Second Union Kitchen Grocery Debuts in Shaw

A new and genuinely improved Union Kitchen Grocery today opened alongside the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, bringing more locally made goods and additional dining options to Shaw.

The second in what’s projected to be a string of homegrown markets — the original location, which operates in the shadow of Union Station, debuted in May 2015 — includes tweaks designed to make it even more consumer friendly than its predecessor.

“It's twice the size and includes a hot bar and salad bar,” Union Kitchen co-founder Cullen Gilchrist said of the updated shopping hub.

Whereas house-made sandwiches fuel the Capitol Hill crowd, Gilchrist told the Washington Post this latest configuration can accommodate quickie breakfasts (yogurt, oatmeal, eggs), rotating entrees (lasagna, butter chicken, beef and broccoli), plus additional sandwiches (bahn mi, roast pork, Italian sub). There’s also self-serve cold brew coffee and an espresso bar.

“We hope to open a handful [more] in the coming years,” Gilchrist said of his plan to take over the city, one carefully curated corner store at a time. Status: Certified open. 1251 9th St. NW; website.