Closed and closing: Banana Leaf, Terasol and Johnson’s Garden Center

The Banana Leaf restaurant a few months before its 2014 opening.

Only a week ago we were reminiscing about some of the shops and restaurants that used to be here; some long gone (like Hot Shoppes), others more recently departed (such as Marvelous Market).

We have since learned that Banana Leaf, the Sri Lankan restaurant that moved into the former Clover Market space at 5014 Connecticut Avenue, has closed. It had been there a little more than three years.

A couple of doors down, at 5010 Connecticut, Terasol Bistro closed its doors for good on January 1st. Its owners, Sabrina Ousmaal and Alan Moin, invited patrons for a final New Year’s Eve dinner:

Seven years ago, we were sending you our first invitation to join us in welcoming the New Year. And you all came in force, not only that year but each afterwards. Many of you since join us regularly and we cannot tell you how much we appreciate your company and support.

That’s why it is with a heavy heart and mixed emotions that we announce we’re closing Terasol on January 1st, 2018 to begin new endeavours….

And after 84 years at Wisconsin Avenue and Van Ness Street, Johnson’s Florist and Garden Centers is closing its DC location by January 14th. Here’s its letter explaining the change (you may have to click the image to enlarge).