Connect with us

Washington, D.C

DMV-chain Compass Coffee files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy

Published

on

DMV-chain Compass Coffee files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy


Compass Coffee, the coffee chain founded in D.C. in the early 2010s, filed for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy on Tuesday in hopes of selling parts of the chain as it faces legal challenges from a cofounder, several landlords, and vendors.

The company, which has 166 employees and operates 25 cafes across Northern Virginia, D.C., and southern Maryland, said it plans to operate all stores as normal during the Bankruptcy process.

“Over the last decade, Compass has grown to 25 cafes across the DMV. Our original 7th Street cafe has never closed – not for a single day,” a portion of a statement from co-founder Michael Haft read. “Our spaces have been the setting for first dates that turned into marriages, interviews that led to dream jobs, and everyday moments shared over millions of cups of coffee. We have supported countless community causes, shipped coffee to all 50 states and to troops deployed overseas, and helped thousands of people navigate first jobs, in-between jobs, and next chapters.

The chain founded by Haft and Harrison Suarez said customer numbers have remained low since the COVID pandemic, and struggles remained despite also operating a roastery and distribution business. Documents showed the company began putting itself up for sale in 2021, and that the bankruptcy filing was made after reaching an agreement with a possible company.

Advertisement

Compass leadership has requested to end the leases on several properties, including its former headquarters and roastery on Okie Street, Northeast, which was closed in Dec. 2025. The company has seen previous legal disputes with Ivy City over the roastery location.

Suarez sued Haft and his father in 2025, claiming the pair lied about Suarez having an equal share in the company. Suarez, who met Haft in college and both served as Marines, said he was cut from the company in 2021.

Documents show the company has 100-200 creditors. EagleBank, the Small Business Administration, Square, and inKind have filed statements claiming a total of $1.7 million in liens on Compass Coffee.

Compass also owes roughly $5.2 million to over insider and outside investors on unsecured convertible notes, while about 100 others have claims totaling $4.8 million. Most of the $4.8 million comes from past due rent, unpaid purchase amounts for store acquisitions, and unpaid accounts to suppliers and other vendors, according to a statement filed by Haft.

Filing for Chapter 11 could allow Compass to pay back its lenders, both secured and unsecured, according to Haft in a legal filing.

Advertisement



Source link

Washington, D.C

DC weather: Snow, rain mix possible Thursday as temperatures plunge

Published

on

DC weather: Snow, rain mix possible Thursday as temperatures plunge


After two days of springlike, even summerlike warmth, temperatures will tumble Thursday, even bringing the chance for a mix of rain and wet snow across the D.C. region. 

Morning temperatures in the 60s and low 70s will be the warmest of the day before cold air sweeps through, says FOX 5’s Taylor Grenda. Winds, already picking up early, will strengthen throughout the day. 

Advertisement

Snow possible for DC, Maryland, Virginia on Thursday after record high temperatures

Rain showers move in from the west during the morning and continue into early afternoon. As colder air rushes in behind a cold front, a few wet snowflakes may mix around midday. FOX 5’s Tucker Barnes says most of it will melt on contact, so road impacts are unlikely.

Temperatures fall into the 30s and 40s by late afternoon, then drop into the 20s and 30s overnight. Friday will be cold and windy to close out the workweek.

Advertisement

The weekend starts cool with lighter winds, but temperatures rebound into the 60s Sunday and may briefly reach the 70s Monday ahead of storms. Another round of colder air arrives for St. Patrick’s Day on Tuesday.

DC weather: Snow, rain mix possible Thursday as temperatures plunge

Advertisement

The Source: Information in this article comes from the FOX 5 Weather Team and the National Weather Service. 

WeatherNewsWashington, D.C.MarylandVirginia



Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Washington, D.C

Judge presses ICE on compliance with DC warrantless arrest ban

Published

on

Judge presses ICE on compliance with DC warrantless arrest ban


A federal judge pressed the government on Wednesday about whether immigration officials are obeying her order blocking them from making civil immigration arrests without a warrant.

Warrantless immigration arrests in DC

The backstory:

Advertisement

In December, Judge Beryl Howell ruled that Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers could not arrest undocumented immigrants in D.C. without a warrant, unless they can demonstrate probable cause that a crime was committed and show the person poses a flight risk.

PREVIOUS: Federal judge limits ICE’s warrantless arrests in DC

Advertisement

The lawsuit was brought forward by a group of immigrants who were arrested in D.C. without warrants. One of the plaintiffs was arrested after someone purporting to be with the Metropolitan Police Department told him that they had found the car he reported stolen, only to arrest him when he came to pick it up.

The government has since appealed that decision.

What we know:

Advertisement

At Wednesday’s hearing, there was a debate about what that exception means in real-world cases.

In a memo to all ICE agents, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security says someone can be considered likely to escape if they are “unlikely to be located at the scene of the encounter.”

Advertisement

Howell pressed on that specific language and what it meant, asking whether someone waiting at a bus stop or going to work could be considered “unlikely to be located at the scene of the encounter.”

The government pushed back, arguing that under many circumstances, that could be enough to arrest someone without a warrant.

Immigration rally

Advertisement

What they’re saying:

Dozens of residents rallied outside the federal courthouse ahead of the hearing on Wednesday, criticizing D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, for “siding” with President Donald Trump’s administration. 

“Families in Washington, D.C., have seen immigration agents stop people in the streets outside of workplaces, churches. We’ve heard it. Our loved ones are dying because of ICE.” said Isaias Guerrero with the Center for Popular Democracy. 

Advertisement

Guerrero said Bowser’s administration “is actively making it easier for D.C. residents to be deported, and that ain’t right.”

What’s next:

Advertisement

The government has appealed Howell’s decision. On Wednesday, Howell called for more briefing on whether she has the power to weigh in on the case right now, given the active appeal.

ImmigrationWashington, D.C.



Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Washington, D.C

Van drove through barricade outside White House; driver apprehended: officials

Published

on

Van drove through barricade outside White House; driver apprehended: officials


A Secret Service investigation is underway near the White House after officials say a van drove through a barricade early Wednesday morning.

What we know:

Advertisement

The Metropolitan police and Secret Service responded to the vicinity of the White House around 6:30 a.m. after a van drove through a barricade at Connecticut Avenue and H Street.

The driver of the van was apprehended and is being questioned, according to police. No injuries have been reported.

As a result of the investigation, multiple streets in the immediate area have been closed to traffic, including 15th Street and E Street Northwest and H Street Northwest between 15th and 17th Streets.

Advertisement

What you can do:

Drivers are advised to avoid the area and seek alternate routes. Commuters traveling through downtown Washington should expect delays. 

Advertisement

What we don’t know:

Officials have yet to release further details. This is a developing story. Check back for updates,

The Source: Information from this article was provided by the Metropolitan police.

Advertisement

Washington, D.C.News



Source link

Continue Reading

Trending