Lots of folks have been wondering when this store, in the Hoffman building on 14th between V and W, will open up. Well they got there signs up and the inside from what I can tell looks pretty far along so hopefully they’ll be open pretty soon.
The Sexy Safeway
In Washington, DC, we have the peculiar habit of nicknaming our Safeways. We don’t nickname our Giants, our Harris Teeters, our Trader Joe’s, or our Whole Foods, just the Safeways.
Oh yes, he did. Mayor Fenty announced on National Public Radio, on Friday September 12th, 2008, during the opening of DC’s first new Safeway in a decade, that this one is to be called, “The Sexy Safeway”. I ran into my friend, Angela, who works nearby the Sexy Safeway and asked her if it was true. She had indeed been to the new Safeway and she verified (you have to imagine this in a British accent) that, “Yes, it’s very Sexy. It’s sexy because it’s a lot like Whole Foods.” (By the way, it has come to my attention that I can’t write the phrase “Sexy Safeway” without humming The White Album.) I went to check it out for myself over the weekend.
The Sexy Safeway is located in the Mount Vernon neighborhood at 5th and L St NW, in a corner of the building that houses the new City Vista condominium. As a real estate broker, I’ve sold several condo units in Penn Quarter and Mount Vernon. The buildings themselves are great, but the biggest complaint that people living in that neighborhood have had for years is that there were no grocery stores in the vicinity. Story continues after the jump. (more…)
I learned that they are doing an environmentally friendly deconstruction. I’m told that they “are currently “deconstructing” the building as opposed to demolishing it, with the intent to recycle, reuse, or otherwise divert the debris from the landfill.” Pretty cool. It also means we are one step closer to John Andrade’s new bar – Meridian Pint. Sweet.
They have the greatest selection of animal photos/drawings in the tri-state area, you know.
There was a huge response when the district’s first Harris Teeter opened a couple of weeks ago. Yet I haven’t heard a peep about the second one. So the ever intrepid Frank went to check it out. By the by, if you like maps Frank has a blog called Cartographia devoted to them.
When Harris Teeter opened its first store in the District last month, the company pulled out all the stops. Mayor Fenty was on hand, as was Ward One Councilmember Jim Graham. There were balloons. There was ribbon cutting. There was even a guy dressed as a giant dragon. The grand opening of Harris Teeter
I haven’t heard this much (cyber)excitement since the Target opening. Thanks to a reader for alerting me this morning to the opening. The store is located at 17th and Kalorama Rd, NW. So I’m embarassed to say I’m not too familiar with Harris Teeter. Is it better than a Target opening? Or as far as groceries stores are concerned is it better than a Giant?
Props to the eagle eyes on our intern in Columbia Heights, Karen, for spotting this sign outside the Giant in the Tivoli. I’m pretty sure you can bring propane in the six feet under Safeway…
A reader writes:
“I don’t know if this has ever been a question of the day, but do our Safeway’s (both Georgia Avenue ones) have a nickname? Here’s what I know of other Safeway’s in town:
Secret Safeway – off Wisconsin Avenue
Soviet Safeway – on 17th Street in Dupont
Sandanista Safeway – Columbia Road
Sycophant Safeway – Watergate
Social Safeway – Georgetown
I have been referring to the Safeway near the metro as the Six Feet Under Safeway because of the proximity to all of the funeral homes. Is this not politically correct?”
Check out the International Progresso Market at 3158 Mt. Pleasant Street if you are looking to shake up your menu.
A reader writes: “I just wanted to give you and the PoP readers a heads up on something that could really affect everyone’s quality of life. From what I’ve been hearing, it’s possible that workers at the Safeway and Giant could go on strike next week. The supermarkets seem to be demanding major concessions, especially on wages, that the union doesn’t want to give in to. Which seems pretty understandable–the workers at these stores should be making decent wages. I think it’s important to support the workers and not cross the picket line, but it’s also going to be hard to get groceries easily (I live right next to the Safeway). What do you think?”
I was brought up to follow two rules very strictly. First, never name names and second, never cross picket lines. So thanks to the new Target (doesn’t it have a grocery section?), it’s really not that inconvenient to not cross the picket lines either. So I don’t know enough about this possible strike but I generally give the benefit of the doubt to the strikers. But that’s just me. So what do you guys think? Would you cross a picket line?