Business Insider:The 25 Most Innovative Businesses in Washington, D.C.

Friday, 17 May 2013

18.Meridian Pint

Meridian Pint

3400 11th St. NW

What it is: A bar that runs on a sustainable model.
Why it's innovative: Meridian Pint is a bar that strives to be environmentally sustainable: it composts waste, uses energy from Wind Mills, sources ingredients from local farms for its cuisine, and serves American craft beers. It's fun to drink there too, since every table gets its own beer tap.

17.Minibar

Minibar

Lerxt/Flickr

855 E St. NW

What it is: A restaurant with imaginative culinary creations.
Why it's innovative: Minibar is a product of celebrity chef José Andres. The restaurant uses innovative cooking techniques, such as molecular gastronomy, and artistic presentations to wow diners.
The restaurant is also home to Barmini, the cocktail laboratory next door where bartenders employ the same creativity to concoct mind-altering beverages.
Reservations must be made far in advance.

16.Living Social

Living Social

Courtesy of LivingSocial

1445 New York Ave., Suite 200

What it is: A daily deals website.
Why it's innovative: Living Social is an online platform that allows users to browse through anything from events to stores to takeout available nearby. Merchants can partner up with Living Social to promote their businesses and consumers get discounts off their purchases.

Thursday, 25 April 2013

15.Kramerbooks & Afterwords Cafe

Kramerbooks & Afterwords Cafe

William H. Dempsey III

1517 Connecticut Ave., NW

What it is: A bookstore that has a bar and restaurant inside.
Why it's innovative: When it opened in 1976, Kramerbooks & Afterwords Cafe was the first bookstore/cafe in the country to feature cappuccino, espresso, a full bar and food. Now, it's one of the most popular D.C. hangouts — especially since it's one of the few venues in D.C. that's open 24 hours on Friday and Saturday. It serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and brunch on the weekends.

14.Koofers

Koofers

Courtesy of Koofers

11720 Sunrise Valley Dr., Suite LL0110, Reston, VA

What it is: An online social media hub for students that makes studying easier.
Why it's innovative: Koofers uses university data to create a space that functions a lot like Facebook but is exclusively for students. Students can bounce around ideas and help each other study by sharing course materials, class and professor ratings, study aids and more online.

13.I. Gorman Jewelers

I. Gorman Jewelers

Courtesy of Adam Gorman

1133 20th St. NW

What it is: An environmentally-sustainable fine jewelry store.
Why it's innovative: I. Gorman is a family-run jewelry store that sells high-end items in what they call a "no pressure environment." The store also prides itself in being environmentally conscious by using more sustainable materials and energy efficient equipment. They also carry jewelry made from recycled metal, conflict-free diamonds and fair-trade gem stones.

12.Hello Wallet

Hello Wallet

Courtesy of Hello Wallet

2121 Ward Court NW #3

What it is: A website that gives people financial guidance by helping them budget their expenses.
Why it's innovative: Hello Wallet functions like a personal assistant for your finances. The site will send you a weekend spending guide and a budget update every week and automatically describes and categorizes your transactions. By downloading their apps you can also get their financial advice on the go.