Just a couple of months ago, the only reason you’d go to Washington Avenue was for tile, lumber, or to possibly get run over by a forklift. Last month, NextFab Studios and Cafe L’aube opened in a combined space on the 2000 block, bringing new uses and new energy to an area that’s been “contractor central” for many years. And soon, Adam Ritter of Sidecar and Kraftwork will be doing the same to the 2200 block.

In the past

Current view

According to Foobooz, Ritter will be taking over the storefront previously occupied by Pier-22 Seafood, one space off the corner and immediately next door to Shop & Save Beverage Wholesale. The concept will be called Kermit’s Bake Shop, and will offer a “one stop shop for a birthday party.” Offerings will come from two counters: on the bakery side, sweets like cookies and sticky buns will be accompanied by staples like bread, and on the pizza side, traditional American pizza will be available along with soups and salads.

Obviously, this is a huge win for Washington Avenue as well as the residents to the north in Graduate Hospital and to the south in Point Breeze. Both neighborhoods lack an amenity like this, and for it to be located right in the middle makes it accessible for neighbors in both. We can’t wait to taste their delicious products, and only hope that their use in this space is by right- wouldn’t want any “concerned” neighbors to block their path to opening, ya know?