If my research is right, the restaurant is being opened by the couple who used to own Foggy Bottom Grocery (which was bought by some George Washington dipsters back in June)...
Will people stop asking for "targeted dates" as soon as an announcement goes up about a new business. They don't even have their permits yet. It's just ridiculous to ask such a question when the owners don't even have the say. It all depends on DC and the permits. Plus, you never know how long build-out will take until you see what needs to be done and re-done.
While that's generally true, most commercial leases will have a date by which either (a) the Tenant must be open for business, or (b) rent will commence regardless. Although you are correct that they permitting process can delay, most business owners who have had any experience can have a rough estimate of how long they expect this process to take. Point being, while I agree there's no certainty, I don't think it's ridiculous for people to ask if an owner has a targeted date for opening.
I think it's a bit over the top to say it's ridiculous to ask for a targeted open date. If one is provided, I think that most people are reasonable enough to know that it is only an estimate and subject to D.C.'s regulatory process among other factors. Quite frankly, I would think the owners would be encouraged by such a buzz regarding an opening date so as to achieve a successful opening night. In contrast, I would hate to open a restaurant anywhere where no one cares to ask when the doors will swing open for business.
Not looking for an exact opening date (or soft opening date, or whatever). But what about a ballpark? Rather than MM/DD/YY, something like "Winter 2009" or "Summer 2010"
though anyone who's ever followed the opening of an establishment knows to add about 12 months to any project opening date.
It amazes me that people buy into these rumors and "busines plans."
Doesn't anyone remember the planned H St Lounge by Mssrs Cornish and Mabry?
If you walk by the building an ANC liquor license application is still in one window while a poster for Ethiopic Restaurant is in another window (yet no building permits of any kind visible). If this new venture is as transparent as the last, I suspect there will be trouble.
As someone astutely noted, the property owner owes a fortune in back taxes.
The lounge was promised for Jan 09 until local residents called them out on having a mentoring facility teaching teens to run a bar from the basement. No word for months on what happened to that venture.
It's too bad the tag DCjaded is already taken on this blog. Call me a cynic, but that's just a pessimist with experience. I'll believe an Ethiopian restaurant is coming when I see it.
it's a cool name and i think it will be successful and hopefully lead to more businesses on that end of H. if they end up as good as Etete, my wife and i will be thrilled. being on the same block as Sidamo is also a plus...
12 comments:
This is great for this side of H street.What is the targeted date for the opening ?
If my research is right, the restaurant is being opened by the couple who used to own Foggy Bottom Grocery (which was bought by some George Washington dipsters back in June)...
No target date yet.
The website and menu looks great. I can't wait to try it.
Will people stop asking for "targeted dates" as soon as an announcement goes up about a new business. They don't even have their permits yet. It's just ridiculous to ask such a question when the owners don't even have the say. It all depends on DC and the permits. Plus, you never know how long build-out will take until you see what needs to be done and re-done.
Anon 12:14,
While that's generally true, most commercial leases will have a date by which either (a) the Tenant must be open for business, or (b) rent will commence regardless. Although you are correct that they permitting process can delay, most business owners who have had any experience can have a rough estimate of how long they expect this process to take. Point being, while I agree there's no certainty, I don't think it's ridiculous for people to ask if an owner has a targeted date for opening.
Anon 12:14,
I think it's a bit over the top to say it's ridiculous to ask for a targeted open date. If one is provided, I think that most people are reasonable enough to know that it is only an estimate and subject to D.C.'s regulatory process among other factors. Quite frankly, I would think the owners would be encouraged by such a buzz regarding an opening date so as to achieve a successful opening night. In contrast, I would hate to open a restaurant anywhere where no one cares to ask when the doors will swing open for business.
Remember H Street Lounge. The owner might be just phishing to gauge the level of interest.
Not looking for an exact opening date (or soft opening date, or whatever). But what about a ballpark? Rather than MM/DD/YY, something like "Winter 2009" or "Summer 2010"
though anyone who's ever followed the opening of an establishment knows to add about 12 months to any project opening date.
It amazes me that people buy into these rumors and "busines plans."
Doesn't anyone remember the planned H St Lounge by Mssrs Cornish and Mabry?
If you walk by the building an ANC liquor license application is still in one window while a poster for Ethiopic Restaurant is in another window (yet no building permits of any kind visible). If this new venture is as transparent as the last, I suspect there will be trouble.
As someone astutely noted, the property owner owes a fortune in back taxes.
The lounge was promised for Jan 09 until local residents called them out on having a mentoring facility teaching teens to run a bar from the basement. No word for months on what happened to that venture.
It's too bad the tag DCjaded is already taken on this blog. Call me a cynic, but that's just a pessimist with experience. I'll believe an Ethiopian restaurant is coming when I see it.
it's a cool name and i think it will be successful and hopefully lead to more businesses on that end of H. if they end up as good as Etete, my wife and i will be thrilled. being on the same block as Sidamo is also a plus...
on a side note, i walked past little miss whiskey's (correct name?) and the place looked to be pretty hopping. a bit of a line to get in, even.
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