From a press release:

“Feldman Ruel, a leading commercial real estate firm in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, is pleased to announce the $1,400,000 sale of 2928 Georgia Avenue NW, a 3,172-square-foot, single-story restaurant property most recently occupied by NuVegan Café. The buyer, Brian Chinn and his family—the owners of Negril Jamaican Eatery—will relocate their long-running Georgia Avenue location to the new site after more than three decades on the Howard University campus.

Founded in 1979 by Jamaican native Earl Chinn, Negril Jamaican Eatery is a family-owned fast-casual restaurant known for its authentic island fare, including jerk chicken, oxtail, curry goat, and flaky patties. The eatery opened its Georgia Avenue location in 1983 and quickly became a beloved fixture in the Howard and Shaw communities. Today, the brand operates four locations in Washington, D.C. and Maryland, with a loyal following across the region.

But after more than 30 years of operation at 2301 Georgia Avenue NW, Negril’s flagship location is being displaced due to Howard University’s Wonder Plaza redevelopment—a transformative mixed-use project that will deliver student housing, academic space, and retail. The site’s redevelopment, part of a broader campus modernization initiative, necessitates the closure of Negril’s longtime home at the end of this month.

Determined to remain in the neighborhood that shaped its identity, the Chinn family found an ideal new location just two blocks north at 2928 Georgia Avenue NW. Listed by Feldman Ruel on behalf of 2928 Georgia Avenue Associates, L.L.C., the property went under contract just as it was hitting the market and ultimately sold for the full asking price of $1,400,000—or $441.36 per square foot.

“The way this transaction came together so quickly was really just a great example of the importance of good relationships, sourcing a savvy but motivated buyer, and working with a group of sellers who have the experience to know that adaptability throughout market cycles leads to the best outcomes,” said Josh Feldman, Managing Principal at Feldman Ruel. “It was a pleasure to work with everyone involved in what was truly a win-win situation. We were able to achieve excellent pricing for our client in an incredibly short period of time while helping a local institution and beloved neighborhood favorite stay in a community that it loves.”

The building, previously home to NuVegan Café, is a second-generation restaurant space with existing infrastructure, providing Negril with an efficient path to reopening nearby. Its prominent corner location and proximity to Howard University and the Shaw neighborhood ensure continued visibility and accessibility for the restaurant’s loyal customer base.

The purchase marks a meaningful new chapter for Brian Chinn, who carries on the legacy of his father, Earl Chinn, who opened the original Negril after noticing a lack of authentic Jamaican food in Washington, D.C. during a visit in the 1970s. Today, Negril continues to serve Caribbean expats and local fans alike with the bold flavors of the island.

Josh Feldman and Ryan Smith of Feldman Ruel represented the seller in the transaction.”