Open House to meet the Neighbors
What: Looks like a bar coming to Bloomingdale
Where: 116 Rhode Island Avenue NW, This Wednesday, 3/24/2010, 6-8pm
See this news from ScottRoberts listserv:
a) First, see this entry from the popular Prince of Petworth blog on 116 Rhode Island Avenue NW:
Bloomingdale Residents Brace Yourselves – You May Be Getting Another Bar!
28 February 2010
Ed. Note: As mentioned previously, Bloomingdale has been frequently teased with the possibility of getting a neighborhood bar. Hopefully the following tip will turn out to be true but as with all scuttlebutt please read the following as an unconfirmed report.
And the potential good news keeps on coming for the possibility of a bar finally coming to Bloomingdale. Now it looks like we may have a race on our hands. A reader writes in this scintillating tip – a bar called “Bloomingdale Hospitality” is looking to move into 116 Rhode Island Ave, NW and are in the process of applying for permits and licenses.
In late January I broke the news that Bloomingdale was close to getting its first bar (Rustik Neighborhood Tavern), to be located at 1832 1st Street, NW (near T St.), pending some permitting issues. Well 116 Rhode Island Avenue, NW is actually right around the corner so it’ll be interesting to see who makes it first. I’m really hopeful that Bloomingdale actually will get a neighborhood bar one day soon. And from all the folks I speak to, I think the first one to set up shop is going to be rewarded with a very grateful and loyal following…
I echo what the original tipster wrote:
“Here’s to hoping that with three projects on that corner, at least one will get finished!”
(Baraki is the third project referenced above.) As soon as a permit is posted I’ll be sure to update.
[P.S. from your listserv moderator — I am now used to being scooped by the Prince of Petworth! Cheers.]
b) Now see this 3/22/2010 message from ANC 5C04 Commissioner John Salatti:
Neighbors have been clamoring for a sit down restaurant in Bloomingdale for years. We have come close several times. For example, Baraki at the corner of 1st & T NW is close but not there yet. [Baraki owner Aleks Duni needs a loan of $50,000 to complete the renovations and open. I gave him several leads over the weekend and I hope he can get the work done and open. If anyone knows of good sources of loans, please let me know.] Or the Big Bear Cafe has recently expanded its menu some and is looking to do more in the future, and so it could become more of a restaurant with a broader selection of food and alcohol. But the latest entrant into the Bloomingdale market is led by two Bloomingdale residents, Colin McDonough and Gareth Croke. They and their company, Bloomingdale Hospitality LLC, have secured financing to open and operate a pub in the open store front in the Sylvan Theater Building on Rhode Island Avenue NW.
Here is their mission statement:
“Bloomingdale Hospitality LLC is crafting a neighborhood establishment created to foster a warm, welcoming environment where people can gather to enjoy food, drink, and the simple pleasure of music and good company. It is a place where the genuine care and comfort of our guests is our highest mission. We support our community and embrace the powerful role that business has in environmental and social responsibility. We are resolute in our desire to achieve a sustainable business and be a positive force in our community.“
Already living up to their mission statement, Colin and Gareth, before they even begin renovations, are having an open house to let people know what their plans are for the pub and to have a question and answer session with residents. That open house is this Wednesday the 24th from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. So please come out and meet your neighbors Gareth and Colin and learn about this exciting restaurant. Their pub could become the place where everybody knows your name!
If you can`t make it, send them your questions or e-mails of support at oldblooms@gmail.com.
Bates Area Civic Association 