Blank Street Coffee Opened New Foggy Bottom Cafe

The coffee chain has expanded its Washington D.C. footprint with a new location at 2200 Pennsylvania Ave.

Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Openings & Closings

Polished brass espresso machine on a marble counter in a bright cafe, professional editorial photograph.
Blank Street Coffee has opened its first cafe in Washington D.C.'s Foggy Bottom neighborhood, marking the company's third active location in the city. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Do you believe the opening of new national coffee chains benefits your local neighborhood?

Blank Street Coffee has opened its third active location in Washington D.C. and its first in the Foggy Bottom neighborhood. The shop on Pennsylvania Avenue began serving customers this past Saturday.

Why it matters

The expansion reflects the company's continued growth strategy, which has been fueled by venture capital backing. This move bolsters the brand's local presence following the closure of its 14th Street NW site earlier this year.

The firm reached a $500 million valuation last year and currently manages over 100 locations. The new store operates on a daily schedule from 6:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

The players

Blank Street Coffee

This is a venture-backed coffee chain that has expanded to over 100 locations since its founding.

The details

This new cafe occupies a space at 2200 Pennsylvania Ave. The company operates the site following its recent consolidation efforts, including the shuttering of a 14th Street NW location in January 2025.

Timeline

  1. Blank Street opened its first location in Brooklyn in August 2020.

  2. A 14th Street NW location closed in January 2025.

  3. A sign indicated the cafe was coming soon in December 2025.

  4. The Foggy Bottom location opened on Saturday, September 26, 2026.

Market Landscape

This opening follows the established pattern of rapid, venture-funded expansion typical of modern urban coffee retail chains. The move positions the company to compete for footprint in dense D.C. commercial corridors despite recent market adjustments.

Residents and workers in Foggy Bottom now have access to the chain's menu daily from 6:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. The addition provides a new option for morning commuters and local shoppers on Pennsylvania Avenue.

The takeaway

The chain's latest launch underscores a shift toward strategic neighborhood placement in established urban centers. Local customers can expect consistent service hours as the company continues to refine its brick-and-mortar footprint.

Further reading

For more on the changing retail environment, visit Openings & Closings.

Source note: This article includes information reported by The GW Hatchet.

Live Poll

Do you believe the opening of new national coffee chains benefits your local neighborhood?

Blank Street Coffee Opened New Foggy Bottom Cafe