Anne Stom has announced that she’s sold Annie’s Ace Hardware on Upshur Street to Marc Friedman and Gina Schafer. Friedman and Schafer are the owners of “A Few Cool Hardware” stores, a group of stores in the area that include Logan Ace Hardware, Frager’s Ace Hardware on Capitol Hill, and Tenleytown Ace Hardware. Annie’s opened in 2012 to much anticipation from the neighborhood.

Anne said she thanks the community for its loyal support over the past eight years.

“We have been proud to be a part of the neighborhood and are honored for the people I have come to know. While some may lament the change of ownership, please remember that although my name has been slapped on the outside of the building, it has been my team of excellent sales associates who have been the ones who have made our store great, have given you awesome service and helped you with your projects… and they are staying!”

Anne moved out of Petworth a few years ago to southwest DC, and plans on continuing to run the Brookland Annie’s Ace Hardware at 3405 8th Street NE. Anne said the ownership change for the Petworth location is a mix of personal and business reasons. “I’m a bit beat, and at 67, my energy level isn’t what it used to be. This way I can give Brookland my undivided attention.”

Anne added, “Gina and Marc are terrific people and will be good stewards of the store, bringing lots of resources to it.”

“We have no plans to change anything at all with the exception of bringing Noe Delgado as our new manager,” said Gina Schafer. “Noe has worked with us for ten years, most recently managing our Glover Park store for 7 years. His parents live in Petworth and we’re all very excited for his new role.”

New owners Marc Friedman and Gina Schafer with prior owner Anne Stom

Gina said they plan to spend some time learning more about the neighborhood. “The store is so well-stocked and run that we will spend our first several months just getting to know the community and planning for a big Spring season. We’re very proud to have the opportunity to continue what Anne started.”

The large sign on the front of the store will change as the name is changing along with the ownership. “Annie’s” will come down soon, and “Petworth” will go up in the near future, Gina said, with the new name of Petworth Ace Hardware.

Anne has done a lot for the community and Petworth News appreciates all she’s given in time, effort, charity items, fundraisers and overall support for our neighborhood schools.