Business Ins & Outs: Trump Club, Executive Branch; Ike Behar; Yala Ice Cream; Swarovski
Exciting new business ventures are emerging in Georgetown, including an exclusive club and renowned retail spots, enhancing the vibrant business scene of this iconic neighborhood.
The Launch of “Executive Branch” by Donald Trump Jr.
Donald Trump Jr. is set to inaugurate an elite new club named “Executive Branch.” Though its exact location remains somewhat of a mystery, insiders suggest it will open in the former Clubhouse, placed on the lower level of Georgetown Park, near the park garage entrance, at 1070 Wisconsin Ave. NW. The buzz surrounding this club is palpable, with reports noting the club’s focus on exclusivity.
The “Executive Branch” stands out for its hefty membership fee, which is reported to be $500,000, positioning it as a potential hotspot for affluent guests aiming to build influential connections discreetly. The club, diversified by Trump Jr.’s investor partners and notable real estate figures, is already seeing a high demand, reflected by a closed waiting list that undergoes annual review.
Ike Behar Returns to Georgetown
Ike Behar is making a notable comeback in Georgetown, this time in a slightly new environment. The men’s fashion store, previously located at 2900 M St. NW, now finds its place at the Fairmont Hotel on the corner of 24th & M Street in the West End. This relocation brings an air of sophisticated fashion, accompanied by hospitality as customers are invited to enjoy a glass of Champagne while browsing the latest collections.
The return of Ike Behar signals a harmonious blend of high fashion and hospitality, offering a refreshed shopping experience to its patrons. Moreover, Sterling & Burke, a renowned name in luxury goods, is also expected to join this hub of style at 2401 M St. NW, enhancing the retail diversity of the area.
Yala Greek Ice Cream: A Taste of Greece in Georgetown
Chrys Kefalas is preparing to bring an authentic slice of Greece to Georgetown with the opening of what he envisions as the nation’s first true Greek ice cream shop. Scheduled to open on July 4, Yala Greek Ice Cream will take residence at 3143 N St. NW, a space enriched with history and previously used as a bakery.
In bringing this unique flavor experience, Kefalas has enlisted a team of creative minds, including a reputable former nightlife figure from D.C., to ensure the venture captures the essence of Greek culture. The ambitious project, requiring an investment of around $500,000, will also feature the skilled craftsmanship of interior designer Maggie O’Neill, project architect Amelia Decker, and Nick Michali of Soma Wood Studio.
Swarovski’s Sparkling Return to Georgetown
Adding to the district’s eclectic mix, Swarovski is heralding its return to Washington D.C. after a five-year absence. The esteemed Austrian crystal designer has secured a five-year lease for a boutique sized at about 948 square feet, located at 1234 Wisconsin Ave. NW. Customers can anticipate its grand opening in late 2025.
The storefront, once occupied by Wolford, a well-known Austrian apparel brand, marks another chapter in Swarovski’s illustrious history. This move underscores a strategic decision to rejuvenate the brand’s physical presence in one of the city’s most fashionable corridors, promising the aesthetic brilliance that Swarovski is celebrated for.
The blend of new and returning businesses like the “Executive Branch,” Ike Behar, Yala Greek Ice Cream, and Swarovski continues to make Georgetown a hub of culture and luxury. Each entity brings something unique to the table, further establishing the neighborhood as a prime destination for both local residents and tourists seeking exclusive products and services.
