Riyad Market, the inconvenience store at 800 Upshur St busted for selling synthetic drugs, is supposed to close by November 13th, according to the Office of the Attorney General. To replace it? A new Latin-inspired wine bar and restaurant.

Prior coverage on the Riyad:
- What's next for the Riyad Market? (July 24, 2015)
- A decision on the Riyad Market (August 25, 2015)

Called Ruta del Vino, the future restaurant, according to a Washington City Paper article, will offer "dishes from multiple countries, including Brazil, Chile, Argentina, and Uruguay. It’ll also serve about 20 regional wines in addition to liquors like tequila, ancho-chile, singani, and pisco. Ruta del Vino could open by next spring..."

The owners are Petworth residents Justin and Jessica Logan (along with investor Michelle Rodriguez), who hope the restaurant will have a “rustic feel,” according to WCP. "Justin adds, hopefully without being kitschy 'like the big commercial winery in the Sideways movie.' There’ll be a bar, but 'no dancing or cover charges.' The couple hasn’t yet contracted with any builders; they may partner with local stores to source ingredients like Qualia Coffee beans and charcuterie from Straw Stick & Brick Delicatessen."

“We sort of think there’s no great Latin place in Petworth,” says Justin, a five-year resident of the neighborhood. “There’s hunger for this kind of place, and we’re going to test the theory."

"As for taking over the ill-reputed Riyad Market, Logan explains: “We thought it was a great opportunity for positive change in the area. We live here. We’re raising two kids here. We really want to be deeply embedded in the community—and we’re not going to sell synthetic drugs.”

Read the full article on the Washington City Paper website.

Photo courtesy Shannon on Flickr.