Brookland

3523 12th Street, NE

Yesterday we learned that Bloomingdale’s Rustik would be opening a second location in Brookland.

Owner Diton Pashaj updates us on the plans:

“The new location will NOT serve pizza. It will be heavily influenced in Mediterranean Cuisine but of course will include some traditional American dishes and favorites.”

Diton also shares that the new spot will likely be open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Ed. Note: Yesterday some readers expressed concern that Brookland’s pizza scene was already well served by Menomale and an upcoming &Pizza.

3523 12th Street, NE

More big news for Brookland – Rustik has signed a lease for 3523 12th Street, NE. Rhode Island Insider got the good word:

“As Diton Pashaj, one of the owners of Rustik, explains to the Insider, they have leased a building along 12th Street, near the corner of Monroe Ave, as the location of their new restaurant.”

For those not familiar you can see Rustik’s menu here.

3523 12th St, NE was the space that had the “Tamo Smoothies” coming soon sign up for ages. I asked Diton when he hoped to open the Brookland location and he said the news still hasn’t even sunk in with him yet. From the outside it looks like there is obviously a bit of reno that needs to happen so let’s revisit in a few months.

Anyone know what the old NorBud sign inlaid in the concrete out front refers to? A former clothing store? Hope they’re able to preserve it!

12th and Jackson Street, NE

Update yesterday on Brookland’s Finest from the Brookland listserv:

“For your information, I attended a protester standing hearing this morning in the matter of the Brookland’s Finest liquor license. The purpose of the hearing was to identify who the valid protesters actually are as the matter proceeds.

Two churches had submitted protest petitions. Both of their petitions were dismissed for lack of standing as churches do not have standing to protest unless they are immediately adjacent. The two churches were First Church Christ Holiness at 1219 Hamlin St NE and Grace United Baptist Church at 1219 Jackson St. NE.

ANC Commissioner Carolyn Steptoe was granted standing on behalf of ANC 5B, as the ANC has standing to protest as a matter of right.

Three individuals were jointly granted standing as the designated representatives of 53 residents.

So there are two groups whose protests will move forward: ANC 5B and a group of 53 residents.

By contrast, 149 residents in proximity of Brookland’s Finest signed in support by endorsing a negotiated settlement agreement between the restaurant and the community.

Next steps: there will be a mediation session in early August to attempt to resolve differences. If not resolved, the matter will be heard at a full protest hearing open to the public on August 14th at 4 pm.”