A new “passport”-inspired promotion to generate support for Duke Street businesses has launched, the city announced Friday (May 22).
The program encouraging residents to shop local is a lighter side of the Duke Street Land Use Plan, a process updating the land use vision for the Duke Street corridor. Christian Brandt, an urban planner for the city, told ALXnow 19 businesses have signed up to participate in the Duke Street Business Passport Program, with more to be added. Businesses within a half-mile of Duke Street are eligible to join.
The passport program challenges shoppers to visit as many businesses as they can through the end of September. Shoppers fill out their passports by scanning a QR code located on a window or countertop decal at each business. The city will award a $100 gift certificate to the shopper visiting the most participating businesses, $50 for second place and $25 for third through 10th place.
The passport was an early idea to emerge from the Duke Street Land Use Plan. Brandt previously told ALXnow that a community poll conducted last summer showed businesses were respondents’ favorite part of the Duke Street corridor, and that business owners expressed interest in marketing support and help reaching potential customers.
The initial list of participating businesses includes:
- Backyard Bird Feeder: 3225 Duke Street (Alexandria Commons)
- Better Termite and Pest Control: 2647 Duke Street
- Cortado Cafe: 4543 Duke Street (Shoppes at Foxchase)
- D-A Tires and Rims: 3139 Colvin Street
- Dogtopia: 3121 Colvin Street
- Frolic Dogs: 3208 Colvin Street
- Handy Bikes: 3800 and 3919 Wheeler Avenue
- Harris Teeter: 4641 Duke Street (Shoppes at Foxchase)
- Kung Fu Kitchen: 3221 Duke Street (Alexandria Commons)
- La Casa Restaurant: 4551 Duke Street (Shoppes at Foxchase)
- LapFix Computer Repair: 4613E Duke Street (Shoppes at Foxchase)
- Local Infusion: 4661 Duke Street (Shoppes at Foxchase)
- Marco Polo Oriental Rugs: 3240 Duke Street
- National Capital Flag: 100 S. Quaker Lane
- Nova Eye Care: 3223 Duke Street B3 (Alexandria Commons)
- PHD Salon Spa: 3207 Duke Street (Alexandria Commons)
- Port City Brewing: 3950 Wheeler Avenue
- Virginia Kitchen & Bath: 3217 Duke Street (Alexandria Commons)
- Wholistic Hound Academy: 18 Roth Street
The Duke Street Land Use Plan, launched in June 2025, is the first major land use update to the Duke Street corridor since 1992. The plan covers the corridor from Alexandria Union Station to Van Dorn Street at the Landmark Mall redevelopment site.
Alexandria City Council is set to receive an update on the Duke Street Land Use Plan at its meeting Tuesday, May 26. City staff are expected to present recommendations for the draft plan in July and open the full plan for public comment in September. Public hearings on the final plan would follow in late 2026 or early 2027.
