Washington Avenue business owners to revitalize area

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Business isn't what it used to be on Washington Avenue in the Heights.

Several years ago, Washington Avenue burst on to the scene with new bars and restaurants. But sometimes, what's quick to rise, is quick to fall.

Coppa, TQLA, Polovina Cafe and Boneyard Drinkery all closed their doors recently. These recent shutdowns have current business owners along Washington concerned.

"Business ebbs and flows," said Brian Brossa, the general manager of Candelari's. "Right now, it's ebbing."

For the owner of Polovina Cafe, which closed in October, the lagging business was the nail in the coffin.

"The reason it closed was obviously business has slowed down dramatically, since the beginning of the year until now," said Mohammed Alahmed, the owner of the now-closed Polovina Cafe. "Washington is not what it used to be."

Alahmed said business was so slow that he could not make rent.

Some owners also said that part of the problem is rising rental costs while business is slow. It's why the Boneyard Drinkery closed on November 30.

Owners also said the face of the neighborhood is changing.