Original article by The Zebra, Mary Wadland, May 11, 2018.
New Restaurant Harkens Back to Historic Alexandria Retail Chain
ALEXANDRIA, VA [MAY 11, 2018] – The People’s Drug opens today in Alexandria (103 N. Alfred St.) with a menu of craft cocktails and casual bites. This new neighborhood gathering place is the brainchild of Alexandria natives and T.C. Williams graduates: Teddy Kim of Avanti Holdings, Seth McClelland, and Ian McGrath all of whom have extensive real estate and restaurant experience.
The restaurant is named and modeled after Peoples Drug Stores, originally a chain of drugstores founded in Alexandria, Va in 1905 which grew to multiple locations all over the DMV. Throughout much of the twentieth century, Peoples Drug Stores were an integral part of daily American life, especially in the district. In the 1920s, the stores added soda machines and lunch counters, making them community meeting spots as much as health and convenience stores. (For more information on the history of Peoples Drug Stores, and some illuminating photos, check out this Streets of Washington write up).
Divided into shareable snacks, bowls, sandwiches and sides, The People’s Drug menu offers classic cocktails and approachable, seasonal dishes that appeal to everyone. There are vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options.
Native Alexandrian, Chef Melvin Urrutia is excited to work and cook in his hometown having recently worked as Chef de Cuisine at Ashok Bajaj’s Oval Room and prior to that, Nick Stefanelli at Bibiana.
Behind the bar and the cocktail menu is Jon Schott, a longtime DC bartender, best known for guiding Robert Weidmaier’s Mussel Bar from a beer-centric beverage program to a more well-rounded one with classic and seasonal cocktail menus. At The People’s Drug, Schott will be focused on producing fresh juice, house syrups, and quality craft cocktails.
Reminiscent of its namesake, The People’s Drug is decorated with antique bulbs and bright signage. Steps from King St., in the space formerly occupied by Bittersweet Catering, the new restaurant is finished with antique subway tiles, mirrored surfaces, and an aged tin ceiling with the original windows updated but left intact. A long, white marble bar takes up one entire wall, drink rails provide additional standing room while tables along the windows, inside and on the outdoor patio, provide more seating options.
The People’s Drug will be open Daily, 11 am to midnight.
For more information visit www.thepeoplesdrug.com and follow the team on social media @ThePeoplesDrug.
About Avanti Holdings Group
Founded by Teddy Kim, Avanti Holdings Group strives to enhance communities through strategic and thoughtful development, with a guiding principle of improving the urban fabric that connects us all. In addition to The People’s Drug, Avanti is responsible for the multi-unit retail and restaurant space Madison Collective.
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