GBA Begins 40th Year of Advocating for Georgetown Businesses

Whether snow or shine, the Georgetown Business Association held its monthly networking reception Jan. 20 at Onward Reserve, the preppy and dressy casual men’s clothing store that opened at 1063 Wisconsin Ave. NW last spring.

The business group is celebrating 40 years as an advocate and promoter of the Georgetown business and professional community. The GBA plans a 40th anniversary party in June.

The group and its guests thanked Onward Reserve store manager Christ Carroll for the chance to meet and check out the new place. One of the store’s most popular items for Georgetown is its R.I.P. belt that depicts the logos of shuttered bars and restaurants, such as The Guard’s or Rhino Bar.

Founded by T.J. Callaway and Will Watts in 2012, the apparel and home-goods retailer operates with an extensive online selection. Onward Reserve’s list of brands includes Barbour, Peter Millar, Dubarry and Vilebrequin, as well as up-and-comers like Smathers & Branson, Martin Dingman and Tokens & Icons. Headquartered in Atlanta, Onward Reserve has locations in Georgia, North Carolina and Tennessee.

Guests enjoyed light ware and hot toddies during the evening of light snow—that saw a tough commute for many drivers.
Some GBA members recalled the retail space’s previous incarnation: the Pleasure Place, a sex toy boutique for 35 years.