Retail

Dear PoP – Shout Out for Kilroy Cleaners

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoP,

I just wanted to give a shout-out for Kilroy’s Cleaners, in part because they’ve gone green. Apparently they’ve replaced their machines and are now one of the only dry cleaners in the District to use a non-toxic dry cleaning method.

I’ve lived in Petworth for many years now and finally tried Kilroy’s a couple of months ago. I hesitated because I read a negative post or two on PoP, and the storefront isn’t the most attractive in the world. Well, I’ve found them to be the perfect neighborhood cleaners. All their employees try to know my name and will do anything to make sure I’m happy. The prices are very reasonable, and they are flexible when you need a garment turned around right away. When I learned they went green, I mentioned that they should reach out to you. Turns out they still very much regret that they had an unfriendly employee at the time that you did a profile of them or something. I hope you’ll consider giving them an opportunity to shine. Everyone deserves a second chance, particularly those that are investing and creating jobs in our neighborhood.”

This is great news. I’ll be sure to try them out again (at 826 Upshur St NW) for my next batch of dry cleaning!

Support Local Businesses

By Prince Of Petworth

This is pretty cool. Thanks to a reader for sharing this great mission from the 3/50 Project. Their Facebook page says:

“The 3/50 Project supports independent, locally owned businesses by inspiring consumer loyalty to the storefronts that directly fund their communities.

Mission:
• To promote and strengthen brick and mortar businesses owned by people in the community

• To thank consumers for their patronage

• To expand local revenue streams by showing how a small dollar amount can translate into enormous financial stability

• To shine a light on the stark contrast between what a locally owned brick and mortar business contributes to the local economy and the paltry amount big boxes, franchises, chains, and internet purchases make

• To save the local economy…three stores at a time”

Sounds like a great idea.

Corehaus Designs Coming to 825 Upshur St., NW

By Prince Of Petworth

Corehaus will be opening up next week in the former Shaka King space located at 825 Upshur St (near Domku). The owner, James Kerns, was extremely nice and succinctly characterized the business as “taking old stuff and making it cool again”. While the finishing touches were still being completed I was able to take some photos and the items do indeed look pretty cool. This is Mr. Kerns first brick and mortar store, but you can see his Web site here.

This is a great addition to the block along with Bentley’s across the street.

 

918 U Street, NW Becoming a 2nd Location of Affinity Lab

By Prince Of Petworth

More great news for this section of U Street! From an email:

“Affinity Lab, a co-working space which has been rooted in Adams Morgan for 9 years is expanding to a second location at 918 U Street. We are really excited about the new space, new neighborhood and the opportunity to provide a home to 70 new, creative and innovative entrepreneurs and businesses.

We will be occupying the entire first floor. And plan to be open Feb 1st.

Here is some info on Affinity Lab:

Affinity Lab, or as we say “the Lab” provides business tools, managed infrastructure, and a collaborative culture to people looking to launch their dream business or organization in a creative, effective, and affordable space.”

More Cupcakes Coming to DC

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo from PoPville Flickr user annejuliet

Thanks to @FrenchTwistDC for the newest cupcake news. New York based Crumbs Bake Shop is coming to multiple DC area locations. Neighborhoods include Georgetown, Foggy Bottom, Cleveland Park & Rockville, MD. Exact locations have not been picked yet but as that info becomes available I’ll be sure to update. From their Web site:

Crumbs Bake Shop first opened its doors in March of 2003 on the Upper West Side of Manhattan by Mia & Jason Bauer. The menu is an irresistible blend of comfort-oriented classics and elegant baked goods, but the specialty of the house is the Crumbs Signature size cupcakes! With our more than 50 varieties baked fresh daily and a new cupcake of the week every Monday, each Crumbs Bake Shop is an oasis of wall to wall deliciousness. And now you can enjoy your favorite Crumbs treats in the comfort of your own home – just like Mom used to bake. Delivered straight to your front door, perfect for any occasion, without needing an occasion at all.

Garden District reportedly Files for Bankruptcy

By Prince Of Petworth

Thanks to IMGoph for the heads up. About a month ago Garden District moved to a new location across the street from its former location to 1740 14th St., NW. Well, 14th & You is reporting:

“Last week, the Garden District–the 14th Street nursery and plant lover’s paradise–filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, leaving it’s future on 14th Street cloudy.”

They say the spot will remain open (including selling Christmas Trees) through December but it is unclear what will happen after that. Yikes!

Uh Oh – Good Wood Building For Sale

By Prince Of Petworth

This sign terrified me when I first saw it. I’m a huge fan of Good Wood located at 1428 U Street, NW. I went in the store on Saturday and the owner said that he wasn’t too worried. I asked if he was looking for a new space for Good Wood but he said it was way too early for that. Apparently, it is not uncommon for a building like this to go on sale but not find a buyer. Should the building actually sell, it is likely Good Wood will remain somewhere in the neighborhood. Hopefully they won’t have to move…

The Cedar Crossing Tavern and Wine Bar Opening in Takoma DC

By Prince Of Petworth


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Thanks to a reader for forwarding the news:

“Please join us this coming weekend as we welcome the long-awaited addition to the Culture Shop community: The Cedar Crossing Tavern and Wine Bar.

Under construction for over three months, the Tavern promises a venue for stimulating conversation, tantalizing cuisine, and a wide representation of your favorite beverages. In addition, The Culture Shop will continue to celebrate world-class shopping via a unique selection of eco-chic accessories, personal care items, clothing, housewares, foodstuff, and much more.

As a space-warming gift, we invite all our visitors to bring a can of food or make a financial donation this weekend (and each weekend throughout November) to be donated to a local charity – in support of our less fortunate neighbors.

Help us usher in the Season of Thanksgiving by celebrating all that is good and right in our global community.”

The Culture Shop is located at 341 Cedar Street, NW.

Four Retail Spaces Confirmed at Park Place Apartments Above the Petworth Metro

By Prince Of Petworth

Well there’s some good news and some less exciting news. As I mentioned a couple of weeks ago, Union City, a coffee brunch diner type spot from the owners of recently opened Tynan Coffee & Tea in Columbia Heights, will fill the northernmost retail spot.

Today, the CricKet sign went up to help cement CricKet’s take over of DC…

And in happier news – Sala Thai will be opening up a Thai and Sushi restaurant. And finally a Subway sandwich shop will be opening. Still no word on whether the spot from former Colorado Kitchen chef Gillian Clark is going forward. More news on the rest of the spaces as deals are signed.

I’m particularly curious what you guys think about the Sala Thai and Subway shops?

Can We Talk Banking for a Minute?

By Prince Of Petworth

This is something that’s been on my mind a while and in a previous post about a CVS coming to Petworth, someone mentioned that they’d like to see a bank branch as well. I have to echo that sentiment. It’s always (and I’ve noted it before) bothered me that the Petworth (and U St) metro doesn’t have a Chevy Chase ATM when so many other stops have them. Then it got me thinking that there really aren’t many banking options near where I live in Petworth (yes there is one further south in Park View). So my folks were here this past weekend and my Dad mentioned that it was often quite common for banks to neglect lower income neighborhoods. And of course we have plenty of “Checks Cashed” spots. I know they are useful to some folks but they really bother me just like the damn Cash Point commercials. I believe the “Checks Cashed” stores take a decent percentage every time you cash a check. But do regular hard working residents also not deserve a proper bank where a percentage of their check will not be removed every time they/we cash one? I’m not saying I want a bank on every single corner (nor do I want a CVS on every corner) but it does seem like a glaring omission in many neighborhoods considered lower income. Am I reading too much into this?

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