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1914 14th Street, NW

Perhaps the only thing that could rival the announcement of a new movie theater near U Street is the opening of the eagerly anticipated Trader Joe’s. Though we originally heard February was the target date – ANC Rep ‏@KevDC tweeted a new date last night:

“Target opening date for Trader Joes (14th St NW): March 21 #ANC2B”

Though I still miss Taco Bell a bit – I’m obviously happy to accept this trade. In the past some commenters haven’t really understood all the excitement about a Trader Joe’s. Well I have two words for them, or I guess one hyphenated word, [Ed. Note: I actually don’t know if it supposed to be hyphenated] mini-tacos. Try the Trader Joe’s mini-tacos and I’ll prepare a big glass of kool-aid for ya.


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1914 14th Street, NW

On Friday afternoon I was excited to learn that Trader Joes had applied for a liquor license at the store they hope to open in February on 14th Street between T and U. This store will be open Sunday through Saturday 8 am – 10 pm. A reader asked if they’d be able to sell liquor too like Costco does. No liquor for Trader Joes – they’ve applied for a class B license which allows for beer and wine only. I stopped in the Foggy Bottom location of Trader Joes and was happy to see that they have a huge selection of beer and wine (and champagne):

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Georgia and Randolph St, NW

New signs went up yesterday announcing the name of the apartment building going up over the new Petworth Safeway – The Swift:

“Get with it. It’s brand new apartments right above the new Swift Safeway and just a block from the Metro in Petworth, Washington, DC. It’s the city at your feet. With panoramic views of the Washington Monument and National Cathedral—and easy access to all of DC. It’s jam-packed with amenities, from the downstairs Safeway and concierge services to a fitness center and a rooftop terrace. It’s designed to give your way of life a boost, styled with modern finishes and fully equipped with sleek appliances. It’s more than just a floor plan. It’s yours to make your own—just pick your apartment size from studios, one, and two bedrooms.”

Ed. Note the website says coming Spring 2014, but the sign out front says Summer 2014.

So I guess they hope the new nickname for the Safeway will be the Swift Safeway? I guess it’s better than Stinky Safeway

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Looking north on Georgia

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Previously, the Stinky Safeway:

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3830 Georgia Ave, NW


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7th and O Street, NW Today

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November 2010

Update: “The first 500 shoppers through the register tomorrow receive a $10 gift card.” Doors open 10am.

From a press release:

“Grand opening, ribbon cutting ceremony and six-week long celebration at the Giant at O Street Market in Washington, D.C., Thursday, November 21st at 6:00pm. [The store opens to the public tomorrow November 22]

Giant will make a donation of $2,500 to Bread for the City, a local organization making a big difference in the community during Thursday’s Grand Reopening Celebration.

The Historic O Street Market, built in 1881 and once a bustling meeting place for politicos, city vendors, and Washingtonians, is marking its vibrant return to the Shaw neighborhood. The cornerstone of this development is the new, 72,000-square foot Giant Food—one of the largest grocery stores in the District. The new Giant at O street market combines the charm of a 19thcentury marketplace with 21st century efficiency and innovation.

Over the next four weekends, Giant at O Street Market customers will enjoy raffles, tastings, prizes, and more.

Giant is dedicated to improving and growing its stores in Washington, D.C., Northern Virginia, Maryland, and Delaware. Throughout its 77 year history, Giant has remained committed to providing the highest level of quality, value, and service to its customers. Giant opened its first store in 1936, in the District of Columbia.

The Giant at O Street Market includes a café with Wi-Fi and a seating area above the historic market-style produce aisles. Shoppers will enjoy an extensive beer and wine section, offering high-end, selections that can be taken home, enjoyed in the café or while perusing the aisles for the week’s dinners. More than 1,400 selections of wine from around the globe will be available in the updated beverage section. Other great features include a large natural and organic section, an expanded deli featuring sandwiches made to order and a hot pizza bar, and a fresh sushi bar. The store will also have convenient and neighborhood-friendly below-grade parking.

More than a quarter of the new store, including the produce section, resides under the historic O Street Market structure. Original brick masonry was used in the design of the exterior wall, along with reconstructed steel trusses and the original roof design, recreated from archival photos. A clear skylight above the original market area overlooks the current produce section, similar to the natural light of the original structure.

Listed on both the National Register of Historic Place and the District of Columbia Inventory of Historic Sites, the O Street Market remains one of only two 19th century public markets still standing in the District.”

I was able to get an updated sneak preview yesterday, have a look:

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More photos after the jump. (more…)


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1603 17th Street, NW corner of 17th and Q

Very cool news from Short Articles about Long Meetings, they reported the Organic Indian grocery store will:

“be located in the basement of 1603 17th Street NW, the former location of Club Chaos nightclub, which closed in 2008.”

Pansari’s website says:

“Pansaari is coming soon! We will be an Indian food and spice market, cafe, and cooking school, serving the Dupont area with fresh, authentic Indian ingredients.”

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