Last week, Prince of Petworth reported on the closing of Mayorga Lounge in Columbia Heights. Owner Mark Ko wrote in to PoP to offer up his new plans for the space. Quoth Ko:

Though I’m sad to part from Mayorga Coffee I am excited about our new restaurant/bar. We’ll have a sushi bar downstairs in the 14th Street entrance and still have our Korean menu offerred throughout our space.

Today, Mayorga Coffee, LLC released an official comment on the lounge’s closure. The Rockville-based coffee importer, it seems, wasn’t complicit with Ko’s abrupt switch from espresso to sashimi. Writes Mayorga Coffee President Martin Mayorga:

It is unfortunate that Sonic Boom has chosen unilaterally—-and we believe in violation of our contract—-to change its business from a coffee lounge to a sushi restaurant. We are heartened by the many customers who have expressed their appreciation for and enjoyment of Mayorga Coffee. While we share your concern that the neighborhood is losing an important, locally-owned small business, the simple fact is that we did not operate this store and had nothing to do with its abrupt closing.

Mayorga added that he and the company “look forward to announcing exciting new locations soon.”

Photo by FreeWine.