Our Story

Founders Misha Lebell and Chris Sherman met while working at Oyster Club in Mystic, CT. While living together on a boat in Noank, CT, they had dreams of bringing their culinary skills together and opening a small cafe in New London with an eclectic, unfussy menu inspired by what they enjoy eating and drinking at home. They opened Washington Street in October 2012.

Misha and Chris co-owned and operated The Wash for over 10 years during which they also got married and had 3 boys! There were many highs and lows over the last decade of running the business together. After separating in 2023 Misha was excited to take the reins and buy Chris’s share of the business. Misha is thrilled to continue to serve the New London community for another decade or more (and, yes, she still does all the baking)!