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Eclectic Collective

By | Alexandria, Bar, Commercial Real Estate, Press, Restaurant, VA | No Comments
Madison Collective to bring tacos, tattoos to Parker Grey.

 

 

 

 

Chop Shop Taco will offer tacos, tortas and more once it opens in the Madison Collective this summer.

Original article by  Gazette Packet, Hope Nelson, July 7-13, 2018.

Block by block, the Parker Grey neighborhood continues to receive new residents. The latest result of recent growth within the thriving community: The Madison Collective, a development playing host to several businesses within one block. The development, created by Avanti Holdings, is slated to open this summer at 1008 Madison St., adjacent to the corner of North Henry Street. And its offerings will be as diverse as the neighborhood it calls home: A taco shop, a juice bar, a fitness gym and a tattoo parlor will all be opening within the coming months. “What we’ve been trying to do for a long time is to keep Alexandria current, to keep it in line with other options in the DC area,” said Madison Collective principal owner Teddy Kim. “… Alexandria is quickly becoming more known as something that’s a little different than the other pockets (such as Georgetown or the D.C. Wharf).” Kim, a resident of Parker Grey, is not new to the area’s business scene: He and his business partners are the founders of nearby Mason Social. And between Mason Social, Lost Dog Café, the Solidcore gym and Sugar Shack, the new Madison Collective won’t be alone in its quest to draw neighbors in — but its offerings are different from what’s currently available, as well. Chop Shop Taco, its name an homage to the automotive chop shop that sat on the development’s land for so long, will offer tacos, tortas and other Latin-American-inspired food for lunch and dinner. Zweet Sport will help diners work off their meals with a cycling studio and fitness space. Grateful Kitchen will offer an array of juice and coffee via a walk-up window, and James Marlowe of Marlowe Ink is bringing his tattoo artistry to Parker Grey in a new studio. “It’s an interesting mix,” said Judy Noritake, president of the nearby Braddock Metro Citizens’ Coalition. “I think that Avanti and Teddy Kim … has a real understanding of who lives in the neighborhood and where the neighborhood should be going from a retail standpoint.” Madison Collective’s storefronts will open this summer, some perhaps ahead of others. And Kim says he’s looking forward to the impact the development will make within the neighborhood and the city. “I’m most excited about (Madison Collective’s) diversity,” Kim said. “I think that’s representative of the diversity of Alexandria.”

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Read more at: http://connectionarchives.com/PDF/2018/060618/Alexandria.pdf

 

THE PEOPLE’S DRUG OPENS IN ALEXANDRIA TODAY

By | Alexandria, Bar, News, Press, Restaurant, VA | No Comments
The People’s Drug has good old fashioned comfort food. (Courtesy photo)

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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Read full article at: http://thezebra.org/2018/05/11/the-peoples-drug-opens-in-alexandria-today/