Around Town | ALXnow

Alexandria tech startup tackles wireless communications in ‘impossible’ conditions

Published March 31, 2026 at 3:45PM | Updated April 1, 2026 at 1:58PM

A rover outfitted with Saltenna communications tech, at the startup's office on Eisenhower Avenue (staff photo by James Cullum)

Nestled within an industrial area of Alexandria’s Eisenhower West, a seemingly nondescript startup with a small sign near its front door is revolutionizing wireless communication in challenging environments around the world.

Saltenna moved to Alexandria from its previous headquarters in McLean last August, and its 20 employees have been using its proprietary plasmonic wave technology to help various U.S. government agencies communicate in dense jungles, underwater and through metal. The technology essentially shrinks light waves down to a nanoscale and guides them on various surfaces via an antenna.

Del Ray Pizzeria rebrands as Del Ray Public House, plans new upstairs concept

By James Cullum

Published March 31, 2026 at 11:45AM

Del Ray Public House, 2218 Mount Vernon Avenue (staff photo by James Cullum)

Del Ray Public House unveiled its new branding this week, officially moving on from its 16-year-old Del Ray Pizzeria concept.

The Del Ray Pizzeria initials remain on the signage at 2218 Mount Vernon Avenue, and pizza stays on the menu, but the overall focus of the business started changing in January with the introduction of new Southwest-inspired flavors, owner Laurel Fisher told ALXnow.

Alexandria’s MAYSUNS win Wammie Award for best rock band

By James Cullum

Published March 30, 2026 at 3:45PM

The MAYSUNS (Left to right - Gabriel Harr, Max Powell, Beck Moniz and Nathan Argust) relaxing at a mural of musical legends outside St. Elmo's Coffee Pub in Del Ray, July 9, 2025 (staff photo by James Cullum)

Alexandria rock band MAYSUNS took home a regional Wammie Award for best rock band Saturday night.

It’s the third Washington Area Music Award for the band, which won best rock album and best song in 2023. The award ceremony was held at Capital Turnaround in D.C.

New wine shop DCanter plans grand opening this weekend in Old Town

By Katie Taranto

Published March 30, 2026 at 10:30AM

Vacant retail bay at 1101 King Street where DCanter plans to open (staff photo by James Cullum)

A local wine shop is preparing to celebrate a new chapter in Alexandria this weekend.

D.C. wine boutique DCanter is hosting a grand opening for its second location, DCanter Alexandria, from 12-4 p.m. Saturday (April 4) at 1101 King Street, Suite 112. Led by couple Michelle Lim Warner and Michael Warner, the shop focuses on sustainably made and organic wines sourced from small, independent producers.

Adoptable Pet of the Week: Carbunco, a small sidekick with big energy

By Emily Leayman

Published March 27, 2026 at 9:15AM

Carbunco, an adoptable dog at the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria (courtesy of Animal Welfare League of Alexandria)

Meet Carbunco, a small dog who brings big energy.

Carbunco would make an ideal companion for families looking for a smaller dog. This dog just shy of 2 years old has a black coat with white markings and weighs 13 pounds. He walks well on a leash and will happily chase a ball, play with toys or follow his favorite people around.

Del Ray’s Little Birdie aims to elevate the chicken sandwich this June

By James Cullum

Published March 26, 2026 at 11:45AM

The former Benny DiForza's Pizza at 1504B Mount Vernon Avenue in Del Ray on Monday, Oct. 27, 2025. (staff photo by James Cullum)

The owners of a popular all-day brunch restaurant in Del Ray have a new concept with chicken on their minds.

Matthew Sloan and Eric Brannon are currently asking the city’s permission for 10 outdoor dining seats at their new restaurant, Little Birdie. The space at 1504B Mount Vernon Avenue was formerly occupied by Benny DiForza’s Pizza, which opened in February 2024 and closed last October.

Entrepreneur seeks to bring community center to Virginia Tech building in Old Town

By Katie Taranto

Published March 25, 2026 at 8:30AM

Ashley Wood (left) and daughter Lily at Soulo Studios (staff photo by Katie Taranto)

A three-story Virginia Tech building in Old Town may soon be repurposed into a community center through the work of a Del Ray entrepreneur and creative.

Ashley R. Wood, the founder and author behind the arts-focused workspace Soulo Studios at 2417 Mount Vernon Avenue, is working to bring her next endeavor to life: Lily’s Garden Creative and Cultural Community Center. The prospective center, named after Wood’s 4-year-old daughter, would open at 1021 Prince Street, which is currently part of Virginia Tech’s Washington-Alexandria Architecture Center.

Alexandria restaurants named semifinalists for regional RAMMY Awards

By Emily Leayman

Published March 23, 2026 at 1:45PM

Chicken and waffles at Matt & Tony's (image via Matt & Tony's All Day Kitchen/Facebook)

Several Alexandria restaurants are in the running for the Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington’s restaurant awards.

The association named 190 semifinalists for the RAMMYs, given annually to members of the D.C. region’s restaurant industry. This was the first time semifinalists were publicly announced in the four decades of the awards, providing an early glimpse at which chefs, restaurants and hospitality staff are in the running.

Life Alive Cafe plans summer opening in Old Town

By Katie Taranto

Published March 23, 2026 at 10:30AM

Exterior rendering of Life Alive Cafe in Old Town (courtesy of Life Alive Cafe)

A fast-casual vegetarian restaurant and café is getting closer to its Old Town debut.

Life Alive Cafe is now targeting a summer opening at 400 King Street, a spokesperson confirmed to ALXnow. The Boston-based restaurant emphasizes scratch-made cooking, offering a veggie-forward menu of grain bowls, salads, sandwiches and noodles, in addition to smoothies, cold-pressed juice and coffee.

Adoptable Pet of the Week: Niko has a passion for people, outdoor adventures

By Emily Leayman

Published March 20, 2026 at 9:15AM

Niko, an adoptable pet at the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria (courtesy of the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria)

Meet Niko, a dog who has a zest for life and a love for all things people and outdoors.

This 1-year-old dog has a black coat with white markings and weighs 52 pounds. The pup is eager to continue his training — with treats as a reward.

Dok Khao Thai Eatery opens at Alexandria’s Oakville development

By Katie Taranto

Published March 19, 2026 at 1:45PM

Dok Khao Thai Eatery at the Oakville development (staff photo by Emily Leayman)

A new Thai restaurant has opened in Alexandria’s Oakville development, between Potomac Yard and Del Ray.

Dok Khao Thai Eatery is currently in a soft opening at 2514 Richmond Highway with an all-day, Thai street food-inspired menu with more than a dozen specials from owner and chef Porntipa Pattanamekar, also known as “Chef Pat.” The restaurant includes an all-day menu and full-service bar, with space for about 100 guests.