Branch Water Tavern was the old Cue and Cushion. Pearl and Salt occupy what was formerly office/retail space. Block 7 is in the Western Appliance building and the Southwest Muffler Shop is being renovated into Phil's Barbecue. These are just a few examples. Like Phoenix rising, Washington has been born anew out of its own ash.
But, amongst the many renovations and refurbishments along the Washington Corridor, there are several projects that are completely new construction. One of them is 3939 Washington which is a mixed-use building that looms over the South side of Washington.
I find it fitting somehow that the first restaurant tenants announced in this freshly-built behemoth will both be chain stores. Not unique to our neck of the woods.
The new additions to the Washington culinary landscape will be Buffalo Wild Wings and Berripop.
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Buffalo Wild Wings is a ubiquitous national-chain restaurant and sports bar characterized by mediocre wings and service. You know the place. Not my favorite, but the one in Rice Village seems to do pretty brisk business, so I imagine this will be a hit, too.
Berripop, is a highly-regarded, Houston-based frozen yogurt chain with stores in upscale neighborhoods around town. Which is a good sign.
But the company boasts on it's website that it is "in the process of aggressively expanding" and is actively recruiting franchisees. Of the five currently-operating locations, three are "recently opened."
My experience in restaurants tells me that rapid expansion can be a very risky strategy. Juggling is hard enough, but when you add too many balls - or too many jugglers - too quickly, it becomes nearly impossible. But, there are exceptions to every rule.
Honestly, I've not yet had a Berripop. The place may just be a hit in the neighborhood.
