14th and Irving St, NW looking north towards DCUSA
May 2011 is a month that lives in infamy (for me.) A wrong is about to be righted, in spades. Yes, I speak of the darkest of days – when the Taco Bell at 14th and U Street, NW closed. Well, I heard some scuttlebutt that a few blocks north on 14th in Columbia Heights at DCUSA a Taco Bell is coming. Not just any Taco Bell. A Taco Bell Cantina!! You can see what one looks like in Vegas here. I’d give this scuttlebutt an 88% accuracy rating. Poo-poo – salt throwing – knocking wood vigorously. May the gods be kind to us and STAY TUNED.
14th Street between Irving and Park Road, NW
“Dear PoPville,
On DC USA’s operator’s site, it shows a picture of a “proposed storefront redesign”, which seems designed to cater to a more upscale set of retailers, such as those selling… penny farthing bicycles. [Ed. Note: See far right hand side of rendering above.]
It looks like it’s dated from December 2018, Do you know anything about this?
Since this has been up, DC USA has lost two more tenants (Panera and Payless), and has over ten vacancies on the first floor. Read More
14th and Park Road, NW
Thanks to Emily for sending signage of the Old Navy coming to Columbia Heights.
Wowza, thanks to Tanyr for sending. Panera opened up in DC USA back in October 2011. Wawa related?
14th and Irving St, NW
14th between Irving and Park Road, NW
Yesterday we learned that Gussini was leaving DC USA in Columbia Heights. But all is not lost!! In addition to a JPMorgan Chase Bank coming it appears our earlier Old Navy scuttlebutt is also panning out!!
I hear that Old Navy has signed their lease in DC USA and should be taking over the unleased storefront (between Gussini and the former Children’s Place) and a significant chunk of the Children’s Place location. So JPMorgan Chase Bank should be taking over the former Vitamin store space and the balance of the Children’s Place. The bottom line is that the Old Navy will be near 14th and Park. God willing. Updates when more is known.
Thanks to Amanda for sending: “Signs up for moving sale. The good news is that there is definite construction happening in the old children’s place and staples space.”
Hmm, Gussini only opened up in the part of the old Staples space last year. Previously we had heard that an Old Navy could be coming to DC USA. More recently I’ve heard a Gap, Gap Kids and/or a Michael’s crafting store. I still haven’t completely given up hope on those options but the space below under construction must be the JPMorgan Chase Bank?
14th and Park Road, NW
14th and Irving St, NW on Irving Street. Photo by Ross
Whoa – Ross reports:
“Competition for &pizza in old Zombie Donuts space in Columbia Heights?”
&pizza opened in the Columbia Heights Plaza back in March 2016. Zombie Donuts closed in December of last year. Pidzza has locations in Chinatown, Ivy City and most recently opened on U Street. You can see their menu here.
As I was typing this up I just got this email from Matthew:
“Pidzza in Chinatown. This has been up for close to 2 weeks now.
A friend tells me the pizza sauces were too spicy so she only had the pizza once, but wished they had a non-spicy sauce because she would eat there more often.”
Updates when we have an opening date in Columbia Heights and more info on Chinatown.
14th between Irving and Park Road, NW
A sources says it it so. Stay tuned for confirmation. Staples closed in DC USA back in March of last year. Here’s who we hoped would take over the space…
Gussini’s website says:
“GUSSINI FASHION was founded With a vision of becoming a neighborhood boutique. GUSSINI FASHION grew to over 10 stores. We have over 10 locations and are one of the fastest-growing retailers in the U.S.
GUSSINI FASHION offers a wide assortment of clothing for juniors and plus sizes, as well as an extensive shoe collection. GUSSINI FASHION is about bringing you the very latest in new fashions and styles and our assortment is constantly changing. So, if you see something you like you better grab it quick or you may miss out!
GUSSINI FASHION has also been a pioneer in attractive, well-fitting apparel for plus sizes. We firmly believe that every woman, regardless of shape or size, should enjoy fun, fashionable, and feminine clothing at an affordable price.
GUSSINI FASHION is headquartered in Bladensburg, MD.”
3100 14th Street, NW (entrance on Park Road)
From a press release:
“LeTena, a new fast casual Ethiopian concept is due to open at the corner of 14th Street and Park Road (3100 14th Street) on October 19th.
courtesy LeTena
LeTena will serve a variety of healthy, locally sourced and freshly made dishes including various vegetarian dishes, tibs, stews, salads and other Ethiopian and international specialties. The restaurant will have 20 seats in the coffee area where baristas will serve a variety of specialty coffees and teas as well as pastries. The coffee house will feature coffees made from freshly roasted Ethiopian coffee beans. The 30-seat dining room is a comfortable spot to enjoy classic Ethiopian dishes served with injera in traditional fashion, or wrapped, with bread or rice for those who wish to use utensils. Beer and wine will be available as well as soft drinks. A children’s menu and a small selection of non-Ethiopian dishes that are favorites will also be available. The dining and coffee rooms are wifi accessible. Read More
3100 14th St NW entrance on Park Rd, NW
I’ve been getting a number of emails and tweets asking about LeTena, the “fast casual Ethiopian restaurant” coming to the former Senor Chicken space in Columbia Heights. Happy to share that work on the buildout has finally started so standby for an opening date as they make progress:
