One of the first to blend jazz and bossa nova in the early 60s, he is credited for introducing Americans to Brazilian music with the release his album: Jazz Samba, which was recorded in Washington, D.C. Drenched in musical history, the new café occupies the same space as the former Showboat Lounge, where Byrd and Stan Getz dreamt up the idea for the career making album. To locals, the Showboat Lounge was the “finest” music room in Washington and Sonbyrd hopes to build on that legacy.
photo: James Jackson
Sonbyrd aims to re-imagine a musical destination in which devotees and aficionados can explore, create and purchase music while also enjoying a café atmosphere. With the Voice- O-Graph, artists can record up to three minutes and ten seconds of music, comedy, thoughts, or anything at all and take home their very own “45’” for $15. Ultimately, Songbyrd will offer approximately 350 vinyl records featuring an array of genres with a special emphasis on soul, funk, R&B, hip hop and indie albums that would make the cafe’s namesake proud. Want to discover new music? The café will suggest featured releases and custom digital listening stations will be available to sample albums as well as curated playlists.
Industry vet Alisha Edmonson and fellow audiophile and Adams Morgan resident Joe Lapan are hoping to build a sense of community with the perfect blend of music and food. “Moments in life are defined by music; it is as much a part of the human experience as food,” said Edmonson. “We wanted to create a place that accentuates the listening experience, where music becomes integrated into the very fabric of the meeting with friends, not overpowering it, but not fading into the background either.”
The coffee program plays an essential role in creating the harmonious atmosphere Songbyrd hopes to be known for. Fair trade, organic blend coffee brews from small batch producers in Africa and South America compliment the espresso program powered by a high performance Simonelli machine using a Full City blend, which provides an ample bodied flavor.
To create a mouthwatering menu for audiophiles, Songbyrd tapped Matthew Richardson, former chef of notoriously food-savvy spots in the District area: 1905, The Argonaut and Gadsby’s Tavern. When it first opens, Songbyrd Record Café will serve an assortment of sandwiches including a chicken and brie schnitzel with raspberry sauce, an eight hour braised pork shoulder on sourdough with melted gruyere and red wine au jus, and the roast ‘byrd’ with sage roasted turkey breast, creole mayo, sprouts and cranberry relish on a baguette. The jumbo slice and mumbo slice, open-faced sandwiches on focaccia, serve as Chef’s homage to the evolving neighborhood.
Those who have walked pass the record café will notice that Songbyrd is also working on a “music house” at the adjacent space at 2477 18th Street, N.W. News on plans for that space will follow.
Songbyrd Record Café will be open from 10am-10pm Sunday through Thursday and from 10am-12am on Friday and Saturday.”
3213 Georgia Avenue, NW
It’s been about a year since we first heard Heat Da Spot would be replacing the former Tibet shop (near the former Mothership space.) Owners say they should be open in a couple of weeks.
Now if their fireplace logo is not to your taste:
Fear not, the inside has some great details:
