Chop’t Creative Salad Company Ponders Penn Quarter Location, Vapiano Goes Big In DC!

Interesting, the June press release from Vapiano (url below) only talked about 10-12 restaurants
in the DC area.

http://www.fransmart.com/news/press_releases/DC%20PR.pdf#search=%22Vapiano%20dc%22

It’s depressing to read about all the franchises moving into the neighborhood. We need some independent shops, not more cookie cutter blandness.

Hey depressed, would empty storefronts cheer you up? Because unless you want to start a business, chains are what you’re going to get. Communities don’t happen because people will them to be so, they’re organic places that evolve out of the interesting people that inhabit them. Let’s face it, most of the residents of this neighborhood would rather go to bars and stores than own them or work at them. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, but it won’t get you the independent vibe you’re looking for.

Depressed, you should move somewhere that will make you happier. Adams Morgan and U St have small shops and restaurants.

Somewhat off topic perhaps, but Councilmember-elect Tommy Wells, who if he wins the general will represent at least part of our area (but I gather a smaller portion) ran on a platform centered completely on “livable and walkable communities”. does anyone know much more about him and whether or not there is any potential for him to become an ally in helping us steer development in a more resident-friendly direction? I’m not talking about legislating taste in restaurants or retail, but his campaign caught my eye and wonder if it is something that we should be tapping in to given all the gripes here about how the dining/retail seems more targeted to the tourist or 9-5 business crowd not residents.

i seem to recall he was in favor of dumping MLK to the highest bidder. correct me if i am wrong.

This was reported in the Biz Journal: http://washington.bizjournals.com/washington/stories/2006/09/18/daily8.html?b=1158552000%5E1347370&surround=etf

I don’t think the choice is between empty storefronts and cookiecutter franchises. DC’s laws favor franchises at the expense of mom and pops. That’s why Whitlowes moved to Wilson Blvd, why Waffle Shop will become a Starbucks eventually, and Chinablock looks like Disneyland. Franchises have the venture capital (meaning the lawyers and the bribes) to get licenses and preferential treatment. And they’re the only ones who can afford the exhorbitant downtown rents.

It’s a moot point anyway. The chains go where they’re wanted, and right now, they’re wanted in Gallery Place.

While I love your name, RectalHorror, I’m a bit confused about who you blame for the chains. You say DC law favors franchises, but then say that it’s market forces (i.e., high rents) that are the cause? I’m a bit unclear on how DC law favors chains over small businesses. I think the city actually has grant and loan programs specifically designed for small business owners.