Missed this last month but am thrilled to read that Washington's iconic Kramerbooks & Afterwords has a new owner, who has big plans for the combination bookstore and restaurant. The Washington Post reports that 33-year-old Steve Salis, co-founder of local chain &pizza, is taking over an 800-square-foot space next door, most recently inhabited by Willie T’s Lobster Shack, and creating a children’s book annex. He also plans to build a new coffee bar, add more events space and beef up the store’s lineup of cookbooks, history and nonfiction. I first visited the joint -- drunk and in need of a late-night meal -- while interning on Capitol Hill in early 1989, then became a regular shopper while living in D.C. from 1993-1998. This place is wonderful and along with Three Lives & Co., ranks very high on my list of favorite bookstores. Here's wishing Mr. Salis much success.
4 comments:
I didn't know it had a new owner either. But I did enjoy &Pizza, so maybe it will work out. I always dread when I am in DC to find that Kramberbooks might have closed since my last visit.
Agreed, I always visit when I'm in D.C.
My husband and I went there on our first date and we go back to celebrate every year. I'm glad to see it's not only still there but expanding. &Pizza can go almost anywhere.
I worked there as a waiter back in the early '90s while working on the Hill. Came out as well amongst friends. Glad to see the joint will continue...
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