by Will Fowler
Rock school coming to Cleveland Park
School of Rock is opening a location at long-vacant 3529 Connecticut Avenue, which some may remember as Palena and previously was home to a Magruder’s market, Kenny Rogers Roasters and a record store called The Wiz. The new location will specialize in School of Rock’s “Little Wing” music program for preschoolers and toddlers ages 3 to 5. They aim to “teach foundational music skills by playing games and participating in other interactive musical activities.” Little Wing students will be given one weekly group lesson where they use classic rock songs to learn about music rhythm, structure and melody through play. The location will also hold guitar lessons for all ages.
In slightly less rock ‘n roll news, Chase Bank is going to occupy another part of the building, provided Chase and landlord Federal Realty can get zoning approval.
Viet Chopsticks draws nearer to opening, begins hiring
Viet Chopsticks at 4304 Connecticut Avenue (photo by Will Fowler)
Although the long-anticipated opening day for Viet Chopsticks Van Ness remains unannounced, progress is being made. “Now Hiring” signs are up, in addition to liquor license signage and a notice: “A new Class C restaurant serving Vietnamese cuisine. Seating capacity of 98, total occupancy load of 120. Entertainment endorsement to provide live entertainment.” On Saturday, workers were seen bringing furniture into the restaurant.
Little Beast’s cafe reopens in Chevy Chase
Casual dining restaurant Little Beast experimented with a daytime cafe for a month after it opened in 2018, but now it’s here to stay. The Little Beast Coffeehouse & Bakery at 5600 Connecticut Avenue is open weekdays at 7 a.m. and serves coffee and pastries until 3 p.m. On its January 15th reopening day, the cafe served free cupcakes and coffee. Little Beast continues to serve brunch on weekends and dinner hours still start at 5 p.m.
Coffee Nature wins grant
Tenleytown/Friendship Heights cafe Coffee Nature received a 2020 Great Streets grant from the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development. Coffee Nature was one of just 48 DC businesses to receive the grant, and one of only two in Ward 3. Great Streets Small Business Retail Grants are competitive awards that support small businesses in “growing and improving their business through interior or exterior renovations, heavy equipment upgrades, and select soft costs,” said Tenleytown Main Street.
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