Washington, D.C.'s Chinatown Shrinks: Two Businesses Close as Neighborhood Faces Uncertain Future

Two beloved local businesses, Full Kee Restaurant and Gao Ya Hair Salon, have closed in Washington, D.C.'s Chinatown, leaving only a few Asian-owned storefronts remaining. The closures are a result of the city's redevelopment boom, with the two businesses making way for a $75 million Marriott Tribute Hotel. Activists warn that the neighborhood's cultural identity is at risk of being lost.

Washington, D.C. — Two long-standing businesses, Full Kee Restaurant and Gao Ya Hair Salon, have closed their doors in Chinatown, marking a significant shift in the neighborhood's commercial landscape. The closures are a consequence of the city's ongoing redevelopment efforts, with the $75 million Marriott Tribute Hotel set to occupy their former locations [1].

The Marriott project, spearheaded by Rift Valley Capital, has sparked concern among local activists who fear the loss of Chinatown's cultural identity. The Save Chinatown Solidarity Network (SCSN) has organized a rally on July 8, 2025, to demand stronger protections for the neighborhood's remaining Asian-owned businesses [1].

SCSN estimates that the number of Asian-owned legacy businesses in Chinatown has dropped to single digits following the closures of Full Kee and Gao Ya. The group is calling on the D.C. Council to allocate $550,000 annually for support of Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPT)-owned small businesses and institutions in the FY2026 budget [1].

The rally will also address the city's Housing in Downtown Tax Abatement Program, which has been criticized for favoring luxury development over affordable housing. SCSN is demanding reforms to the program to better address community needs and protect existing residents [1].

The redevelopment of Chinatown is part of a broader trend in D.C., where the city's focus on luxury development has led to the closure of numerous small businesses. The 1882 Foundation, a Chinatown-based community organization, has expressed concern that the neighborhood's cultural fabric is being eroded by these changes [2].

The Marriott project promises to bring a destination pan-Asian restaurant, a Chinese market, and additional retail spaces to the area, but critics argue that these additions do not adequately preserve the neighborhood's historic character. The project's developers have stated that they are collaborating with local organizations to ensure the new hotel reflects Chinatown's rich legacy [2].

As D.C. continues to evolve, the balance between development and preservation of cultural heritage remains a contentious issue. The upcoming rally and budget negotiations will be key moments in determining the future of Chinatown's cultural identity.

References:
[1] https://wjla.com/news/local/save-chinatown-dc-rally-protest-council-budget-small-asian-business-closures-full-kee-gao-ya-salon-marriott-hotel-housing-tax-development-businesses-gallery-place-task-force-capital-one-demands-luxury-aapi-construction
[2] https://asamnews.com/2025/07/08/marriot-hotel-development-small-businesses-evicted-rally/