2020, and likely 2021, will go down as some of the most challenging years for Main Street America, locally and globally, as the ripple effect of the COVID-19 pandemic forced small business closures and froze whole industries and their supply chains. As of September 2020, the Washington Post reported that more than “70 small restaurants, coffee shops, entertainment hubs, and fitness studios in the city have permanently closed” and that number is likely higher due to the businesses that have closed in the almost 6 months since or whose closings were unreported.
In Columbia Heights, a number of small businesses were sadly forced to close or rebrand due to the pandemic. Thankfully, the casualties (as of early February 2021) are less severe than might be expected, perhaps thanks to the city’s vast efforts to keep small businesses afloat through grant programs, technical assistance, creative pivoting, outdoor dining expansions, and encouraging residents to support their neighbors. It might surprise you that according to our research, more small businesses opened, or are slated to open, in Columbia Heights than closed during the pandemic.
Here’s a look at the neighborhood’s losses and gains since the pandemic lockdowns began almost one year ago:
Closures:
- Airedale: The Airedale sadly closed in August 2020. According to Washington City Paper, it first opened back in 2015 selling Old Overholt as a boozy soft serve ice cream and focusing on Belgian, French, and German cuisine. (A sports bar, the Artemis, has opened in its place operating under what seems to be the same company. See below.)
- French’s Cleaners: Back in June 2020, legendary French’s Dry Cleaners announced they would have to close, a tough loss for the neighborhood.
- Napoli Pasta Bar: In early February 2021, owners of Napoli Pasta Bar closed and announced they would not renew their lease. The bright side? They did say they are looking for a new DC location and similar dishes are available for to-go (and in some places delivery) from their sister restaurant Napoli Salumeria in Arlington.
- Room 11: In early October, Room 11 in Columbia Heights announced it was closing and its website confirms it. The owners hope that they will be able to re-open in the Spring, possibly under a new name and concept, or as the website says, “stay tuned for the next chapter, Spring 2021.” Room 11 opened in 2009 as a cozy wine bar with good cocktails and eats, a nice patio, and became a gem of a neighborhood spot. For now, we’ll see what’s in store!
Openings/Slated to Open:
- Khana Express: Last summer it was reported that Khana Express, an Indian grille, would be opening in Columbia Heights. It seems as if the restaurant is still preparing to open.
- Ossobuco Ristorante: Technically established in December 2019, Ossobucco had to “start all over again in a different environment” post-COVID. Prince of Petworth reported what seemed to be the real opening for the restaurant in December 2020.
- Taco Bell Cantina and Krispy Kreme: About a year ago it was announced that Columbia Heights would get a Taco Bell Cantina, an upscale restaurant-style version of the fast food joint with booze options as well. According to signs, it is still preparing to open. Equally as fried and delicious, Krispy Kreme donuts opened in Columbia Heights on February 9th (its grand opening promos and contest continue through February 14). Hopefully, the light will be turned on often signaling those fresh, warm donuts. These additions to the neighborhood, while not exactly small business ventures, were highly anticipated nonetheless.
- The Artemis: Taking the space of the recently closed Airedale, the Artemis was recently opened as “your Columbia Heights neighborhood sports bar.” The website is registered to the Airedale DC, so it seems to be the case of a rebrand and reopening.
- Toro Bar: Toro Bar opened its doors in August with a pretty strict COVID policy in place. The bar closed for a month between the end of December to the end of January, but it’s open again and most recently hosted limited Superbowl watching, according to social media. Toro bar has an intimate neighborhood feel with pool tables, sports viewing, and a heart, having hosted a holiday toy drive for CentroNia Families in December.
- Iron Age Korean BBQ: In June, Iron Age Korean BBQ opened after a long anticipated preparation period. The restaurant is one of 8 locations; the other 7 can be found throughout Georgia, Maryland, and Virginia.
Though we were only able to find a small number of reported closures in Columbia Heights, many small businesses are hovering on the brink. Remember to shop small and support local whenever you can.
