Business in Brief: New restaurants in January; Holiday lights recycling at MOM’s; 10 years of Van Ness Main Street

The soon-to-be Malabar, with the last vestiges of Rosedale still visible to the right. (December 28th photo)

Mid-January openings eyed for Malabar and Dog Haus: Rosedale (4465 Connecticut Avenue) served its last meals to customers on December 13th, and is now undergoing what owner Ashok Bajaj expects will be a month-long menu and interior transformation. The new restaurant is named Malabar, after India’s southwestern coast, and seafood will be a prominent feature of its menu. The concept, Bajaj tells Eater DC, “has been in my mind for a few years.”

Dog Haus Biergarten signs went up over two days in December.

The Van Ness Dog Haus (4340 Connecticut) might be opening around the same time. Or at least that’s the goal, its general manager tells Forest Hills Connection, as long as final inspections and permits are completed on schedule.

Recycle your old string lights at MOM’s Organic Market: The sign inside (4250 Connecticut) invites customers to leave their “Run-down, well-used or not-working holiday lights” through January 31st.

The store also accepts cell phones, eyeglasses, tablets and corks for recycling year-round.

What DC’s Main Street programs do: In the words of Van Ness Main Street’s executive director: “We offer grant funding, technical support, advocacy, streetscape enhancement, and signage support for small businesses, making it easier for business owners to navigate and thrive in Washington, DC. With our community and events programming, we draw community members, residents from other neighborhoods and wards, and out-of-town visitors, all of which boost foot traffic for our small businesses.”

“VNMS proudly supports over 100 small businesses along the Connecticut Avenue corridor,” writes Gloria Garcia in her end-of-year message. And the organization has been at this for ten years. Van Ness Main Street is marking the milestone with its 10th anniversary fundraising campaign, which has raised $30,000 toward its $50,000 goal – “we are so close, and appreciate your help in getting us the rest of the way there.

Forest Hills Connecticut is an editorially independent program of Van Ness Main Street.

In case you missed it: Here’s a look back at neighborhood business news in 2025.

• Tikka (4221B Connecticut) was the first restaurant opening of the year.
• Calvert Woodley passed the torch to new owners.
• MOM’s Organic Market (4250 Connecticut) and The Whale Tea (4340 Connecticut) opened in April.
• Avis Budget closed its location behind the Days Inn, then reopened at 4215 Connecticut Avenue.
• A developer revealed plans to build apartments at the former Burger King and Days Inn parking structure.
• A couple got engaged at Bread Furst.
• Save this for warmer weather: a guide to outdoor dining in the neighborhood.