WASHINGTON, D.C. – Two long-standing businesses in D.C.’s Chinatown neighborhood have been ordered to vacate their premises by July 1, 2025, to make room for a new luxury hotel, according to a statement by the Save Chinatown Solidarity Network (SCSN).
The affected businesses—Full Kee restaurant and Gao Ya Hair Salon—are among the few remaining establishments serving the local Asian American community in a neighborhood that has undergone significant transformation over the years.
Legacy Businesses Facing Displacement
The eviction notice comes just months after the closure of another iconic Chinatown eatery, Jackey Cafe, which shuttered amid similar redevelopment pressures. Now, Full Kee and Gao Ya face the same fate, with developers planning to convert the location into a high-end hotel.
These two businesses, located in the heart of Chinatown, have served generations of customers and are seen as cultural staples by many in the community. Their potential closure marks yet another chapter in the ongoing gentrification and commercial transformation of the historic neighborhood.
Community Appeals for Delay
The Save Chinatown Solidarity Network, a local advocacy group that represents small businesses and residents in the area, is urging developers to reconsider the timeline. SCSN reports that Rift Valley Capital, the developer behind the hotel project, has declined to extend the vacate date beyond the original deadline.
According to SCSN, asking these businesses to leave by July 1 places an undue burden on them during peak tourist and business season, when many depend on summer revenue to stay afloat. The organization has formally requested that the move-out deadline be postponed to September 30, 2025, to allow the businesses more time to relocate and recover financially.
“We’re not against development,” said one SCSN spokesperson. “But development must include the voices of the people who built this community. Pushing out legacy businesses during the busiest time of year only accelerates the erasure of Chinatown.”
Developers Silent Amid Growing Concerns
As of now, Rift Valley Capital has not issued a public statement regarding the situation or responded to SCSN’s plea for an extension. 7News has reached out for comment and is awaiting a reply.
Community members and advocacy groups argue that without meaningful intervention or compromise, Chinatown risks losing the few cultural landmarks and family-owned businesses that remain.
The Future of Chinatown at a Crossroads
D.C.’s Chinatown has seen a dramatic shift in recent decades, with rising rents and commercial redevelopment displacing many of its original residents and businesses. While luxury hotels and corporate offices have become more common, advocates worry that these changes come at the cost of cultural preservation and economic equity.
For now, the fate of Full Kee and Gao Ya Hair Salon hangs in the balance, with just weeks left before the July 1 deadline.
This is a developing story. Stay tuned for updates as we hear more from developers and community stakeholders.
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