Frager’s old location, with the True Value sign prominently displayed. Photo by María Helena Carey
As reported by the Hill Rag this morning, the owner of Fragers’ Hardware, John Weintraub, is selling the business and joining the Ace Hardware Cooperative known as A Few Cool Hardware Stores (AFCHS). This may sound familiar to you because the well-known Logan Hardware is also part of AFCHS.
Customers can expect the same great service and character from the same staff that has stuck with the hardware store through the fire and move to its E Street SE location.
More from the press release:
“John Weintraub, owner of Frager’s Hardware on Capitol Hill since 1975, has announced plans to sell the business to the owners of Logan Hardware. Formally a member of the True Value Cooperative, Frager’s will join the Ace Hardware Cooperative as the twelfth store operated by A Few Cool Hardware Stores, a group of 11 Ace stores located in Washington, DC, Baltimore, MD, Takoma Park, MD and Alexandria, VA.
Founded in 2003 with flagship store Logan Hardware, AFCHS owners Gina Schaefer and Marc Friedman are thrilled to add the store and its preexisting staff to their family of stores and roughly 300 employees. Aside from bringing the company’s unique blend of personal, knowledgeable and helpful service and home maintenance expertise to the Capitol Hill community, customers can expect to see the same local charm that’s drawn customers to its doors since it opened in 1920. “Marc and I are extremely proud to continue the Frager’s legacy on Capitol Hill. We have admired John and his operation since the day we opened our first location in 2003 and are looking forward to meeting our new community,” says Schaefer.
Under new ownership, Frager’s Hardware, located at 1323 E. St. SE, will continue to operate a thriving garden center and rental program from its E Street location, offering a myriad of store services, from screen repairs to power tool and party supply rentals. Though mixed with bittersweet sentiments, Weintraub is confident the new owners will continue to uphold the character of the store and its legacy as one of DC’s most beloved hardware stores. I’ve always been impressed with Gina and Marc’s success in opening hardware stores in urban neighborhoods and building strong community networks. Frager’s is a thriving operation with a fantastic staff and we’ve proven that we can adapt and innovate to meet changing circumstances and evolving customer needs here on Capitol Hill. Teaming up with AFCHS will strengthen and energize both operations and ensure our customers and community receive the same high quality service we’ve built our business on for generations to come,” says Weintraub.
The store will celebrate the change in ownership this summer with a community party & sale. To learn more about the event, customers can join the store’s Founding Members email list by sending a message to founder@acehardwaredc.com.”