With Liquor License, Trailblazing Big Bear Runs Into a Thicket
From the Ctiy Paper
Wednesday, May 12th, 2010
The Big Bear Café was a new thing for Bloomingdale when it opened at 1st and R Streets in 2007. The neighborhood didn’t have a proper coffeeshop, and it’s become a magnet for the young professionals who’ve been coming to the area in droves. Mostly, the older neighbors haven’t seemed to mind.
Now, the Café would like to expand its activities into the evening. To do so, it needs a liquor license—and that’s a completely different ballgame.
At an ANC 5C meeting last night, with supporters filling the basement of St. George’s Church, Big Bear asked that commissioners vote to support a stipulated license that would turn into a regular restaurant license in 45 days unless someone lodged a protest. The café’s representative, Lenora Yerkes, presented a petition with 600 signatures, endorsements from immediate neighbors, and many promises to keep noise and disruption down. (Read the rest here…)
And our ANC Commissioner for 5c01 (who is also chairwoman of all ANC5c) invited letters of opposition and support in advance of next week’s vote. Her address is 5c01@anc.dc.gov, or dcbonsa@yahoo.com.
Bates Area Civic Association 
Thanks for the update, just sent an email to Commissioner Bonds urging her to vote in favor of the application.
The owner of Big Bear put this on the Eckington listserv and i thought it was a responsble reply to some of the chatter going on:
Commissioners who are supporting the changes at the Big Bear also voted to table the vote at last night’s ANC meeting and I agree with them. It is true there is a lot of support for the BBC – but there are some members of 1st Street and R street NW who need time to consider exactly what we are getting into, and we need to hear their concerns and work with them.
The two residents that did raise concerns last night are friends of mine and we have lived together on 1st street (and R) for years. We are trying to set up a small meeting with immediate residents soon to go over the Big Bear plans and hear concerns.
The slower we move the more people who are most effected by our later hours and alcohol sales will be able to participate, and this is good for all of us in the long run.
I do have to say that I believe strongly that the residents of this neighborhood have a right to shape their neighborhood to what they want it to be. Those outside the neighborhood need to stay in the back seat.
At the same time those who live next to the BBC need to be heard…
Some of the people raising concerns now worked together to get the BBC off the ground, and they need to continue to have a say.
I will keep you up to date.
-Stuart
From what I understand it’s very difficult to get a new liquor license in DC. And unfortunately without one it’s almost impossible for a sit-down restaurant to attract dinner customers and remain profitable.
I really hope Big Bear is successful and the neighborhood is able to attract more places like Big Bear (i.e. non-fast food and no bullet proof glass!).
I hope everyone does take a moment to contact Commissioner Bonds if you support. Big Bear has been such a wonderful addition to our community.