by Sacha Haworth

For weeks, locals have watched as the former Target Liquor store at 500 Kennedy Street NW has been gradually transformed: the old marquee was removed, exterior lighting installed, fresh coats of paint applied, and most recently, a display of hay bales and pumpkins appeared in front of the entrance, encouraging families to strike a pose. All the while, a question was on their minds: just when will La Coop open?

Well, denizens of Kennedy Street, the wait is over: La Coop will hold the grand opening of their 5th and Kennedy Street location on Friday, November 1st.

The inside, as promised, has been transformed. La Coop’s owner, Juan Luis Salazar, says that they’ve opened up the 2100-square-foot space, revealing the 12-foot tin ceilings and making a feature out of the massive central skylight that spotlights their roasting machinery. Bright pink upholstered chairs color the space, and a “kids corner” near the big newly-un-barred front windows will serve Mini Melts ice cream.

While the outdoor space in the rear won’t be finished by opening weekend, their vision is to further activate and beautify the corner, making the large backyard an area where the community wants to gather. This means more landscaping, tables, and structures, and holding events like they had at the original space, such as farmer’s markets, live music, and children’s book readings.

Creating a space for the community in this new space was essential to Juan, who was famously almost evicted from the original DC location at 1st and Kennedy after a contentious back-and-forth with the landlord. Residents of the neighborhood and customers of La Coop, including Ward 4 Councilmember Janeese Lewis George, rallied round Juan with public support and advice, and he was eventually allowed to extend their lease. (He also runs a location in Arlington). La Coop’s stated goal is to empower the farmers and the communities they are from, often the most vulnerable in any supply chain.

“We build community. We are from a community. So being part of the neighborhood is who we are,” said Juan in 2023.

With that in mind, Juan wanted to make sure that although the property was getting a renovation, its history – as well as the history of the corner – would not be erased. Hence the old “Target Liquor” sign from the marquee is being restored and will overlook the back garden space. And the mural honoring Karon Hylton-Brown, a 20-year-old man killed half a block away in 2020 after police officers chased him while he was riding his scooter (a crime for which two officers are now serving jail sentences), was repainted by the original artist on an adjacent wall for more visibility.

“We are so excited to reopen our doors to the community,” said Juan. “We are really looking forward to welcoming everyone back to La Coop.”

La Coop will officially open at 7am on Friday, November 1st. They will be serving the fare from their previous location, as well as special pumpkin milk lattés for fall. Throughout the weekend they plan to have music and entertainment. More details available on their Instagram page.