History & Cocktails at Annex on 12th

This week’s Industry Night has it all, historic preservation, stunning design & rum-soaked nostalgia.

We recorded on-site at Annex on 12th, a posh new residential community that brings serious Art Deco glamour to what was once the USDA Cotton Annex. First up is Stephen Johnson, Senior Community Manager and a walking encyclopedia of the building’s past lives. From presidential vault doors to luxe speakeasies (yes, The Vault is real), Stephen walks us through how this adaptive reuse project blends D.C. history with modern luxury.

Then … drum roll, please … I catch up with an old, old, old friend, the legendary Todd Thrasher. Todd and I started our careers side by side, and to say we've come a long way is an understatement. He’s now the man behind Thrasher’s Rum, Tiki TNT, and some of the most unforgettable drinks in the DMV. We talk distilling, building community, his new collab with Annex (including a custom “1936” rum for new residents!), and why cocktails should always come with a story, and sometimes a Solo cup?

Tune in for:

Historic D.C. real estate glow-ups
Rum, cocktails, and sustainable sipping
Why Annex on 12th might be your dream home
And the kind of industry convo you won’t hear anywhere else

Chapters:

00:00 - Introduction
00:33 - Exclusive Apartment Speakeasy Rum
04:07 - Historic Building Transformed into Residences
06:13 - "1930s Art Deco Luxury Vibes"
11:55 - Cocktail Epiphany in 1999
16:03 - "Farm-to-Table Bar Success Story"
17:50 - Expanding Beverage Scene in D.C.
20:26 - "Family Distillery Dream"
24:26 - Restaurant Industry: Initiative 82 Confusion
29:11 - Restaurant Challenges and Pricing Strategies
31:39 - Barrels: Aged Peach Brandy Update
34:39 - Choosing Local Over Big Names
36:43 - "Industry Night Reflections"
37:47 - Outro

Quotes:

"Creating spaces for connection beyond four walls, like our speakeasy, builds a vibrant community that truly sets us apart."- Stephen Johnson

"Strive for excellence in everything you do, infusing love, creativity, and meaning into each action."- Todd Thrasher

“We’ve seen D.C.’s dining evolve, but it’s the quest for new, local, and heartfelt experiences that keeps us inspired and coming back.”- Nycci Nellis

Key Takeaways:

History Comes to Life at Annex on 12th
Hospitality That Feels Like Home (But Better!)
The Vault: D.C.’s Hidden Gem Speakeasy
Todd Thrasher: Crafting the Capital’s Cocktail Culture
Sipping Local: Collaboration & Innovation
The Changing Tides of the D.C. Restaurant Scene
Passion, Legacy, and Looking Forward

Connect with the Guests:

TODD:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/toddthrasher/?hl=en
X: https://x.com/barthrasher
Website: https://www.thrashersrum.com/

STEPHEN:
Website: https://www.thebrandguild.com/
Website: https://www.annexon12th.com/

Featuring Nycci Nellis
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nyccinellis/
Website: https://www.thelistareyouonit.com/

Produced by Heartcast Media
http://www.heartcastmedia.com