Wharf Announces NewPhase 2 Retailers

A number of new eateries are heading to the SW waterfront, the Wharf announced this week, including “upscale Chinese,” burgers, lobsters, tacos, and ice cream & chocolate. Also coming to the Wharf is Georgetown Optical, a new “Dock Shop,” barber Scissors & Scotch, and an extension of the early education Goddard School. While not part of the formal announcement, Washington Business Journal has reported that Starbucks is coming to the Wharf, and will be located at 975 7th Street, SW.

The Wharf’s lineup of new properties for Phase 2 replaces some that did not succeed in Phase 1 (Anchor, Blink Optical, Harper Macaw Chocolate, Red Hook Lobster, and Blue Bottle Coffee); creates interesting competition among some existing retailers (Praline Bakery, SW Soda Pop, Surfside, and Bella Moda Salon); and is somewhat of a departure from the Wharf’s initial efforts to resist bringing in national chains.

Wharf officials also indicated that there would soon be more parking options. In an interview with NBC News4, Monty Hoffman, co-developer of The Wharf, acknowledged that the scarcity of parking continues to be a problem for residents and visitors, and says that a thousand new parking spaces will be added. Asked how the Wharf can better accommodate visitors to the Wharf, Hoffman said, “It’s a combination of adding another thousand spaces, plus facilitating the water taxis coming in and out, our bikes, Uber, drop-offs — working all the logistics to bring in and out people safely.”

The new restaurants announced as part of Phase 2 include an expansion of Philippe by Philippe Chow, an upscale Chinese restaurant from New York City that will be located on the ground floor of the Amaris, a swanky condo building.

Lucky Buns, a local DC burger joint with locations in Adams Morgan and Union Market features “sloppy” burgers and fried chicken sandwiches “inspired by the tasty burger creations of SE Asia, Australia, the UK, and beyond.”  According to Lucky Buns’ website, all produce is locally sourced when in season and its breads are baked fresh by DC based Lyon Bakery. 

Annapolis based, Mason’s Famous Lobster Rolls, features both the classic lobster roll served chilled and made with mayonnaise and lemon butter, as well as the Connecticut Roll served warm and tossed in butter.

Bartaco, is a small national chain that provides what they call, “upscale street food with a coastal vibe in a relaxed environment.” Bartaco will offer tacos, rice bowls, freshly-squeezed juices, specialty cocktails and beer out of a bottle.

Kilwins Chocolates & Ice Cream produces its confections in store and includes tasty items such as creamy Mackinac Island Fudge, “The Perfect” Caramel Apple, hand-crafted Corns & Brittles, Chocolate-dipped Pretzels and Krispie treats. Kilwins original recipe ice cream includes flavors such as cake batter, cookies n cream, mint chocolate chip, and toasted coconut.

Scissors and Scotch is a salon for men that offers haircuts and yes, scotch and other beverages. According to the company website, “Scissors & Scotch is the grooming experience every man deserves – where traditional barbering and modern spa services meet your favorite watering hole. Sit back, relax, get groomed – then enjoy a cocktail, coffee, or cold one in our private lounge.”

The Goddard School is an early childhood education provider with more than 500 franchised Schools in 37 states and hundreds of markets, including Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Houston, New York City, Philadelphia, Portland, and St. Louis markets.

Georgetown Optician is a local opticians offering up everything from eye exams, fancy eyewear, and contacts.  

The Wharf’s Dock Shop will be located on the fuel dock and will provide boaters with “marina essentials, snacks, drinks, and official Wharf merchandise.”

Hoffman told NBC News 4 that the Municipal Fish Market will be refurbished, Jessie Taylor Seafood will take over more of the market space, and new seafood related vendors will likely be added.

“We want to refortify those piers for the next several generations to come,” he said. “It will be Jessie Taylor expanding, and we’re actually talking to a couple of others, but it will all be seafood,” said Hoffman. 

Phase 2 of the Wharf is expected to be completed this year in time for a planned October 12 grand opening celebration, which would be exactly five years since the grand opening of Phase 1.