Local pioneer of the “hot and cold” concept to open three new locations

Newmark Knight Frank (NKF) today announced that the popular SoHo Café & Market (SoHo) is doubling the number of its downtown Washington, DC locations, for a total of six to be in operation by early 2019. Like the three original locations, daily offerings at the new SoHos will satisfy all tastes with a full hot breakfast buffet and lunch service. Dining options cover hot and cold across the board from sandwiches to beverages, and are complemented by gourmet pizza options, a fresh salad and fruit bar and SoHo’s signature MyKup—a build-your-own Korean BBQ bowl.

The new SoHos can be found at:

• 1750 New York Avenue, NW — 9,312 square feet
• The Portals III, 1201 Maryland Avenue, SW — 5,359 square feet
• The Millennium Building, 1909 K Street, NW — 7,048 square feet
• Newmark Knight Frank Director of Retail Bryan Ramos represented SoHo Café & Market in its three leases.

Des So, son of the chain’s founder and current owner and operator noted, “Modeled after the successful delis of New York City, my father was early to introduce the hot-cold buffet concept to the Washington market. Customers appreciate innovative combinations of fresh, healthy ingredients and that has always been a hallmark of SoHo’s offerings. MyKup is our answer to the growing popularity of bibimbap-style Korean barbecue that allows diners to customize rice, noodle or veggie bowls and protein to their specific tastes.”

The 10,000-square-foot location at 1750 New York Avenue, known as Met Café, will double as a venue for weddings, corporate gatherings and other ceremonial events. The space offers a large patio facing Rawlins Park and temporary access to the building’s roof which overlooks The Ellipse and Washington Monument.

“When Met Café’s owners saw the views from the patio and roof, they knew they had also found a venue space with backdrops to capture that perfect celebration photo,” said Bryan Ramos of NKF. “Des is a designer at heart and wants others to have the opportunity to experience and capture what he thinks is a memorable moment.”

Ample seating and open-concept kitchens have always been a hallmark of SoHo’s restaurants, which is fitting for the contemporary direction the brand is heading in. SoHo takes its cue from the latest trends in fast-casual eatery design to include bright and open spaces accented with light woods, brushed metal and modern stone. Light fixtures and natural wall graphics also work to enhance the contemporary feel of the space.

“As our strategic partner, NKF helped us analyze the market to determine optimal locations for our new restaurants and to negotiate leases that will facilitate the success of this new expansion,” added So.

The menu provides flexibility for clients who want to adhere to a plant-based eating plan, indulge a bit in savory meat and starch-based dishes, or nibble at a little bit of everything. The geographical spread gives SoHo greater market reach in a metro area with an active food scene that caters to the daily office crowd.

“SoHo was ready to capitalize on its 25-year reputation as a staple dining option in DC,” added Ramos. “Success in the restaurant business requires more than a great product and good service, it relies on attractive and accessible spaces that reach as many people as possible. Working to open three new restaurants simultaneously, SoHo wanted to be especially savvy, choosing locations that complement each other.”

About SoHo Café & Market

SoHo Café & Market currently operates three restaurants in the metro DC area, with an additional three locations scheduled for opening in early 2019. With an engaging mix of hot and cold menu options, the restaurants offer a variety of grilled and deli sandwiches, gourmet pizza, fresh salad and fruit bar, hot and cold beverages, and hot buffet breakfast and lunch service daily. More information here.

About Newmark Knight Frank

Newmark Knight Frank, operated by Newmark Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: NMRK), is one of the world's leading and most trusted commercial real estate advisory firms, offering a complete suite of services and products for both owners and occupiers. Together with London-based partner Knight Frank and independently-owned offices, NKF's 16,000 professionals operate from approximately 430 offices on six continents. NKF’s investor/owner services and products include investment sales, agency leasing, property management, valuation and advisory, diligence, underwriting, government-sponsored enterprise lending, loan servicing, debt and structured finance and loan sales. Occupier services and products include tenant representation, real estate management technology systems, workplace and occupancy strategy, global corporate services consulting, project management, lease administration and facilities management. For further information, visit www.ngkf.com.