grocery stores

More From, Rick Hood, Owner of Elwood Thompson’s

By Prince Of Petworth

Rick Hood follows up on the original discussion of Elwood Thompson’s financing possibilities.

“Lots of creative ideas. The CH community is so educated and engaged. Anonymous – your idea regarding the no interest loan w/ 5% back on groceries (need to study what is fair for both here) to attract the $1000- 5000 loans sounds interesting. Would others be interested in such an idea? I will brainstorm on this (and the other ideas) tomorrow w/ our core staff.”

Sounds like a cool idea. I’m also curious how many folks would be interested in a solution like this?

Owner of Elwood Thompson’s, Rick Hood, Comments on Columbia Heights Store Status

By Prince Of Petworth

Rick Hood, owner of Elwood Thompson’s, commented on our recent discussion of Elwood Thompson’s delay in coming to Columbia Heights. Based on the IP address I have no reason to doubt the authenticity of this comment:

“I’m the owner of ET’s and reading all these neighborhood comments. I want to confirm that we’re still in love w/ Columbia Hts and trying to work it out w/ DCUSA. In fact the developer has been to see us in Richmond and is really stretching. We love the diversity of CH and the desire of the community to have a gathering spot for those interested in health, social and environmental consciousnesss around food. Although DCUSA is full of national big boxes, we were attracted to the old facade and feel like we can be the catalyst to more local stores. I think that the education and income levels are growing and the small household size is ideal for us. And Mr T in DC is right, there’s more of our customer type here than Richmond or any other place we’ve studied. Our 15,000sf concept is full service w/ a focus on prepared foods, produce, cheese and meat/seafood. The plan was to include large mural paintings and a long community table that would feel very much like a food co-op -the DCUSA space is perfect. W/ the recession the projected sales have dropped impacting the rent that we can pay and our financing levels. I’m personally very motivated to be here – we really fairly close if we could get a little further help.”

So how do you think we as a community can help facilitate further help?

Ellwood Thompson’s Grocery Store Not Looking Good For Columbia Heights At the Moment

By Prince Of Petworth

We’ve been wondering for months whether or not Ellwood Thompson’s was going to move into the space on Irving Street in the DC USA complex. As you probably surmised, it’s not looking good for a move any time soon. Thanks to a reader for sending an article from the Richmond Times Dispatch. While the Richmond Store is doing well the economy is going to have to improve for a DC expansion:

“In April, Ellwood Thomson’s scuttled plans to open a store in Washington. The 15,000-square-foot store would have been its second location.

Hood says the economy played a significant role in putting off the expansion.

“The timing just wasn’t right,” he said, though he hopes to open a store in the same D.C. location at some point.”

I wonder when all these vacant ground level retail spots in DC USA are going to fill in. Any guesses? One year, two years, longer?

Safeway in Adams Morgan Looking Good

By Prince Of Petworth

The past couple months the Safeway on Columbia Road in Adams Morgan had been undergoing some renovations. The outside is looking pretty good. I don’t shop there but for those that do, has the inside changed as well?

End of the Day – Good News, Bad News and Worse News

By Prince Of Petworth


photo by odradek23

Back in June Nichole wrote about the Hines Redevelopment Proposals for the 7th and Pennsylvania SE, redevelopment of the Hine Jr. High site. The Mayor issued a press release announcing Stanton-EastBanc as the winner. The press release says:

“Stanton-EastBanc’s proposal calls for about 510,000 square feet of total development at the site. It will include more than 200,000 square feet of office space – about 62,000 square feet set aside to move the nonprofit International Relief and Development and its 200 employees from Virginia to a new headquarters in the District. The project is also set to include about 150 apartments, 60,000 square feet of neighborhood-serving retail and restaurants, consolidation of the Shakespeare Theatre Company’s operations and 150 parking spaces.

Stanton-EastBanc did not request any subsidy from the District for the project. The project could break ground as soon as 2011.”

Now for the Bad News:

Back in August we looked at the proposed development of the Giant and surrounding area on Wisconsin Ave by Newark St. City Desk reports:

“Work at the Friendship Shopping Center site will now be delayed – again. Sharon Robinson, a consultant to the project, said the appeal, while not unexpected, “is subject to a judicial process that will likely take two years or more to complete.” But Giant doesn’t have plans to back down; it “remains committed to the project.””

And sorry to end on this but it is worse news:

WJLA news reports:

“A man was stabbed in front of an apartment building in D.C.’s Adams Morgan neighborhood Monday night, authorities say. The incident occurred around 6:30 p.m. in the 2600 block of Adams Mill Road NW.”

They say the man stabbed in the stomach is expected to survive and the assailant has not yet been caught.

Yes, Petworth’s New YES! Organic Market Kicks Ass!

By Prince Of Petworth

I’ve gotten tons of emails asking me why I haven’t posted photos of the new YES! Organic Market located at the corner of Georgia Ave and Taylor. I simply hadn’t had a chance to stop by yet. But I remedied that and you guys are right, this place is amazing! First of all the place was much bigger than I thought. And I’ll echo what a lot of folks said, it is such a pleasure to have a nice clean spot like this and also the folks working there were beyond nice. I ran into the owner, Mr. Cha, who wanted to thank the community for their support.

I was particularly impressed with the beer selection…

On a side note, I mentioned previously that I recently sold my car. Well, to go grocery shopping I bought a granny cart. It is amazing to me that overnight I’ve turned into an 80 year old Jewish guy from the lower East Side with this cart. But I’ve decided to embrace it.

Lots more photos of inside the YES! after the jump. (more…)

New Wisconsin Avenue Giant – Capturing Signs for Posterity – C.C. Murphy Co.

By Prince Of Petworth

This building is located on Wisconsin Ave between Macomb and Newark. I’ve always liked the painting on the old C.C. Murphy Building. Many have heard that a new Giant will be anchoring this spot. Here’s a rendering of what it could look like in the future:

There’s lots of info at the Wisconsin Avenue Giant Web site.

Ellwood Thompson’s Update Plus New Bar on H Street, NE

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoP,

My husband noticed that there was a crew doing work inside the Ellwood Thompsons space at DCUSA this morning. Do you have any inside info? Is the project back on for them?”

I’ve been getting lots of emails about this. Consider the following strictly scuttlebutt. So, the official line is that nothing has changed. The unofficial line is that there is definitely progress. I’m sorry I can’t give details and this certainly isn’t a done deal but know that negotiations are definitely moving forward. I’ll be sure to update with an official word as soon as that becomes possible.

And how the heck did I not hear about this new bar on H Street, NE until now!?!? 1104 H Street, NE is home to H Street’s newest bar. There is no sign out front but you can’t miss it. It is very close to Taylor’s Deli. I’m told it has a sweet patio and is owned by the same folks behind the nearby Jimmy Valentine’s. It is called Little Miss Whiskey’s Golden Dollar. Anyone check it out yet?

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