Deal for NFL at RFK One Step Closer
On Aug. 1, the DC Council took a first vote to pass the deal to build an NFL stadium at RFK. The Commanders made concessions around the environment, agreeing to build to LEED Platinum standards. They will re-examine the location of two parking garages and wait to see if a third is needed when the stadium is complete. They also have agreed to enter into labor agreements around a hotel planned for the site. But the Council indicated changes are still imminent, particularly on deadlines for development around the stadium and potential penalties if those are not met. Many residents, including activist group No Billionaires Playground, say the process has been too rushed and comes at too huge a cost to the city. A second vote is scheduled for Sept. 17, when Council reconvenes.
“Sandwichman” Becomes Defiant Icon
A man was arrested Sunday, Aug. 10 and charged with a felony after he threw a wrapped Subway sandwich at federal officers standing on the corner of 14th and U Streets NW. The man, identified in multiple reports as Sean Charles Dunn, has been charged with “assaulting, resisting or impeding certain officers and employees of the United States.” Dunn was a Department of Justice employee who was fired after the incident. He has since been immortalized in street art, with images of a person flinging a sandwich appearing on walls throughout the city. Graphics showing three stars above double lines of hoagie have tied his act to the DC flag. Protesters have brought subway sandwiches to actions, waving them above their heads, turning the submarine sandwich into a tool of resistance.
Construction Begins Connecting Garfield, Canal Parks
Work began in August on the Garfield Park-Canal Park Connector, a project that will improve the pathway underneath I-695 and create additional space for DPR to use along with Garfield Park. The space is closed to pedestrian access while work continues. The primary project area includes a trapezoid shaped area underneath I-695, including the existing one-block truncated section of Virginia Avenue SE north of H Street SE and south of Garfield Park. The secondary area includes the intersection of 1st and F street SE. Phase 1 is expected to conclude at the end of January 2026. Upgrades will include improvements to the existing skate park. Nonprofit Washington DC Pickleball (WDCP) is fundraising to construct five new pickleball courts south of the park. Depending on the weather, the project could be completed by late 2025 or as late as March 2026. https://garfieldpark-connector-dcgis.hub.arcgis.com/ 
White Sworn In As Ward 8 Councilmember
On Aug. 8, the DC Board of Elections officially certified Councilmember Trayon White, Sr. (D) as the winner of the Ward 8 special election held July 15. White was sworn in the same day. He was elected to his third term in November, 2024, but was expelled by Council in February 2025 after a report found he had violated Council’s code of ethics. In August 2024 the FBI charged White with bribery of a public official. Council is on recess until September. It is unclear if councilmembers are prepared to expel White a second time. White is expected to face charges in federal court beginning Jan. 12, 2026; his term ends Jan. 2, 2029. Council law states that no individual can hold office if they were convicted on felony charges for a crime committed while holding public office.
Fridge Art Gallery Fundraising to Re-Open
The Fridge Art Gallery launched a go-fund me to reopen the space. The gallery, located in the alley behind Belga, opened in 2009 and launched the career of more than a thousand artists, prioritizing the support of Black, Brown, Asian and Native voices, LGBTQ and nonbinary creators, street art, hip hop, poetry “and raw self-expression.” On the gofundme page, owners cite rising property taxes and a legal battle as causes of the closure. “We won in court but still had to close,” they write, but want to reclaim the old space by New Years 2026. The goal is to raise $50,000 by Oct. 1. Funds will pay the taxes, for renovations, repairs, permits and insurance as well as artist stipends. “We’re not starting over,” write Shaymar Higgs for owner Alex Goldstein, “we’re picking up where we left off, in the same location, with the same mission, and an even bigger vision for what DC can be.” gofundme.com/f/thefridgedc
Restaurant Openings and Closings Barracks Row and Pennsylvania Avenue
ZomTum Thai and Laos restaurant opened in August at 660 Pennsylvania Ave SE, the former site of Joselito’s retaurant. zomtumdc.com
Restauranteur Steve Salis, who owns Ted’s Bulletin, will open a Barracks Row Federalist Pig restaurant on Eighth Street in the former Barracks Row Joey’s restaurant site (527 Eighth St. SE). According to the Washington Business Journal, the restaurant will be “more of an upscale cultivar-forward roadhouse” offering fish, steaks, chops and vegetables. The goal is to open by Labor Day of 2026.
A Mediterranean bakery called House of Flatbreads is coming to 1116 Eighth St. SE, near the Capital Turnaround. The restaurant, which serves Mediterranean pitas, flatbread and salad also has a location in Arlington, VA, hofflatbreads.com
A sushi counter is expected to open at 325 Seventh St. SE, the former site of My Cake Theory.
H Street NE
Filipino-Italian restaurant Filitali opened Aug. 23 at 1250 H St NE in the former Kayu space (above Double Up). Chef Wilson Ramos and team are serving twists on Filipino and Italian dishes, including handmade pastas, lechon, and pistachio-dusted cannoli.
Nanglo Indian and Nepalese restaurant opened in the former Kitchen Cray spot (1301 H St. NE) on August 25. The restaurant offers modern cuisine, including rich curries and sizzling tandoori to crisp moms and street-style bits. nanglodc.com
Sip City Spirits and Wine opened at 1368 H St. NE; B & B Convenience is open at 1447 Maryland Ave. NE, next to Daru.
Ethio Vegan is set to open in the old Kitsuen space at 1362 H St. NE. The plant-based restaurant specializes in Ethiopean Cusine. www.ethiovegan.com
In July, all you can eat Sushi Restaurant Sushi Sato opened at 1245 H St. NE. Helmed by Executive Chef Mai Newman, the new establishment offers standard and premium All-You-Can-Eat (AYCE) sushi options for $55 and $75 person respectively. The latter offers an expanded choice of rolls, nigiri and sashimi. Add an all you can drink beer option for an additional $19.
Taku Sushi and Bar applied for a license for 517 H St. NE. It is unlikely to open prior to 2026.
Temp Food Shack is slated to open at 802 13th Street, at the corner of H Street NE. Starting as a kiosk in Ashburn, VA, the restaurant will serve Nepalese Street Food such as MoMo (dumplings) and Chatpate.
