Kramerbooks & Afterwords Café, Washington, D.C., which has been a fixture in Dupont Circle for more than 40 years, is looking to relocate. The Washington Business Journal reported that owner Steve Salis, the co-founder of &pizza who purchased the bookstore in 2017, "has been considering a move for some time," and has become even more convinced that the time is right to leave the neighborhood that has been Kramerbooks' home since 1976.
"There are a slew of landlords out there who would love to have us," he said. While he does not want to reveal possible new locations, Salis expressed serious doubts about the future of retail in the Dupont Circle area and will be considering all options around D.C.
The lease at Kramerbooks' current location runs through 2026, but Salis is confident he will find a way to move before then as a years-long legal battle with one of his three landlords (the store and cafe extend into three buildings) turns in his favor. The Washington Business Journal wrote that he believes an April ruling by Superior Court Judge Yvonne Williams "amounts to an unequivocal legal victory, though the case is ongoing." He said he will "spare no expense" to continue to press it forward, but has given up on the prospect of staying at the Dupont Circle location.
"Kramerbooks will come out of this beautifully," Salis noted, adding that the business has been able to adapt well to the new delivery model necessitated by the novel coronavirus crisis. He also recently invited pitmaster Rob Sonderman from his Federalist Pig barbecue restaurant to start a "pop-up kitchen" at Kramerbooks, and could soon expand that concept to his other businesses around the District.
"I couldn't be more optimistic and bullish about what the end of this is going to look like," Salis said. "Our business will be better and bigger than ever."
Yesterday, Kramerbooks updated customers on the recent developments: "Hey everyone! Just wanted to address today's news, but first--your questions, concerns, and fond memories of Kramerbooks (especially about first dates) mean so much to us, thank you! DON'T WORRY, WE ARE NOT CLOSING. We are considering a move. We are more committed now than ever to preserve & protect Kramers for another 50 years. Unfortunately, our landlord will not allow us to do so in Dupont Circle. We hope that the situation changes. We will continue to serve the community and keep you well read & well fed, no matter what changes come our way."