An Alexandria-based frozen custard shop has been announced in the fifth-annual American Express and the National Trust for Historic Preservation‘s “Backing Small Historic Restaurants program.”
Goodies Frozen Custard & Treats is situated in a historic ice house at 200 Commerce Street in Old Town and is one of four local businesses to receive the $50,000 grant.
Shop owner Brandon Byrd bought the property in 2019, renovated it, and reopened it to the public. He now says that the award helps him maintain the property with landscape improvements, new paint, murals, and security cameras.
“It’s important because it assists with the maintenance of this historically significant building, while telling the Goodies Frozen Custard & Treats story,” Byrd told ALXnow.
Incidentally, Goodies was named one of the top 40 ice cream shops in the U.S. in 2022 by Thrillist.
The program has awarded more than $8 million to 180 restaurants throughout the country since 2020.
“What started as a pandemic response has grown into a movement to uplift the historic restaurants that shape our neighborhoods and connect generations through food,” said Madge Thomas, Head of Corporate Sustainability at American Express. “Our 2025 grantees reflect the deep-rooted food traditions that define American communities, and we hope these grants spark ripple effects that sustain them in the future.”
Carol Quillen, President and CEO of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, said that the 50 restaurants chosen around the country demonstrate the power that these locations have for generations of people.
“For generations, neighbors have gathered here, shared stories, made new connections, and enjoyed regional cuisine that often reflects our nation’s global roots,” Quillen said.
Below are the locations in Maryland and Virginia to receive the award.
- Goodies Frozen Custard & Treats (Alexandria, VA): With a nod to Alexandria’s African American History, Goodies is a nostalgic ice cream parlor housed in a former icehouse. Owner Brandon Byrd expressed how economic uncertainty, budget cuts and federal layoffs have led to canceled catering contracts and fewer event bookings; tariffs have impacted the cost of premium ingredients and retro packaging. He hopes to use his grant to upcycle exterior signage, improve landscaping, refresh paint and murals and install security cameras.
- Vault & Cellar (Middletown, VA): Located in a historic 1890 building on Route 11 in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley, Vault & Cellar is an Appalachian restaurant that pays tribute to the region’s rich foodways. Chef Kari Rushing hopes to use the grant money to restore the building, construct a new front porch, upgrade the patio seating area and paint a wildflower mural.
- Reynolds Tavern and 1747 Pub (Annapolis, MD): Housed in a historic 1747 brick building in Annapolis, Reynolds Tavern is a cherished landmark with colonial roots, having served as a tavern, residence, bank and public library before returning to its original use. The $50,000 will support exterior improvements, including repairing the original oyster-shell mortar used between bricks.
- The Trolley Stop Restaurant (Ellicott City, MD): Housed in an 1833 tavern along the historic No. 9 trolley line, The Trolley Stop Restaurant serves classic American comfort food and Maryland seafood staples, including its beloved crab cakes. Owner Krista Clark will use the funds to repair the building’s lasting damage from area floods.
