Notes: Midwest-based brunch spot ‘HomeGrown’ to open first Virginia location in Old Town this August

Good morning, Alexandria! Today is Monday, June 23, the 174th day of 2025. There are 191 days left in the year.

☀️ Today’s weather: Sunny and hot, with a high near 101 degrees. Heat index values as high as 110 degrees. North wind 3 to 6 mph.

Mostly clear tonight, with a low around 80 degrees. Calm wind.

• Extreme Heat Warning in effect from June 23, 11 AM until June 23, 9 PM
• Extreme Heat Watch in effect from June 24, 11 AM until June 24, 9 PM
• Hazardous Weather Outlook

🚨 You need to know

A new breakfast, brunch, and lunch spot, focusing on locally sourced ingredients, is set to open in Old Town this August. HomeGrown Northern Virginia announced last week on social media that it will be opening inside the Archer Hotel at 1600 King Street.

The eatery will feature dishes made with cage-free eggs, homemade pastries, and fresh-squeezed orange juice, alongside mimosas and Bloody Marys. In its announcement, HomeGrown highlighted a commitment to local partnerships, noting that it will serve coffee from Alexandria’s own Swing’s Coffee Roasters.

While new to Alexandria, HomeGrown is an established brand with numerous locations throughout the Midwest and Arkansas, including in Kansas City, Wichita, Des Moines, and Omaha. The Old Town location marks the company’s first expansion into Virginia, bringing its concept of “locally-sourced dishes with a side of kindness” to the East Coast.

According to its website, HomeGrown will be open daily from 6:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

What else you need to know

🗓️ On this day in 1897, the Virginia Theological Seminary began a three-day commencement ceremony honoring the graduating class of 1897. Read More

🌡️ The National Weather Service has issued an Extreme Heat Warning for today and an Extreme Heat Watch for tomorrow. City officials have activated emergency cooling resources and issued comprehensive safety guidelines in response to the dangerous weather.

👉 The Northern Virginia Juvenile Detention Center (NVJDC) is undertaking a multi-year series of capital improvements, in addition to becoming its own food authority. Leaders running the facility at 200 S. Whiting Street say they’re gradually changing it from a traditional detention center to a more rehabilitative facility.

ALXnow’s James Cullum visited the facility and spoke with executive director Johnitha McNair. Over several upcoming stories, we’ll take you into the facility, where you’ll get to know McNair, the facility, and some of their residents. Read part 1 here – Planning underway for capital improvements at Northern Virginia Juvenile Detention Center.

🌮 A popular local Mexican restaurant chain is breathing new life into a space that sat empty after the sudden closure of a dog-friendly bar last fall. Tortas Y Tacos La Chiquita announced last week that it will open its fourth location at 529 E. Howell Avenue, the same address that housed Bark Social until its abrupt shutdown in November 2024.

🏫 A Joint City Council/School Board Subcommittee Meeting is scheduled for 5 p.m. this evening. Among the items on the agenda are the Dash Recommendation and Next Steps, the Long-Range Educational Facilities Plan, and Collective Bargaining.

📈 Sunday’s most read

The following are the most-read ALXnow articles for June 23, 2025.

1. Alexandria residents named to Virginia university boards in latest Youngkin appointments
2. Nearly 500 Dominion Energy customers are still without power in Alexandria
3. Poll: The best bagel shop in Alexandria
4. Notes: Tortas Y Tacos La Chiquita to open in former Bark Social space
5. Officials break ground on The Heritage at Old Town

📅 Upcoming events

Here’s what’s happening today in Alexandria.