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Erin Mara of Homebody

Like Texas and New York City, Barracks Row is both a real place and a state of mind. Like Texas and The City, Barracks Row is brash and fun and often surreal. And, like Texas and NYC, Barracks Row (known as BR in trendy circles) has become an economic engine itself, inside a larger area economy. We’re in the midst of a recession, of course, but if you walk Barracks Row/Eighth Street, you’ll see sidewalks crowded with activity almost every day and definitely every night of the week. True, Eighth Street got some lucky breaks: in 2003 Barracks Row Main Street put in brick sidewalks, handsome trees and historically accurate lamp posts; and 2008 marked the first season that the Washington Nationals played 81 home games from April through September in their new ballpark just around the corner down M Street.

But the real drivers of the Barracks Row winning streak are our business owners. A can-do spirit fuels these high energy entrepreneurs. They are constantly on the move to spot opportunities and to refine their offerings. They see things that we don’t … they act fast on their hunches. We dedicate this column to the real heroes who keep our corridor red hot: our business owners! Here is a sample of four of Eighth Street’s superstars.

Stitch DC
Start with knitting. Knitting? Heroic? Hard to see yarn as an economic driver, right? But did you know that Stitch DC (731 Eighth St. SE) is now the only knit store in the city? Being the only source for anything is about the best position for any business anywhere. Then listen to owner Marie Connolly explain her approach: “Most of what we do all day is free! Our shop is an entirely interactive experience. You bring your level of interest and talent, and we work with you on your terms in free workshops and classes. Maybe you are at an expert level with years of knitting design experience – we help you interpret and adapt your next dream project … or if you have never held a knitting needle, we have plenty of free classes for you to explore. All you do is buy the yarn.” Free, have it your way, interactive, only store in town, two blocks from a Metro stop: this was no happy accident. And Marie is not alone in her business acumen. (202-544-8900, www.stitchdc.com)

Matchbox
In the next block north, Matchbox (521 Eighth St. SE) owner Andrew Kim says this: “We are set up so the Matchbox customer designs his own dining experience. We have steak and fine wine for the suit and tie politicians. But as of this week, we have 70 (70!) pizzas to choose from as well as four brand-new salads developed for our neighbors and friends who keep coming back in their gym clothes several nights a week for basic dinner and a drink. We can be new each time they come.” Kim points out that this wide-net philosophy with its emphasis on listening carefully to customers allows Matchbox to grow.

The Matchbox crew now has Ted’s Bulletin (505 Eighth St. SE), an American diner, under construction at the old District Lock and Hardware store with a February 2010 opening expected. That new business concept will expand the Matchbox commitment further on Eighth Street. “This street is working great,” said Kim, “but we had to do something … Matchbox is now open seven days a week for lunch and dinner; if we didn’t open another place on Eighth to compete with Matchbox, someone else would!” (202-548-0369, www.matchboxdc.com)  

Homebody
Eye appeal is something Matchbox and Stitch DC have in common. Customers love great old buildings with tales clinging to every brick. Our historic corridor glows with ambience. At Homebody (715 Eighth St. SE), owner Erin Mara is on fire over her shop’s new street presence (one of the six façade renovation projects accomplished by Barracks Row Main Street this year). “It’s the new window,” marveled Erin, “and the awning! Now we look exactly like a historic (circa 1840) contemporary store should look!” Customers notice the change, too. The place has been packed since the improvements were completed last month.

But Homebody’s appeal is not just a smart facelift. Mara and partner Henriette Foucade have been hosting free art events every weekend for the past month. And, through mid-August, their line of well-priced modern sofas is discounted 20 percent – effectively expanding the number of big ticket items at starting prices … a classic strategy of smart survivors in tough times. (202-544-8445, homebodydc.com)

Capitol Hill Tandoor
Now meet Amir Ehsan of Capitol Hill Tandoor (419 Eighth St. SE). Thinking there might be a recession story of increased value, larger portions or lower prices swirling among the exotic Pakistani and Indian aromas, I took Amir aside for a moment on a busy Friday evening and asked about his menu. Absolutely! Four new vegetarian offerings have been added and two new chicken dishes! An expanded assortment is available at his ever popular lunch buffet ($10.95). Clearly, the entrepreneurial lesson from Amir would be to find the niche audience (vegetarians and the lunch crowd) and make them happy, happier, happiest. What could be more basic and brilliant? How about this: “Oh, we added delivery,” Amir said softly.

I was stunned. Actually, I thought I didn’t hear this right. “Amir, did you just say you deliver? From this restaurant? When did you start?” This is the stuff of Amazon.com. Take a great product, make it easier to buy … bring it directly to the customer fast.