BUSINESS

INS & OUTS

FOUNTAIN INN, BUCK MASON; MICHAEL KORS, FLUEVOG

BY ROBERT DEVANEY

IN: FOUNTAIN INN LIVENS UP BOOK HILL

The Fountain Inn opened at 1659 Wisconsin Ave. NW with some serious whiskys on March 16. “We had the pleasure of visiting @fountaininndc and, wow, is it beautiful,” wrote Rachel Shank of Georgetown Main Street. “We couldn’t be happier that ⁠this spot is joining our independent business community.”

The new tavern has staked its reputation on fine spirits — as well as on the spirits of Washington history — and tells all: “Originally established in 1783 by clockmaker John Suter, The Fountain Inn (a.k.a. Suter’s Tavern) was one of the most important taverns in American history. … Our vision for the 21st century Fountain Inn is to rekindle, restore but also rewrite its legacy, spirit and history in the form of a rare spirits tasting room that welcomes all through its doors.”

IN: BUCK MASON, CALI ON M

The straightforward men’s wear and women’s wear store, Buck Mason — founded in 2013 by Sasha Koehn and Erik Allen Ford in Los Angeles — set up shop at 3128 M St. NW. Think updated American classics and perfectly fitted T-shirts, fresh from California.

OUT: MICHAEL KORS, FLUEVOG

The shiny clothing store at 3105 M St. NW is closed up and sign-less: Michael Kors is no more, in Georgetown. A message on the door read: “It’s not goodbye … visit us at … Tysons Corner.”

In February, Fluevog flew the coop from 1265 Wisconsin Ave. NW and wrote: “For the past ten years, it’s been our pleasure to serve the good Fluevogers of DC out of our Georgetown store. We’d like to say thank you from the bottom of our hearts for a decade of good times, good company and great shoes.”

ALMOST: POKE IN A BOX, TAICHI BUBBLE TEA

Meanwhile, on the same block as Compass Coffee and Truist Bank, Taichi Bubble Tea is under construction at 1357 Wisconsin Ave. NW and will “bring the best bubble tea, healthy poke bowl, and tasty ramen.” It’s part of a chain, mostly from Upstate New York. Who knew?

OUT: FRESHBEE’S MORPHS INTO FETA CAFE & BAKERY

After about one year, Freshbee’s American Grill & Cafe departed 2805 M St. NW, which previously held a Bibibop spot — and before that, a ShopHouse by Chipotle. The burgers and breakfast eatery yields to Feta Cafe and Bakery, Georgetown, DC. We’ll see.

Coming: 2 Bakeries on Wisconsin Ave., Tatte and Maman

“We don’t recruit bikers, we recruit people who hate Cancer,” says Chris Timko, executive director of BellRinger, a bike ride that aims to raise funds for cancer research at the Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center. Inspired by the bell that patients ring on their last treatment, the mission of BellRinger is to work together as a community to support cancer breakthroughs at Georgetown Lombardi. BellRinger is in its inaugural year, and plans to have over 1000 riders participate in the weekend-long event, October 21 and 22. Timko has teamed up with Jonathan Thomas, director of development, and Dr. Louis Weiner, director of Georgetown Lombardi to bring BellRinger to the area in hopes that it will become a part of the community, and repertoire of not-to-miss D.C. events.

Georgetown’s Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center – the only comprehensive cancer center in D.C. since 1974 -- is a highly distinguished institution with world-class physicians, groundbreaking research and technology, and exceptional quality of care. By participating in BellRinger, you can help save lives and contribute to the impactful work that’s happening right here, in the Georgetown community.

BellRinger offers three biking distances: 25, 50, and 100 miles. Each distance comes with a minimum fundraising commitment the rider is responsible for as part of a combined effort to work towards eradicating cancer, and empowering the contribution of each individual. One hundred percent of the fundraising done by each rider goes towards cancer research. This will allow Georgetown Lombardi to participate in more clinical trials, conduct more research studies, and encourage the development and testing of new breakthrough treatments that will effectively move us forward in the fight to end cancer all together.

Riders will be celebrated for their fundraising efforts with BellRinger Weekend, starting with the opening ceremony on Friday evening, October 21. There will be an abundance of refreshments, live music, and exciting pre-ride energy to kick off the event. The ride begins early on Saturday morning, October 22. Volunteers will line the route to cater to the needs of riders with mechanical support, navigation, hydration replenishment, and of course, lots of encouragement.

BellRinger is focused on inclusivity, and is centered around the idea that anyone can participate, even virtually. “The virtual option allows you to choose your own adventure,” says Thomas who’s also working to recruit riders and participants from Georgetown University. Virtual participants commit to a $500 minimum fundraising amount, and can do their own bike ride, hike, run, walk, or activity of their choice. Volunteer registration is also currently open with a variety of interactive opportunities to choose from for those interested in lending a hand.

“We have a great opportunity here in D.C. to have a transformative event, and end cancer as we know it,” Dr. Weiner told The Georgetowner. The combination of the active city, supportive medical and academic community, and passion behind the mission will contribute to the success of the ride.

Participate in BellRinger to work towards ringing the bell for the last time. Visit bellringer.org to sign up as an individual or team, and to learn more about this organization that is sure to make its mark on D.C. and have an impact for years to come.

Tatte Bakery is coming to the former Frye Co. store at 1066 Wisconsin Ave. NW, which was once a firehouse.

Maman is a New York City French bakery coming to 1353 Wisconsin Ave. NW. Next to the Compass Coffee with the Georgetown sign, it will occupy two storefronts and push out Shop Made in DC and Duly Noted. Those two businesses are seeking new locations in Georgetown.

NEW OWNERS FOR THE AVERY ON P ST.

The Avery Georgetown, a boutique hotel at 2616 P St. NW that opened in June 2016, was sold by founder Justin Schneck last year. The 15-room hotel’s new owners are TBC Hotels, the Bernstein Companies, in partnership with District Lodging Capital. The Bernstein corporate office is at 3299 K St. NW on the Georgetown waterfront.

Ringing the Bell on Cancer: Bellringer Bike Ride Comes to D.C.

BY MADDIE RENNYSON