Today’s post features Ed Bailey, co-owner of Trade (1410 14th St NW Ground Floor)
Tell us about your business! When was it founded and what inspired you to start your business?
We are always looking for opportunities in the Logan Circle area and, in 2015, we were fortunate enough to have an opportunity to open Trade, an LGBTQ bar.
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
Trade is pretty much a dive bar. We try to be a cool and comfortable spot without any attitude, and we do not take ourselves very seriously.
What is unique about your business?
We offer a place to hang out no matter who you are. We are super proud that so many people in the LGBTQ community think of Trade as a truly comfortable, safe place to be.
Are you still operating during COVID-19? In what ways?
We have been operating all the way through…ever since we were allowed to re-open, we have been offering carry-out, then we opened our back patio which has 8 tables, then we opened inside which has another 8 tables. And, thanks to Logan Circle Main Street’s remarkable assistance, going forward, we are excited to offer a new Streatery option!
How can the community support you right now?
We have been so fortunate to have so much continued support from our customers…it has really been amazing! We hope people will brave the weather this winter and keep coming out!
What is your favorite thing about this community?
During this really tough stretch, all of the businesses in Logan Circle have helped each other out. We have all been able to lean on one another for resources and assistance with any number of things. Additionally, we are all remarkably fortunate to have the support of District Bridges: Logan Circle Main Street to help bolster our businesses. Re-affiring those strong relationships within our neighborhood has been one (of the very few) good things to come out of 2020.
If you could tell all of the residents in the Logan Circle Main Street area one thing, what would it be?
We are not only business owners in the Logan Circle Main Street area, but we are also residents of the neighborhood and have been for over 20 years. We believe very strongly in investing and working in Logan Circle and we look forward to joining in to celebrate the end of this pandemic with all of our neighbors in the near future!
Often when people hear the term ‘Main Street’, they think about business corridors. But many people do not think about the stress and loneliness that many business owners experience while navigating the hurdles of entrepreneurship and running a business—especially during an unprecedented pandemic. Main Street programs all over the country work to make sure that business owners have an advocate and support system so that your favorite local coffee shop or tailor can keep their doors open. Help us continue doing our work by chipping in $10, $100, $1,000.