Republic is Jeff Black's Takoma Park Project

Jeff Black's next restaurant has a name, and it's a clever one. The restaurateur and chef/partner Danny Wells have christened his upcoming Takoma Park project Republic, Tom Sietsema shares in his weekly chat.

The idea came from Wells's mother, Beth Baker, a long-time resident of what some locals refer to as "The Republic of Takoma Park," given the town's independent political and cultural streaks. Why didn't Black go with "black" in the future restaurant's name, as he's done with his earlier businesses? Because "this one is jointly owned by Danny," says Black, and Wells eventually "wants to build his own brand."

Construction permits for the restaurant, bound for 6937-6939 Laurel Ave., have been submitted. That means Republic could be open by fall.
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