H Street’s Comeback | Small Businesses Fuel Revival in Northeast DC
After a tough few years, H Street Northeast is staging a quiet comeback, one storefront at a time. Once one of the hardest-hit commercial corridors in the District during the pandemic, the area is now showing real signs of recovery, thanks to a wave of new small businesses and stronger community ties.
According to Anwar Saleem, Executive Director of H Street Main Street Inc., 12 new businesses have opened in the past year alone. That’s nearly one new opening each month, a promising sign in a corridor that lost close to two million customers during the height of the pandemic.
“Post-pandemic, we were the slowest corridor to recover,” Saleem noted. “But these new businesses have given H Street a real boost.”
While nearly 80 storefronts remain vacant, the businesses that have launched are helping to reshape the neighborhood. Saleem says around 85 percent of them are actively engaging with the community, seeking resources, and contributing to a renewed sense of energy along the corridor.
A key part of H Street’s appeal is its unique cultural and culinary mix. From longstanding favorites like Ethiopic, a staple for more than a decade, to newer international eateries and specialty shops, the corridor has become a destination for food lovers and eventgoers alike.
“It all comes down to the product,” said Saleem. “If your food is good, your service is on point, people will come back again and again. That’s what we’re seeing.”
Public safety has also improved, with a reported 25 percent decrease in crime over the past year. Saleem attributes this to closer collaboration between businesses, local government, and law enforcement. That spirit of partnership, he says, has helped foster a stronger sense of community that feels more connected than ever.
Looking ahead, Saleem emphasizes the importance of communication and coordination among government agencies in supporting small businesses. When a business closes, he says, it is essential to examine the root causes and find solutions, whether that means simplifying regulations or improving how agencies work together.
“H Street is evolving,” he said. “It’s not just about opening doors; it’s about staying open. And that takes real teamwork.”
As National Small Business Month highlights the resilience and innovation of entrepreneurs across the country, H Street stands as a powerful example of how community investment, thoughtful leadership, and a strong local identity can bring new life to a neighborhood.