When
news of Justin Ross's new restaurant The Big Stick appeared a few weeks ago, it was the first new tenant for Lerner's
20 M Street since then-Wachovia, now-Wells Fargo moved in
back in 2008.
But within the past day or so signage has appeared in the retail space next to Wells Fargo announcing that a Subway Cafe is now coming soon as well.
For those not in the know (like me until a few hours ago), this is the mega-chain's "office building-oriented concept," with a full Subway menu but in a coffee shop vibe, with gourmet caffeinated beverages and baked goods alongside the sandwiches. The interiors also apparently feature flat screen TVs, updated lighting, and comfy chairs where people can park themselves for hours at a time. Here's
a short piece by Esquire on the cafes (with a photo!) from when the idea first began being tested.
If you want to check one out and can't wait for this one to open, there are at least three in downtown DC, including at 455 Massachusetts Ave. NW and 555 13th St. NW.
And if you like your Subways traditional, there's still the one on 2nd Street SE across from Canal Park.
There will no doubt be grousing about this space not going to something a bit less, um, chain-y, but for office workers at 20 M, 80 M, 55 M, and the soon-to-actually-be-occupied 1015 Half Street, this will allow for a short lunch trek, so they can get back to their desks more quickly to continue slaving for The Man.