Retail

Coming and Going – 100% Mexico and Dry Cleaning in Logan Circle

By Prince Of Petworth

I don’t know how I missed this because I’ve always wondered what’s going into the “100% Mexico” spot at 1612 14th Street, NW. I was checking out the Metrocurean Coming Soon section and the first listing says:

“1612 14th St. NW
Chef and sustainability advocate Barton Seaver is partnering with Eli Hengst (Blue Ridge, Sonoma) and Doug Singer to open a seafood market and restaurant on 14th Street.”

And not too far away at 14th and Q Streets, NW the big drycleaner on the corner is closing. Let the speculation begin for this prime locale. I’m guessing Cell Phone Company…

New Cell Phone Company Taking Over Prime Storefronts in U Street and Adams Morgan

By Prince Of Petworth

I had noticed the sign at the corner of 14th and U Streets, NW and a reader wrote in about the Adams Morgan location:

“What’s going in the space next to Shwarma King on the 1600 block of Columbia Road?”

I spoke to some workmen at the Columbia Road location (1652) and they said Cricket Communication will be coming in the next few weeks. From their Web site they say:

“Cricket is a simple, affordable wireless service offering consumers and local businesses a flat-rate unlimited service over the latest technology, high-quality, all-digital CDMA2000 1X and 1xEV-DO wireless network. Designed for customers whose basic and advanced wireless needs have not been met by traditional communications companies, Cricket is the pioneer of unlimited services with no long-term commitments or credit checks required.”

I’m gonna file this under – it’s better than an empty storefront…

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Deal Sealed For Building at 14th and T – Room & Board Furniture

By Prince Of Petworth

Thanks to a reader for forwarding an email he received from Room & Board:

“We wanted you to be the first to know: We’ve purchased the Taylor Motors Building at 14th and T. Here’s a sneak peek just for our Customer Advisory Board members. This great building will be restored without taking away from its character or architectural details. We’re so excited to become a part of the neighborhood!”

While it’s not as exciting the Tryst type proposal it’s still great news that this building will finally have a new owner.

City Paper has a full press release from the company.

Dear PoP – What’s Going on With Ghana Cafe?

By Prince Of Petworth

“Hello PoP,

Over the past few weeks my friends and I have noticed that the Ghana Cafe (on 18th street in Adams Morgan) is going through a transformation. First they took down the sign, now they have gutted the whole building, installed new windows on all three floors and put up new internal walls. Could you work your magic and find out if it’s coming back as a shiny new Ghana Cafe or if it’s gonna be another Jumbo Slice?”

I took a look this weekend and the permits out front said that it was slated to become a retail or wholesale store. I think it would be great to add some retail to the mix of 18th Street. Anyone have any idea what type of retail this may become? What do you think would do well in this spot?

Going and Just Thought I’d Mention This

By Prince Of Petworth

The really cool Neat Neighborhood Find, ShowOff Apparel has closed at 2608 Georgia Ave, NW. This is quite sad as those guys were super talented. This is how cool the inside looked back in July.

In happier news, while not new, I know folks mentioned the Philadelphia Water Ice Factory on H Street, NE. People seemed to really like their cheesesteaks.

Just thought I’d mention that there is also a location at 2620 Georgia Ave, NW.

Going – Moojoo Ken

By Prince Of Petworth

Moojoo Ken, located at 1512 U Street, NW, is closing its doors. From an email:

“We are closing our store. Thank you for your support over the years.”

Very sad news as the owners were super nice folks.

El Paraiso Market on 14th Street To Become a Wine Store From The Owners of Cork

By Prince Of Petworth

Metrocurean has the scoop:

“The first floor will hold about 60 percent wine, with the remaining space devoted to a small selection of beer, food and specialty items, including cheese, charcuterie, jams, oils, vinegars, pasta, bread and baked goods. An open kitchen in the back will turn out sandwiches and salads to carry out, as well as some favorites off Cork’s menu — chicken liver pâté, oil-cured roma tomatoes, olives, nuts. “I like to say everything you’d need for a picnic,” says Gross.”

More info at Metrocurean.

I think this is a really interesting development as last we heard back in March this space, at 1805 14th Street NW, was slated to become Blu Lounge & Grill.  Does a wine store and market sound good to you?

Brookland’s CVS – Brutal

By Prince Of Petworth

I’m all for CVS, seriously I am. But it seems painful that this old theater in Brookland was converted into a CVS. I also noticed that the old movie theater in south Dupont is also now a CVS. I miss movie theaters. Oh well…

Beveragemania Closed?

By Prince Of Petworth

A reader writes:

“I walked by Beveragemania this morning and there was a foreclosure notice (dated May 6, 2009) on the door. It said the place had been foreclosed on in October. I’m sad to see the place go as everyone there was always friendly and chatty. What do you know? Did they simply lose their footing after the damage to their New Orleans properties last fall?”

Oh this is sad news. I’ve emailed the owners and hopefully will find out the full story.

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