Category Archives: Uncategorized

Last year the Georgetown liquor license moratorium came to an end. The hope expressed by those facilitating the change was that it would bring new restaurants better than what we have now. While he agreed that the moratorium should end, GM didn’t think the change would have much of an immediate impact:

Will this have immediate effects in Georgetown? Probably not. High rents will continue to be the primary driver of the collapse in the Georgetown restaurant presence on the main drags of M St. and Wisconsin Ave. But it will bring some predictability to restauranteurs interested in moving into the neighborhoods less in-demand areas. And that predictability will attract more legitimate businesses (as opposed to the squatters who have taken up most of the free licenses over the past five years or so).

There is some evidence, however, that the change has had an effect. Just last week, the former head chef at the decadent Minibar announced plans to open a new restaurant in Georgetown called Reverie. In announcing his plans, Johnny Spero specifically cited the end of the moratorium as a contributing factor. (Fun trivia aside: Spero was replaced at Minibar by Josh Hermias, who previously was the Economic Development Director at the Georgetown BID and who had a big role in pushing for the end of the moratorium.) Continue reading →

Photo by Mike Maguire.

Good morning Georgetown, here’s the latest:

• Alexander Graham Bell’s house is for sale.
• Big gas leak near the gates of Georgetown University yesterday.

Montrose Park

Photo by Geoff Livingstone.

Good morning Georgetown, here’s the latest:

• This isn’t the type of gondola they mean, but why not both?
• Pizza Paradiso celebrating 25 years with some specials.

3700 block of Water St.

Photo by Mike Maguire.

Good morning Georgetown, here’s the latest:

• The Hoya writes about the Hyde-Addison fight.
• Some thoughts on running a business, from a former Georgetown business-owner.

1300 block of 31st St.

Tuesday was a day of upsets it would seem. Here in Georgetown that meant Lisa Palmer successfully defeating Bill Starrels for the ANC seat he’s held since approximately 1842. This was in spite of (or perhaps because of) GM’s endorsement of Starrels. Palmer obviously reached a lot of people with a message of change, so GM heartily congratulates her. GM endorsed Starrels in recognition of his years of experience in the position, but Palmer’s big electoral win suggests that she can hit the ground running. Best of luck to her!

Separately in the race for the open SMD 03 seat, Rick Murphy defeated Greg Miller.

All four were great candidates, and GM hopes to see Starrels and Miller continue to be actively involved with the neighborhood.

Photo by Ron Cogswell.

Good morning Georgetown, here’s the latest:

• If the world doesn’t collapse before, the former head-chef of Minibar is opening a new restaurant on Grace St.
• Letter to the editor of the Post argues against the gondola, but wants to turn the Whitehurst into a parking lot instead.