We looked into buying this spot, if it is what I think it is from the photo. It includes the space that is now El Rinconcito Deportivo and the space right next to it that is unoccupied.

At first they wanted $450,000 for it, but a week later they raised it to $550,000. This was a month or two ago, so maybe it’s even higher now.

We actually had an accepted offer on this place and the one adjacent to it. Our plans were to combine them into one place and open a wine bar, but real authentic Napa Valley wine bar, none of this ultra modern stuff. Unfortunately the owners and/or brokers were way to sketchy for us, so we were not comfortable with the deal and ended up backing away. This was our second attempt to open such an establishment. Our first attempt was on Upshur Street near El Limeno, but once again sellers of commercial property seem to be very unethical. So unfortunate, as we had good intentions as Petworth residents, but unethical sellers might keep a lof of these spaces from reaching their full potential.

We were looking to open a gourmet chocolate shop (handcrafted on the premises, not a re-seller). We’re now pursuing rental options in the area.

We too got the slime feeling from the owners/brokers.

To the wine shop folks: fine chocolate and fine wines go together well, in fact we’ve done some tastings with truffle pairings before. If you’re interested in a joint-venture on space to ease costs, please email me at michael_wcl@hotmail.com

dcdirewolf & asti:
I love wine and chocolate! Please set up shop in our neighborhood!

ps — there are two storefronts that should be ready soon on Shepherd just east of Georgia that would be perfect for your joint venture.

I’d probably open a street wear store and art gallery in there. Perhaps with mens shoes. Clothing, shoes, books, art all presented in a very gallery type way. Like Zakka in New York or Upper Playground in the Lower Haight in SF. More like Zakka in though. Perhaps with a design shop in the back like Zakka. I think with the Wonderland crowd nearby you could get some nice walk by customers if you stayed open in the evenings a little — like Universal Gear on 17th street. Mine would be a little more unique than that. Although they do a good job with merchandising. Not so club wear more street but definitely aimed at guys. If there was the possibility of having two locations, I’d add vinyl records too. You know? As long as we are just dreaming.

Ok, maybe this is a bit unethical, but the site for the shop I just mentioned: http://www.cocoabarnyc.com/

What I wouldn’t do for a spot like this in our neighborhood!!!!

Oh, and I guess I was actually down on Clinton Street, for any New Yorkers out there.

This might require a bit of a leap of faith, being on Georgia Ave., but only a few blocks from that location, and once Georgia is redone and the metro development is completed in a few years, this will be a prime spot:

http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/doc/rfs/412092822.html

Large enough for you guys to combine your resources and open a great commercial space, and close to Temperance Hall building so you wouldn’t be the first new business on the block …