Avalon no longer: Avalon the Albemarle (4501 Connecticut Avenue) is now just The Albemarle after WC Smith completed its purchase of the property in March. The seller was AvalonBay, which still operates AVA Van Ness at 2950 Van Ness Street NW, and was initially approached about selling The Albemarle by an affordable housing nonprofit.
WC Smith is not a newcomer to the neighborhood. It also owns and manages Clarence House (4530 Connecticut) and The Frontenac (4550 Connecticut).
Welcome Leez Deli: Another rebrand just happened across the street from The Albemarle at the former Shemalis (4483 Connecticut). In a June 18 email to customers:
We just had to share!
For years, we’ve loved serving you as Shemalis. Today, we are incredibly excited to turn the page to our next chapter. We are officially rebranding our name to Leez Deli! Rest assured that ownership and staff and the food are the same! No changes there.
A few days later, Leez Deli also started selling beer and wine for the first time. The carryout cafe and grocer has also added new items to its catering menu, including a bowl station.
A new weekend breakfast spot: Dog Haus (4340 Connecticut) is now open at 8 a.m. Friday through Sunday, serving an array of breakfast burritos along with free coffee. The coffee is free between 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. The burritos can be ordered all day.
The Beyond breakfast burrito at Dog Haus Van Ness. (photo courtesy of Dog Haus)
Dog Haus is also launching breakfast catering, with wrapped burritos, tater tots and coffee.
Infinity Martial Arts closes Van Ness location: The taekwondo academy has vacated its space next door to Dog Haus after less than two years at that location. Infinity still operates its first studio in Chevy Chase and now has a location in Great Falls, Virginia.
Infinity’s now-former location in late May 2026.
Malabar’s media mentions: Ashok Bajaj’s restaurant (4465 Connecticut) has been featured in Modern Luxury and on WTOP.
Local business in photos
A little wayfinding assistance at Italian Bar:
World Cup fever at Politics and Prose:
Social media mentions
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