CAPITOL HILL CORNER

Here’s the proposed location of Wingstop at 406 8th Street, on Barracks Row.

Here’s the current interior of the former illegal weed shop at 406 8th Street. Wingstop hasn’t started a buildout yet, maybe waiting to make sure their application for an exception to the fast food ban on the street is granted.

Yet Another Fast-food Carryout to Open on Barracks Row

by Larry Janezich

Posted December 31, 2025

Last night, ANC6B’s Executive Committee scheduled a January 13 discussion of an application by Wingstop, the popular* fast food carryout and delivery restaurant, to open an outlet at 406 8th Street, on Barracks Row.  The space was formerly occupied by Mother Blossom, an illegal weed gifting shop which was forced to close in 2024 after new regulations banned weed outlets within 400 feet of another.  Up N’ Smoke is a legal weed dispensary located less than 400 feet away. 

Zoning regulations currently restrict new fast food restaurants from opening on Barracks Row.  Wingstop has filed application for a special exception with the Bureau of Zoning Adjustment (BZA). (Earlier yesterday, Washington Business Journal reported the opening to its subscribers, citing the application filed with the Board of Zoning Adjustment.)

Wingstop has over 2,500 outlets internationally and competes with Popeyes which is scheduled to open directly across the street.  The block already suffers from an over-concentration of casual food outlets including & Pizza, Ledo Pizza, Boli Pizza, Dunkin’, Chipotle, Maman Joon Kitchen, and a soon-to-open Popeyes and Taco Bell.  A Starbucks on the block closed last September and a 7-11 closed in August of 2024.  An illegal weed shop on the block was closed down by ABCA last October. 

ANC6B will also hear in January from nearby neighbors regarding efforts to negotiate best operating procedures with the forthcoming Barracks Row Taco Bell and Popeyes.  (A report in December gave Taco Bell high marks – Popeyes not so much.)  Some ANC6B commissioners are concerned about the negative impact on Barracks Row of the large number of fast food and medical weed outlets – especially the 400 block – and are promoting a business roundtable discussion of ways to broaden the economic variety of retail outlets on the street.    

BZA is required to get community input on the special exemption and will or already has referred the application to ANC6B.  The ANC’s Planning and Zoning Committee will consider the application – possibly as soon as its January 8 meeting – and provide an opportunity for public comment.  The committee could then either vote to support the application, oppose it, recommend the ANC protest the application, or forward it to the full ANC without recommendation.  The full ANC commission also has the same options of supporting, opposing, protesting, or taking no position. 

ANC’s are advisory bodies which must be consulted, but city agencies are only required to give their ANC opinions “great weight.”  Given how hungry the District is for revenue, it’s unlikely the BZA will let neighborhood unhappiness about too many fast food outlets – should such opposition develop – stand in the way of an exception. 

Rather than go to war with Wingstop by filing a protest with BZA on behalf of the community – a protest they are likely to lose – the ANC Planning and Zoning Committee is may decide to push Wingstop to sign a Settlement Agreement governing its operation regarding hours of operation, noise and odor controls, and indoor trash storage as a condition of ANC support. 

*Here’s a link to a Wingstop menu:  https://www.wingstop.com/menu

Proper Exotic (left) has applied for a medical weed license to open next to Hunny Bunny.

Proposed Weed Shop on 8^th Street NE Forces Out Retail Neighbor Say Owners

by Larry Janezich

Posted December 22, 2025

Owners of Hunny Bunny boutique Elizabeth Cronan and Jon Bormet say they are being forced to leave their location at 311 8^th St NE because DC medical cannabis policies allow a weed shop – Proper Exotic – to open next door to their business on a block that also includes preschool and family-serving businesses.

Honey Bunny is a Black woman-owned small business at 311 8^th Street NE – a boutique manufacturer and retailer specializing in all-natural bath and beauty products.  For more than 10 years the business has anchored a family-focused block that includes Petite Scholars Preschool, other child-oriented businesses and longstanding residences.  The owners say their store cannot operate alongside a business that requires armed guards, late night hours, and heavy security – features incompatible with residential child-focused corridors such as the 300 block of 8^th Street NE.

ANC6A and ANC6C have protested the opening of Proper Exotic before the Alcohol Beverage and Cannabis Administration (ABCA) but currently the board seems overly generous in handing out licenses and the City Council seems reluctant to sign off on new regulations to limit where weed shops can open.

ABCA dismissed every entity protesting Proper Exotic, including the ANC and a letter of opposition from council member Charles Allen. ANC6A has appealed the administrative dismissal of the protests and expects a decision around January 7.

There is widespread community opposition to the negative effects on communities brought by ABCA licensing weed shops in areas residents deem inappropriate.   Other recent examples on Capitol Hill include Aloha at 528 Eighth Street SE and Garden Hill at 1322 G Street SE.

Cronan and Bormet say what happened to them is not an isolated incident and warn that the proliferation of weed shops are displacing longstanding neighborhood businesses and reshaping communities without meaningful local input.

Currently, there are 13 legal weed shops operating in Ward 6 and at least four more including Proper Exotic, Aloha, and Garden Hill have applications pending.  For a complete current list, go here:  https://abca.dc.gov/service/find-medical-cannabis-retailer#gsc.tab=0

The Week Ahead…& Some Photos from the Past Week

by Larry Janezich

Posted December 21, 2025

Here are some photos reflecting progress on the build out for some Capitol Hill restaurants which hope to open by the end of December or early January.

Civic on Barracks Row at 501 8th Street, SE

Taco Bell on Barracks Row at 411 8th Street, SE

Maru San (Peruvian fishrolls) at 325 7th Street, SE

The law finally caught up with Flowerz  at 318 Massachusetts Ave NE near Union Station.  ABCA shuttered Flowerz, Grass & Co, and four other weed outlets after determining these unlicensed establishments posed a significant risk to public health.  Among cannabis products seized at Flowerz were:  Marijuana: 68.3 Pounds, Pre-rolled Marijuana Cigarettes: 11.4 Pounds, THC Beverages: 69,036 Ounces, THC Gummies: 504,000 Grams, etc. , etc.

The closing of Flowers apparently opens to door for an establishment  three doors away at 312 Massachusetts Avenue NE that is sporting an application for a legal weed outlet in its front window.  Ed. Note. (This caption orignianlly speculated about ANC6C’s concern on this outlet.) Update: According to ANC6C Chair Karen Wirt, “The business owner agreed to every condition I suggested to protect the neighborhood. He was willing to listen to concerns, suggestions, and was most cooperative. He stated he wants to be a good neighbor. “

Here’s a photo from Saturday night of this year’s Congressional holiday tree looking down the mall.

And here’s a photo against the backdrop of the U.S. Capitol’s West Front. 

The Week Ahead …

Monday, December 22

ANC6A Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Licensing Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm

For info on how to join the meeting, go here: https://anc6a.org/community-calendar/

Agenda: 

Discussion of the application for a retail Class B Beer and Wine by US Spirits, LLC at 50 Massachusetts Ave NE Suite M118.

Discussion of the renewal of a Class C tavern license with Entertainment and endorsements at The Haymaker 1015 H Street NE.

General Manager Melissa Campbell (left) and Labyrinth Owner and Founder Kathleen Donahue

Labyrinth Games & Puzzles Changes Hands

by Larry Janezich

Posted December 17, 2025

After 15 years, Labyrinth, the puzzle/game emporium onat 645 Pennsylvania Avenue on Capitol Hill will transition to new ownership.  Owner Kathleen Donahue will handoff the business to longtime General Manager Melissa Campbell at the end of January 2026.

Donahue, who founded the store in 2010 says, “I never expected Labyrinth to become what it has. I feel very honored that I was able to be a part of it, and I’m thrilled to have found someone who is ready and willing to carry on our legacy.” 

Campbell, a former middle school science teacher, came to the store in 2019, bringing a love of games and a passion for community building.  She says, “Labyrinth has always been about joy, connection, and community,” Campbell said. “I am honored to continue Kathleen’s legacy and ensure that Labyrinth remains a place where people feel welcome, supported, and excited to discover something new.” 

Donahue will spend more time traveling with her newly retired husband and caring for her aging mother, but will continue to support Labyrinth as a consultant and remain active in the local small-business community – including ongoing service on the Board of Eastern Market Main Street.

In 2020, Labyrinth launched its eCommerce site and now ships nationwide. For more, go here:  www.labyrinthdc.com or follow @labyrinthdc on social media.

The Week Ahead…& Some Photos from the Past Week

by Larry Janezich

Posted December 14

ICYMI –A rotisserie chicken and wings restaurant is coming to 250 7^th Street, SE, in space formerly occupied by Eat Brgz across from Eastern Market. 

Chef Rob Sonderman – a veteran of Federalist Pig and Honey Moon Chicken – will open a moderately priced restaurant called Little Engine.  He’s looking to open in January.  Follow updates here:  https://www.instagram.com/littleenginechicken/

Pro-union demonstrators were on the plaza outside Duck & Peach on Sunday morning.  The signs read:  “The Duck and Peach La Colline and The Wells Have No Union Contract.”   Photo credit – Bob Gellman.

ICYMI – Over at Union Station, Wolfgang Pucks Bar+Bites opened in November, up on the second floor.  Here’s a photo from last Wednesday before their 11:00 open. 

Here’s a photo of the Union Station Holiday Tree…

…and here’s one of the sunset over Eastern Market Metro Plaza Saturday evening.

The Week Ahead

Monday, December 15

ANC6A Transportation & Public Space Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm

• For info on how to join the meeting, go here: https://anc6a.org/community-calendar/    

Among items on the draft agenda:

• Constitution Avenue/13th Street NE/Tennessee Avenue NE. This area in front of Maury Elementary was a recent installation of arts in the right of way which may be damaged by DC Water work that is also delaying the Vision Zero Hardeningat this intersection. DC Water representatives Taeilorae D. Levell-Young, Dexter Humphrey, and Shahanshah Shirzay will join to discuss. DDOT representatives Kelsey Bridges will also attend.
• Brick Sidewalk Alternatives – The committee requested a DDOT representative to discuss a status update on the brick imprint sidewalk pilot.

Tuesday, December 16, 2025

POSTPONED UNTIL DECEMBER 22. ANC6A Alcohol Beverage & Cannabis Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm (date change – usually 4th Tuesday). 

• For info on how to join the meeting, go here:  https://anc6a.org/community-calendar/  

Among items on the agenda:  TBA

Wednesday, December 17

CANCELLED. ANC6A Economic Development and Zoning Committee will hold a virtual meeting at 7:00pm

• For info on how to join the meeting, go here:  https://anc6a.org/community-calendar/

Among items on the agenda:  TBA

Capitol Hill Corner Would Also Like You to Know About:

Monday, December 15

Annual Capitol Hill Menorah Lighting

6:00pm

Co-hosted by the BID and Hill Havurah.  The event celebrates Hanukkah on the front steps of Reformation (212 East Capitol Street NE).  The 9-foot Menorah was gifted to the Capitol Hill Community in 2014 by the Capitol Hill Business Improvement District in honor of past Chairman of the Board and Community Leader, Paul L. Pascal, Esq. The “Men in Blue” will serve jelly donuts and hot cocoa. 

The entrance to Aloha Dispensary will be inside the smoke shop at 528 8th Street, SE.

ANC6B Votes to Support Barracks Row Weed Shop

by Larry Janezich

Posted Sunday, December 14, 2025

Last Tuesday night, ANC6B voted 8 – 1 to support Tobacco King’s application for a medical marijuana license for Aloha Dispensary at 528 8^th Street, SE, next to Barracks Row’s Miracle Theater.  This happened over the vociferous objections of Commissioner David Sobelsohn in whose single member district the shop resides.  There is overwhelming opposition to the shop among Sobelsohn’s constituents.

Earlier in the ANC meeting, Sobelsohn made a motion to continue the existing protest against Aloha which was then pending before the Alcohol Beverage and Cannabis Administration (ABCA).  The vote on that motion failed on a 4-4-1 vote.  Voting for the motion were Commissioners Pastore (6B05), Ryder (6B08), Hughes (6B09) and Sobelsohn(6B03).  Voting against the motion, and to support Tobacco King’s cannabis application, were Commissioners Wolanin (6B01), Sroufe (6B02), Krebs (6B06), and Mareino (6B07).  Commissioner Gorman (6B04) abstained.  In the following vote to support the application, all commissioners voted for the motion except Sobelsohn.  The vote to support the application also contained a provision withdrawing the protest before ABCA.

That support was conditioned on a largely toothless set of operational procedures – contained in a Settlement Agreement – which had been agreed to by Tobacco King. 

The prevailing sentiment of the commission was that given ABCA’s prepensity to grant licenses unless there are compelling legal reasons to oppose them – even in the face of strong community opposition – the neighborhood would be better off with any restrictions Tobacco King agreed to rather than having the ABCA board rule against the ANC protest and allow Aloha to open without restriction.  This comported with the belief of the ANC’s legal counsel retained to manage the protest.  Even the argument that Tobacco King was an alleged “bad actor” having had two of its dispensaries closed for operating without a license in the last six month was not sufficient reason – in the opinion of counsel – to sway a decision against the applicant by ABCA. 

The proliferation of legal weed shops has alarmed many residents in the Capitol Hill community.  December’s issue of the Hill Rag carries a full page ad placed by “A Better Capitol Hill” protesting a recent ABCA’s ruling that community concerns are “moot” regarding a dispensary proposing to open 250 feet from a day care center.  That dispensary appears to be Proper Exotic at 313 8^th Street, NE, which ANC 6A and ANC6C have been fighting tooth and mail to oppose via a protest before ABCA.  Although the building is zoned for mixed use, it is in close proximity to residences and a day care center and close proximity to other venues providing services for children.

Location of Proper Exotic (at left) at 313 8th Street, NE

On Wednesday night at ANC6C’s monthly meeting, Commissioner Jay Adelstein told the commission that ABCA had dismissed every protestor, including the ANC against Proper Exotic and a letter “not just of protest but of opposition by CM Charles Allen.”  Adelstein said afterward that a final ruling by ABCA on Proper Exotic is pending, awaiting a decision on an ANC motion for reconsideration. 

Next month, ANC6B will convene a community roundtable of Barracks Row stakeholders to consider ways to restrict further establishment of weed outlets on the street.  It appears the city council would have to act to approve new restrictions on the establishment of weed shops. 

Tobacco King’s Aloha at 539 8^th Street, Barrack Row

Barracks Row:  Proposed Weed Shop Owner’s Other Outlets Were Closed by ABCA

by Larry Janezich

Posted December 8, 2025

There appears to be zero community support of yet another medical cannabis dispensary on Barracks Row.  None.  There are few who would say that the legal weed shops on Ward 6’s commercial corridors – especially Barracks Row, Pennsylvania Avenue SE, and Barracks Row – have had a positive impact on the community. 

Yet, ANC6B could end up supporting Tobacco King’s application for a medical marijuana retail license for Aloha at 539 8^th Street, next to Barracks Row’s Miracle Theater, despite ANC6B having filed a motion with the city to protest the license and hire an attorney to defend it. 

Here are some facts:

• DC’s Alcohol Beverage and Cannabis Administration (ABCA) has closed two medical cannabis dispensaries operated by the applicant for being unlicensed cannabis retailers.
• September 19, 2025, Tobacco King (1718 14th Street NW)
• October 15, 2025, Tobacco King & Vape (934 Rhode Island Avenue, NE)
• ABCA tends to give the benefit of the doubt to applicants and appears to hand out licenses with a pretty free hand.
• If the ANC carries a protest to ABCA and is unsuccessful, ABCA is likely to grant a license with no restrictions on the dispensary’s operation regarding community concerns.
• If the ANC can mobilize enough community opposition to the dispensary, the applicant runs the risk that the protest of the application will be successful and ABCA will deny the application.
• The applicant has a motivation to sign a Settlement Agreement to address community concerns in return for the ANC dropping the protest.

Some commissioners say that little is lost by seeing the protest through and fighting hard for the denial.  Others think that pursuing a Settlement Agreement is a safer course which could result in a safer neighborhood. 

How this will play out will become clearer Tuesday night at ANC6B’s December meeting at 7:00pm (see below). 

Regardless, the issue of cannabis regulation is a growing concern among other ANCs.  ANC6B will follow up with a letter to ABCA being generated in the 6B ABCA Committee to seek clarification of new regulations being promulgated by ABCA as well as offering suggestions in part aimed at establishing criteria regarding whether a cannabis outlet is appropriate for a neighborhood.  6B is also convening a business round table aimed at addressing the problem of too heavy a concentration of weed shops on Barracks Row.  In addition, ANC6C will discuss cannabis regulations at its December meeting on Wednesday night.

ANC6B will hold its hybrid meeting at 7:00pm Tuesday, December 9.The meeting location will be 700 Pennsylvania Avenue SE; First Floor (entry adjacent to Trader Joe’s).  For info on how to join the virtual meeting, go here:  https://anc6b.org/

ANC6C will hold its virtual meeting at 7:00pm, Wednesday, December 10.

For info on how to join the meeting, go here:  https://anc6c.org/hot-topics/