Do Not Pass Go, Do Not Collect $200
While we’re probably not the first place you heard the news, several sites are reporting that Nick Cho (now associated with Chinatown Coffee Co.) has been arrested. The charges apparently stem from tax issues at Murky Coffee, which was a coffee shop on Capitol Hill. You can get a lot more info from the sites linked to in this post.
We haven’t visited Chinatown Coffee, although we do walk by it all the time on our way to the grocery store. It looks like a fun location, but we know the association with Cho has soured many of our readers on this spot. Have any of you softened your stance and checked out Chinatown Coffee?
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Comments
I have to say that, whatever Nick’s issues may be, Chinatown Coffee is a great asset to the neighborhood. The staff is friendly, the atmosphere is relaxed, and the coffee is by far the best in the city. I’d venture that it’s the best between here and New York. I really hope his personal financial issues don’t threaten this sorely needed bright spot this side of 6th Street.
My stance was never hardened. If Marion Barry can still be a Council Member (not paying his taxes has been the least of his sins against the City and its people), Nick can still serve coffee.
I think the place is a good addition to the nieghborhood. However, I think it tries to compete with places like Peregrine Espresso at Eastern Market, but it isn’t quite there yet.
I do not know Nick, but I do know the owners, Max and Katie Brown, and the coffee is great! Max and Katie are committed to our neighborhood and Max serves on the DNA board. Anyone who avoids Chinatown Coffee Company because of issues with a prior business that Max and Katie were not associated with, it is their loss.
I don’t want to say I told you so……but I told you so. Cho is a shady cat and needs to do some time in the clink. No I haven’t been to Chinatown Coffee.
Max Brown claims he didn’t know the extent Cho’s tax evasion……Really? Brown was the general counsel to the CFO and he is unaware of the tax issues…….the 400K+ tax issues……Really Max Brown? Really?
I think Chinatown Coffee is wonderful. I do go there exclusively now. Nick Cho has nothing to do with the ownership of this place. He does know a thing or two, though, about coffee.
Personally I was looking forward to the Wrecking Ball roasted coffee that they were going to use down the line, instead of Intelligentsia. I don’t know how this latest development will impact that local bean supply for CC.
Referring to taxes, another high-profile business owner in DC yesterday had huge issues with DC Tax and Revenue. Think Lucky Bar and several H Street NE bars. So there is definitely a red flag that DC government may not be the easiest entity to negotiate with. http://frozentropics.blogspot.com/2009/10/argonaut-closed-for-back-taxes.html#comments
I don’t know how Cho will end up, but it’s amazing to think he’s facing 82 counts and 41 years. Whereas the mastermind behind the $50 million tax scandal ended up getting 17.5 years. Please.
I love everything about Chinatown Coffee — EXCEPT the coffee. Which is a shame, because I truly wanted to love it and give it lots of business. I’m just really glad to see that y’all love it so much because I want small businesses in our neighborhood thrive. I guess it’s just a matter of personal taste, but their coffee always tastes bitter, flat, and overextracted to me.
Stopped by for the first time this morning. I thought the space was trying too hard to be hip, but the cofee is excellent.
I’ve enjoyed their cappuccinos, although it seems over-priced. Last time I was there the WIFI wasn’t working. Anyone know if it’s up and running?
It’s good to have another option for coffee in the neighborhood, but the coffee is no better than any other chain (Starbucks/Caribou/etc) and more expensive.
Cho needs some time in the clink along with Barry.
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Too bad about Nick, but Chinatown Coffee is wonderful.