The former Capitol Hill Tandoor and Grill at 419 8th Street, SE, Barracks Row
Empire Racquet owner Bryn Bryant at left shows off the new space
And here’s the reverse shot looking toward the 8th Street
Empire Racquet Pickle Ball and Gym Is Coming to Barracks Row
By Larry Janezich
Posted December 4, 2024
What is being billed as a multipurpose family gym is opening in the space formerly occupied by Capitol Hill Tandoor and Grill at 419 8th Street, SE, Barracks Row.
Owner Bryn Bryant told CHC that he hopes to open Empire Racquet by February 1. He is currently awaiting a demolition permit to begin construction in the 110 X 35 foot space. In addition to a gym, the space will hold a tennis shop which will sell equipment and string racquets.
Bryant, who is new to the area, comes from NYC where he ran tennis clubs for 15 years.
He says he will program the space to keep it busy all day and into the night:
- 5:00am to 9:00am – Boot Camp
- 9:00am to 2:00pm – Pickle Ball and kiddie classes
- 2:00pm to 6:00pm – Indoor cricket and kiddie classes, including indoor cricket, soccer, tennis, and gym
- 6:00pm to 8:00pm – Pickle Ball
- 8:00pm to closing – Indoor Cricket
The website – empireracquet.com – is under construction. Bryant is opening a second Empire Racquet at 15th and L Street, NW.
CAPITOL HILL CORNER 
The future is finally looking a little brighter for the 400 block!
Great use for that space (I forgot how big it is inside!). Maybe this will get me to finally try pickleball.