There is a developing trend of new African American-owned businesses that are quickly adjusting to the new wave of residents who are coming to the District.
Instead of providing the traditional types of goods and services accustomed in Black neighborhoods, since integration, these new businesses offer more high-end products in settings characteristic of White neighborhoods.
Entrepreneurs Barry Lester, a curator/ art historian and John Woods, a well-known caterer, merged their talents to provide the perfect “spot” to promote their successful business savvy ideas and address the needs of a growing community.
The duo opened a cozy alcohol-free restaurant called the B-Spot, a multi-purpose art gallery, juice bar and tea room located in the cultural corridor of Eastern Market on Pennsylvania Avenue in southeast Washington.
“We knew that the Capitol Hill area was expanding and had great opportunities for people in the surrounding neighborhoods who want what we offered,” said Lester, owner of the popular, Attitude Extract, a custom framing service that operated for 22 years on Capitol Hill before closing to merge into the B-Spot concept.
Lester’s clients include the Smithsonian Institution, Freddie Mac, Washington Sports and Entertainment, Howard University and other high-profiled individuals and organizations. “I realized that I didn’t need that much space for my business and wanted to venture into something else,” said Lester.
Woods, well-known for his catering of the Olympics, movie sets, and other high-powered events, provided the foods on special occasions for Attitude Extract. Woods wanted others to experience wholesome and organic meals at reasonable prices in their own neighborhood. It uses teas from the World Tea Competition Selections.
“A non-alcoholic environment was a conscious decision on our part because many people, especially those with young children, want to be able to socialize without alcohol,” said Woods.
The facility capitalizes on the community’s deep-rooted artistic milieu to provide exposure to varied expressions of the arts in a luxurious setting and intimate atmosphere.
The B-Spot utilizes a three-prong service approach that integrates a gallery of select work for sale by emerging and established artists; juice bar and tea room; and an open stage offering live entertainment.
“The paintings are absolutely breathtaking. I’ve never been in a place, especially a restaurant, that showcased an extensive collection of Black art in this manner,” said Andre Thomas, a resident of southeast Washington.
Gerald Bolling, 45, came from Philadelphia to meet a potential business partner at B-Spot. “This environment is so refreshing. Here we are being entertained with a live band and poets while we dine on wholesome treats,” said the drug counselor.
“This place should be registered with Alcohol and Narcotics Anonymous to provide a social venue for recovering alcoholics and drug users.”
The crab cakes were succulent, garnished with an array of seasonal fruits. The smoothies were filled with organic fruit and delightful juices. The musical sounds of local artists Copper Rose and Bone and a poetess entertained the audience with positive vibes. Zakkiyah Haddad, a native Washingtonian agreed with Bolling that the atmosphere was lively, intimate and wholesome. “I never go to places that sell alcohol. Now I have somewhere to bring family and friends to enjoy ourselves.”
B-Spot owners said the facility rents out for weddings, movie screenings, parties and other events at reasonable costs.
