A look at what's going on in Trinidad, on H Street, and in the larger area north of Capitol Hill.
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Transitions
Jamaican restaurant Naby's Island closed its doors for the last time this past Saturday. A UPS Store will apparently go in next to the 7-11 at the H Street Connection.
Re: 7-11 and why they are building new retail space in a mall that is slated to be demolished in the coming 2-3 years:
A friend who lives in spitting distance of the new 7-11 told me that the owner of the 7-11 franchise was guaranteed that he could keep the same lease agreement/rent in the new building. I guess that explains the incentive on the part of 7-11/the franchisers to invest in the cost of building and rebuilding on such a short cycle. I can see how this would also benefit the current owners of the strip mall, but I wonder why the developers/new owners would incentivise building knockdown retail in the existing space… not exactly the most green of solutions.
Any word on Naby's re-opening near U Street? The owner, Andrew, mentioned to me that he was looking to move the business because the owner of his building wasn't cutting him a break on the rent after receiving all the tax abatements from DC for the Trolley mess.
Sad to see them go too, I really liked the curry chicken. What about the Jamaican place down the street? On the corner of 6th? Is the food there any good?
Andrew told me that the state of H street with the jersey barriers, parking, etc. was hurting his business immensely. I think that, combined with the uncooperative stance of the owner (in Andrew's eyes, anyway), made it prudent for him to move the business. I really hope he does re-open elsewhere--that ackee and saltfish is worth a drive to NW.
It will be interesting to see how the current parking configuration (with Tollbooth Willie at the exit) at the H Street Connection works for 7-Eleven...oh what a fucking mess it will be!
If the owner/manager of Taste of Jamaica reads this, please consider staying open later. You're usually closed by the time I get home from work - I'd go there if it was open till later. Look how successful the other restaurants that stay open later are (don't mean the Chinese take out places).
I loved Naby's food the few times I got it; but my typical work hours are shifted later than most people, and when I'd get home (between 9 and 10 pm), they'd already be closed. I kept hoping they'd expand their hours til 10pm, because I really liked their food. I'll miss them.
This place was great, but it's true, I always had trouble getting food there because it closed at 8. But when I was able to get it the food was fantastic!
16 comments:
Love it.
Next up... Container Store.
Sorry to see them go as I liked their food.
I am bummed about Naby's. I really liked their food. It is a shame they had to close.
Re: 7-11 and why they are building new retail space in a mall that is slated to be demolished in the coming 2-3 years:
A friend who lives in spitting distance of the new 7-11 told me that the owner of the 7-11 franchise was guaranteed that he could keep the same lease agreement/rent in the new building. I guess that explains the incentive on the part of 7-11/the franchisers to invest in the cost of building and rebuilding on such a short cycle. I can see how this would also benefit the current owners of the strip mall, but I wonder why the developers/new owners would incentivise building knockdown retail in the existing space… not exactly the most green of solutions.
Any word on Naby's re-opening near U Street? The owner, Andrew, mentioned to me that he was looking to move the business because the owner of his building wasn't cutting him a break on the rent after receiving all the tax abatements from DC for the Trolley mess.
People love throwing "Gentrification" around so easily, but in this case it is not at all. Thanks Jamie for clearing things up.
Sad to see them go too, I really liked the curry chicken. What about the Jamaican place down the street? On the corner of 6th? Is the food there any good?
Andrew told me that the state of H street with the jersey barriers, parking, etc. was hurting his business immensely. I think that, combined with the uncooperative stance of the owner (in Andrew's eyes, anyway), made it prudent for him to move the business. I really hope he does re-open elsewhere--that ackee and saltfish is worth a drive to NW.
@Anon 10:33- You're talking about Taste of Jamaica. Yes, it is good.
I'm crushed...I live at 12th and I and will deeply miss Naby's food and Andrew's friendliness
Thanks anon 11:44. I've been meaning to give them a try, Naby's was just closer to my house.
I tried the place under Rose's only a couple of times and found it okay, just not great. Any fans of that place?
Will the UPS Store have a tavern liquor license or restaurant liquor license?
It will be interesting to see how the current parking configuration (with Tollbooth Willie at the exit) at the H Street Connection works for 7-Eleven...oh what a fucking mess it will be!
If the owner/manager of Taste of Jamaica reads this, please consider staying open later. You're usually closed by the time I get home from work - I'd go there if it was open till later. Look how successful the other restaurants that stay open later are (don't mean the Chinese take out places).
I loved Naby's food the few times I got it; but my typical work hours are shifted later than most people, and when I'd get home (between 9 and 10 pm), they'd already be closed. I kept hoping they'd expand their hours til 10pm, because I really liked their food. I'll miss them.
This place was great, but it's true, I always had trouble getting food there because it closed at 8. But when I was able to get it the food was fantastic!
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