More Fast Casual Food Coming on PA Ave SE
by Larry Janezich
Posted April 6, 2024
Signage at 209 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE, signals the advent of Jersey Mike’s Subs – a fast casual dine-in/carryout which claims a distinction from other sub shops on the basis of a customizable product. The buildout appears to be looking forward to a late spring early/summer opening. The space was formerly occupied by Bibija Korean Restaurant.
The building is owned by the Conservative Partnership Institute (CPI), part of the bloc of commercial and residential sites the conservative political organization purchased in 2023 for its headquarters. The CPI is chaired by former Senator Jim Demint who founded the organization after he was bumped from the leadership role at the Heritage Foundation. Former Trump WH Chief of Staff Mark Meadows is listed as the organization’s Senior Partner. It appears that the organization is monetizing some of the first floor retail among its properties. The former Capitol Lounge is another property which CPI reps have suggested might be reopened as a restaurant.
Jersey Mike’s Subs in an international sandwich chain with some 3,500 locations. Here’s a link to the menu: https://bit.ly/4smbFcC
Jersey Mike’s will be the sixth fast food or fast casual food restaurant opening on Capitol Hill since the first of the year: Popeyes, Taco Bell, Wingstop, Little Engine and Bumblebirds. In addition, Nash & Smashed has also announced plans to open on Barracks Row.
CAPITOL HILL CORNER 
To be clear, Wingstop has not yet opened on Capitol Hill. They have plans to open at 406 8th St., SE. But the ANC is still negotiating with Wingstop to minimize the effects of having yet another fast-food outlet on Barracks Row.
David Sobelsohn, ANC Commissioner