Commerce Department

A new feature cataloguing the comings and goings of businesses in D.C.’s hoods.

Business: Safeway
Address: 5th and L Streets NW
Neighborhood: Mount Vernon Square
Opening Day: Friday, Sept. 12
Reason for opening: For millions of commuters who take New York Avenue into the city, Mount Vernon Square represents “almost there.” It’s the edge of downtown, a few blocks from the office—a land of parking lots and wandering convention attendees donning bright T-shirts and pins. But in recent years, a few large condo buildings have opened, and “there are a number of other housing developments going up right now, within two or three blocks,” says Craig Muckle, Safeway’s regional public affairs manager. “Plus, there are a lot of businesses downtown that have needs that we can fill,” he says, citing the store’s pharmacy and deli offerings.
Gentrification Ovation: Regular old peanut butter got you down? Craving something a with a little less pyridoxine hydrochloride, a little more nut? Well, head to Safeway’s Nut Bar—one of only four on the entire East Coast, according to Safeway regional Director of Lifestyle Janice Studds. Besides the panoply of almonds, pistachios, and cashews in the counter out front, there’s a surprise in the back: seven machines that will churn out nut butters for you on the spot, including a macadamia spread for a mere $10.99 per pound. (Proof below.)