cakelove
1506 U Street, NW

Ed. Note: I know some people joke about CakeLove today – but for those who weren’t around – when CakeLove first opened on U Street back in the day they were the absolute shit – they were the bomb – they were the bees knees. If you got someone CakeLove for their birthday – you were a hero. They were also the ones who started the cupcake revolution in DC. Like I said, we joke about it now (hell I joke about it often) but CakeLove did an awful lot to turn around this section of U Street back when there weren’t tons of reasons to visit U Street unlike today. So props to the CakeLove team – we kid – but I have nothing but respect for what you’ve accomplished and what you’ve done for the resurgence of U Street and the District.

In January 2012 Love Cafe closed across the street and is now Mediterranean Spot.

From a press release:

“CakeLove, a DC-based cake bakery founded in 2002, is launching a new online store this month in response to significantly increased demand for its premium grab-and-go dessert, CakeLove in a Jar. To facilitate CakeLove’s growth and expansion, the company is shuttering its long-time U Street location.

To mark the start of this great new chapter, CakeLove is hosting a party on Saturday, Dec. 19, from noon to 3 p.m. to celebrate its 13+ years at 1506 U Street NW with neighbors, friends, fans and supporters.

The launch party will include a cake-cutting ceremony to mark the official launch of a new CakeLove, free giveaways of CakeLove’s new product, CakeLove in a Jar, and a raffle of several autographed cookbooks by CakeLove’s founder, Warren Brown. (more…)


wardman_wines
625 Monroe Street, NE via Wardman Wines

Wardman Wines tweets us the good news yesterday:

“Grand Opening this Friday!”

Their website says:

“At Wardman Wines, we have carefully selected wines, beers, and spirits from around the world. Our goal is to make wine buying easy and approachable. Our knowledgeable staff is available to provide advice and make recommendations, and a selection of wines is always available to taste at the bar. Want to learn more about wine? We hold regular tasting classes to make you more comfortable with the world and language of wine.

Wardman Wines takes its name from the Wardman-style row house, a familiar feature of many DC neighborhoods. Generations of DC residents have grown up in these homes, which are named for real-estate developer Harry Wardman. These houses are integral to the fabric of Washington, and we hope that, in time, Wardman Wines can also become integral to our surrounding community.”

Hours are:

Monday-Thursday: 12:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m.
Friday: 10:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m.
Saturday: 9:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m.
Sunday: 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.

and they deliver too!


Michael's Arts and Crafts map
via Washington Real Estate Investment Trust building flyer

A reader reports:

Michael’s Arts and Crafts has just signed a lease for the former TJ Maxx space in the Chevy Chase Metro Center building owned by Washington Real Estate Investment Trust. I am sure some crafters around town will find this news exciting.”

Michael's Arts and Crafts,png
5252 WISCONSIN AVENUE, NW


555 12th st nw
555 12th Street, NW

Potentially big retail news from the Washington Business Journal:

“D.C. proper could be getting its first Saks Fifth Avenue Off 5th outlet. The lower-cost version of the luxury retailer is getting close to a lease deal at 555 12th St. NW, the downtown office building formerly home to ESPN Zone, according to two sources with knowledge of the deal…Similarly situated retailer Nordstrom Rack is also getting close to a deal at the site, according to the sources.”

Back in Sept. 2013 The Post speculated that a Target could be taking over the former ESPN Zone space. In October we learned that Barnes & Noble would be closing at the end of the year at 12th and G St, NW. Updates when/if leases are signed at these spaces.


View More Stories