H Street Organic Market is now open at 806 H St NE.
Even in the middle of a Monday afternoon, a steady trickle of customers was curiously pushing open the door of the former dollar store, ready to open their wallets. "I've been waiting for you to open," many said.
Owner George Ayele has stocked his shelves with produce, canned and dry goods, and health products. He's in talks with local producers of veggies, fruit, and meat--many who supply the farmers' market on weekends--to supply his shelves with more local fare. Also upcoming: locally made gelato. Coffee service will begin next week, with beans from a well-known local roaster.
Ayele says he remembers working a few blocks east on H Street, years ago, and listening to gunfire while he waited for a ride after his late shift ended. Now, "I am seeing it transform before my eyes."
As I
previously mentioned, the H street corridor has gone from zero to two grocery stores in the span of a year, with a Whole Foods to come. Ayele isn't worried. "When I go to Whole Foods, it takes two hours," he says.