U Street

Sudhouse opening May 22nd at 5pm in the former Bistro La Bonne space

By Prince Of Petworth

sudhouse
1340 U Street, NW

Last week we saw that Bistro La Bonne was closing for good to be replaced by a spot called Sudhouse. Got more details from a press release:

“Sudhouse, a beer hall and social club, will open on May 22nd, 2015 at 1340 U street in NW. This will be the area’s newest neighborhood-style bar. Featuring domestic and craft beers, classic American fare, pool and Big Buck, Sudhouse aims to be your new hangout spot to imbibe with friends. Sudhouse is the very first concept created by Farout and will have a tasty selection of both hearty and small plates like home-made five alarm chili and organic farm fresh salads. It will be a perfect place to relax and embrace the wonders of the U Street Corridor.

Managers and co-owners Simo and Allison Farouidi have been in the industry for over 15 years and felt the U street Corridor needed a classic “mom and pop” style bar and grill. Their combined industry knowledge and passion for authenticity will elevate the space into a multi- use venue that thrives on new experiences and warm social gatherings.

Located steps away from 14th and U Street, Sudhouse will be open Tuesday to Sunday in the afternoons. It will be an ideal spot to relax, enjoy a pint or two and some classic American food. The exposed brick and industrial structure in the 2000 sq. ft. loft style space will take you back to the simpler times when a barkeep was your therapist and the drinks were uncomplicated. With 3 floors and 2 bars, it will have ample space for late night happy hours with friends or your own private event. Sudhouse will aim to be your favorite place to laugh, drink, eat and revel in the welcoming environment and the friendly staff that genuinely believes the guest comes first.

From the Owners:
I have lived by the shops, restaurants, and along the busy, car-lined sidewalks of U Street
Corridor for over 15 years. The allure is mostly derived from the immense history that is etched
in each of the nine blocks that compose the Corridor but also from its growing potential. My
wife, friends, and I have noticed the increasing need for a pond that genuinely encompasses the
bohemian alma of the Corridor, and it has long been a dream of ours to harbor the spirit of U
street within the confines of a mom-and-pop style bar and grill. We encourage all who seek to
know and experience the U Street Corridor, whether thirsty residents or curious passers-by, to
join us for classic American fare and craft brews served in our unhurried, humble yet charming
ambience. At Sudhouse, we strive to be socially responsible and a positive entity on the
community that both surrounds and supports us.”

DTLR closes at 14th and U to Make Room for SoulCycle

By Prince Of Petworth

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1935 14th Street, NW

DTLR ( Downtown Locker Room) closed on Saturday to make way for a SoulCycle opening this Fall:

““SoulCycle 14th Street will feature a 3,400 square-foot, 56-bike studio, home to the signature SoulCycle workout, and an expansive SoulCycle lifestyle boutique, selling SoulCycle’s original clothing collection. Additional rider amenities include full men’s and women’s locker rooms with four showers each, multiple bathrooms, and locker area. SoulCycle 14th Street will be located at 14th and U at 1935 14th Street, NW, D.C. 20009. SoulCycle 14th Street will open in Fall 2015.”

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14th and U St, NW looking north

Also of note, on the north side of 14th and U – Dunkin Donuts is still open…

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“he got out of his car to take photos of his car, while I lay bleeding and stunned in the road” Looking for Witnesses

By Prince Of Petworth

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“Dear PoPville,

I was struck by a car during on Monday morning and wonder if any PoP readers witnessed it. At 9:10 a.m. I was riding south on 14th Street in the bicycle lane near Trader Joe’s. I was going about 15 miles per hour when a silver SUV drifted into the bicycle lane, side-swiped me, and threw me off my bicycle.

After the crash, the driver moved his car into the center of the road so it would appear that I was at fault; he got out of his car to take photos of his car, while I lay bleeding and stunned in the road. Someone called the police and I was taken by ambulance to the emergency room where I got a lot of stitches.

Based on the testimony of a driver who saw a group of cyclists moving from the bike lane into the right lane, a police officer gave ME a citation for changing lanes without caution. I will be contesting this citation, as I was not part of this group of cyclists changing lanes.

I hope this won’t devolve into the typical cars vs. bikes ballyhoo – I was being a safe, law-abiding, and cautious, but was wrongly cited nonetheless. If anyone witnessed this incident I would be very grateful if you would contact me at hitbycardc@gmail.”

Rental of the Day – U Street

By Prince Of Petworth

rental

This rental is located at 2032 15th Street, Northwest. The listing says:

“Recently renovated studio (2010 and 2015) with separate kitchen. Renovation included new bath tile, Kitchen counter tops and appliances. Nicely appointed kitchen has pass through window into living area. Carpeted living area. Washer/dryer in unit. Gated entrance. Just steps to metro, and all the shops, restaurants U St. has to offer.”

This studio is going for $1,450/Mo.

Trouble for Dunkin Donuts at 14th and U St, NW

By Prince Of Petworth

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14th and U Street, NW

A reader reports:

“This order was filed in the DC district court May 5 (see below for full PDF). Seems the Dunkin’ Donuts at 14th and U is at risk of losing its franchise for allegedly not paying franchise fees. My question/concern is: if Dunkin’ terminated the franchise agreement last month, but the place is still open, where on earth are the owners currently getting their donuts from?!”

Dunkin Donuts lawsuit (PDF)

Plaintiff Dunkin’ Donuts Franchising, LLC (“Dunkin’ Donuts”) brings this action against 14th Street Eatery, Inc., Mohammad Hoque, and Yasmin Parveen (collectively, the “Defendants”) for breach of contract and trademark infringement. Dunkin’ Donuts alleges that Defendants failed to pay franchise and other fees, and as a result Dunkin’ Donuts terminated the franchise agreement between the parties. Despite this termination, Defendants continue to operate an eatery holding itself out as a Dunkin’ Donuts franchise, thereby infringing Dunkin’ Donuts’ trademarks and violating the terms of a covenant not to compete. Before the Court is Dunkin’ Donuts’ motion for a preliminary injunction, which Defendants have failed to oppose. Upon consideration of the uncontested motion, the entire record, and for the following reasons, the motion is granted.

For the foregoing reasons, Dunkin’ Donuts’ Motion for a Preliminary Injunction is granted. Defendants are enjoined during the pendency of this matter from using Dunkin’ Donuts’ trademarks or operating a competing business within a five mile radius of the former franchise. Within 30 days, Defendants must file with the court a report in writing under oath setting forth in detail the manner and form in which the defendant has complied with the injunction.

Drama at The Islander: “there is NO PENDING ARRANGEMENTS for any related transactions and ABSOLUTELY NO PLANS to make any”

By Prince Of Petworth

islander
1201 U Street, NW

A reader reports:

“I heard the islander was sold last week. Talked to the family the other night. Their not sure when their last night will be but they’ll be opening up a smaller joint somewhere else.”

The Islander’s Facebook page says:

“It has been brought to the attention of the ISLANDER FAMILY that a Gofundme Account has been established in the name of Sheldon Gill for the restoration of The Islander Caribbean Restaurant & Lounge. This IN NO WAY HAS ANY DIRECT CORRELATION TO THE Islander Caribbean Restaurant or ANY OF ITS OWNERS OR MANAGERS! The Islander is NOT being handed over to anyone and there is NO PENDING ARRANGEMENTS for any related transactions and ABSOLUTELY NO PLANS to make any!! SO… the following link http://www.gofundme.com/theislander
is FALSE AND GROSSLY MISREPRESENTED!!!”

The GoFundMe page says:

For over 40 years, Chief Addis Green, better known as The Queen, has built a legacy within the Metropolitan Washington, DC’s Caribbean community with her family owned restaurant and lounge- The Islander. Providing their consumers with the finest Trinidadian cuisine with a welcoming atmosphere, The Queen is turning over her crown to a new prince, Sheldon Gill. For over 15 years, he has managed and owned a restaurant (Under the Coconut Tree) and catering company. His experience in the food and entertainment industry has exposed him to the resources needed to revamp The Islander, with respect to tradition.

In its current state the restaurant is in desperate need of repairs from head to toe. With the aggreement of the building owner, Mr. Gill plans to expand The Islander by taking over the entire building (3 floors), establishing more seating on the 2nd floor and a spacious lounge on the 3nd floor for entertainment.

All this requires funding before Chief Green retires. Mr. Gill is asking for your help to continue The Islander statue as a landmark for not only the Caribbean Community but for anyone who wants to escape the city life and experience taste, sound, and feel of the tropics. Help us keep the heritages alive.

We appreciate you for reading our story and contributing to not only our dream but yours too, for our mission is to treat you like family.

All those that donate would be our special guest at our grand opening, which we project would be this winter.

Anyone else hear about a sale of any kind? Updates as this shakes out.

Important Slush Puppie Alert

By Prince Of Petworth

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Now that we’ve hit 80 degree days, here’s an important reminder that the slush puppie machine in the gas station at 15th and U St, NW is back in action. But God dang it they swapped Blue Raspberry for Mango.

Ed. Note: The Mango was pretty decent.

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