Scott Shaw says it will be two years before Alexandria Restaurant Partners gets to its pre-COVID financial situation.
“This year we’re down 50% in sales, and if the first half of next year has a slow recovery, then next year might be down 25%, and then we get back to normal in 2022,” Shaw, a partner with ARP told ALXnow. “Right now we’re worried about the winter and what happens when nobody wants to sit outside and we have to survive on to-go orders, which a lot of restaurants can’t do.”
ARP owns Mia’s Italian Kitchen, Vola’s Dockside Grill, Theismann’s Restaurant and Bar, Lena’s Wood-Fired Pizza & Tap, Palette 22 in Shirlington and The Majestic, the latter of which is the only restaurant to not reopen. The company is also planning to open two large waterfront restaurants next year in Robinson Landing, and ALXnow will be covering that story in the days ahead.
After receiving emergency government loan funds, the company has hired back about 60% of its staff and Shaw says that takeout orders are making up between a third and a half of all business at its multiple locations.
“Takeout and delivery used to be a small percentage, maybe 5% of the business,” he said. “This crisis is just accelerating trends that already existed. So, if you didn’t have an e-commerce element to your business you got the wake-up call in a hurry.”
Shaw said that a few things helped save the summer, like the Virginia ABC approving the selling of to-go alcoholic beverages from restaurants and the sectioning off of lower King Street from car traffic.
Shaw also said that ARP is now exploring taking the place of the World Central Kitchen in its monthly food distributions across the city.
“We’ve cooked with World Central Kitchen probably 30 times in the last five months, and thousands of meals that are being distributed here in Alexandria, and now we want to be part of the solution to solve insecurity in this town,” Shaw said. “Our team’s excited about that. That’s something we want to figure out.”
Staff photo by James Cullum
As Alexandria Restaurant Partners (ARP) starts expanding its restaurant capacity with the city’s phased reopening, the local restaurant group is planning to hire new staff.
ARP is scheduled to host a job fair on Thursday (June 18) from 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. at Vola’s Dockside Grill & Hi-Tide Lounge (101 N. Union Street).
ARP operates six locations in Alexandria — Mia’s Italian Kitchen, Lena’s Wood-Fired Pizza & Tap, The Majestic, Vola’s Dockside Grill, Hi-Tide Lounge, and Theismann’s –along with Palette 22 in Shirlington and Café Tu Tu Tango in Florida.
ARP has reopened Mia’s Italian Kitchen, Vola’s Dockside Grill, and Palette 22 for patio dining with no reservations.
“Alexandria Restaurant Partners is preparing to relaunch and hiring for all hourly positions including servers, hosts, bussers and food runners for all ARP restaurant locations,” ARP said on a Facebook event page. “Enter via the Hi-Tide Lounge entrance and bring your resume along with a writing utensil. Please be prepared to interview on the spot!”
The job fair comes as Alexandria slowly recovers from high unemployment rates during the pandemic, even compared to its regional neighbors.
Staff photo by James Cullum
Assisting pregnant mothers, raising money for unemployed workers and buying meals for hungry residents are just a few of the causes Alexandrians are tackling through a number of GoFundMe campaigns.
The coronavirus pandemic has created a lot of need throughout the city, and a number of individuals, businesses and nonprofits have raised tens of thousands of dollars with local fundraisers.
Here is a list of Alexandria-based GoFundMe campaigns and amounts raised:
Neighborhood Restaurant Group Family Fund — “Whether you are in for penny or a pound, just know that every bit counts, and that we would not be asking were the situation anything but dire. Our employees are the lifeblood of this company and form the backbone of this amazing industry; they are the core of our communities and the heart of our restaurant family.” (Raised $47,218 out of $150,000 goal)
Helping Alexandria’s Restaurants & Medical Workers — “We’ve set up a go-fund me page where people can donate any amount of money they feel comfortable with towards the cost of meals for front line hospital workers at Inova Alexandria Hospital.
Each week of the “stay at home” order, we will be delivering individually pre-packaged meals to Alexandria Hospital.” (Raised $21,225 of $25,000 goal)Ramparts Tavern Employee Support Fund — “Every contribution counts – no matter how small – it will make a profound impact in the lives of our outstanding staff. Your continued support during this difficult time means more to us than you will ever know.” (Raised $18,554 out of $30,000 goal)
Support Studio Body Logic Pilates COVID-19 Relief — “We are asking your financial help to get us though this difficult and unprecedented time. It is the only way we will be able to return to normal operations once this virus has been contained.” (Raised $11,385 out of $15,000 goal)
ARP Fundraiser for Carpenter’s Shelter — “During this uncertain time, ARP will continue our partnership supporting Carpenter’s Shelter to deliver meals to those in need.” (Raised $10,900 of $10,000 goal)
Financial Assistance for HGR Employees — ” If you have the financial means to donate, every dollar helps! If you do not, another way you can help is to share this fundraiser on social media!” (Raised $10,733 of $50,000 goal)
Buying Car Seats For Mothers in Need — “Alexandria Department of Health typically provides FREE car seats to those moms who would otherwise struggle to afford them. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, they have not been able to provide this service.” (Raised $7,771 out of $7,500 goal)
Murphy’s Patriots Help Murphy’s STAFF — “Murphy’s staff members are our friends and neighbors. They have given us a home base for over two decades now, supporting us and our following through thick and thin. Now it is our turn to help them through this period of forced unemployment.” (Raised $6,000 of $2,500 goal)
Free Family Meals for Hospitality Workers — “Each day, we will provide different and delicious family meals FOR FREE to hospitality workers in our community who have been financially impacted by industry cut-backs. Our generous vendor partners are donating food and Cheesetique is providing facilities and staff to make this happen.” (Raised $5,970 of $2,000 goal)
M. E. Swings Coffee Barista Virtual Tip Jar — “This Virtual Tip Jar has been created as a way to support our staff who are not working and lost a significant portion of their income. We appreciate your donation if you are able to do so, it will be split equally between our staff that who are not working due to our stores being closed.” (Raised $4,040 of $4,000 goal)
Hot Meals From SOME (So Others Might Eat) — “Every $8 you donate will purchase a Hot Nepalese meal for a single adult or a few meals for families in need who are on their own during this period of social distancing. Royal Nepal, a top rated Nepalese restaurant in Alexandria, VA has worked with us to create a wholesome and delicious meal including servings of chicken, lentils, vegetables, and rice.” (Raised $3,143 of $5,000 goal)
Please Support Bow Wow Meow’s Dog-Walkers! — “COVID-19 has shut down our small business almost completely! We have no income but lots of time to rest up from our normal 10,000+ step days. :)” (Raised $2,780 of $3,000 goal)
Photo via Murphy’s Grand Irish Pub/Facebook
Alexandria Restaurant Partners (ARP) is switching things up this weekend, with a planned reopening in Shirlington and a Del Ray restaurant opening a new brunch menu.
“Lena’s Wood-Fired Pizza & Tap (401 E Braddock Road) will launch a limited brunch menu starting this weekend,” ARP said in a press release. “Brunch will be available from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.”
Items available include:
- Breakfast Pizza: mozzarella, eggs, bacon, roasted red peppers, alfredo sauce
- Italian Sausage and Egg Panini: spicy Italian sausage, fried egg, provolone, garlic aioli
- Egg Salad Panini: crisp pancetta, egg salad, mustard, tomato, arugala, scallions, focaccia bun
- Wood-fired Frittata: mushrooms, roasted peppers, caramelized onions, mozzarella, mixed green salad
“Orders can be placed via LenasWoodFire.com for carry-out and delivery, or for delivery on UberEats, GrubHub and Postmates,” ARP said.
Lena’s Wood-Fired Pizza & Tap was the only ARP restaurant not to close after Gov. Ralph Northam’s order limiting businesses to six patrons and was one of the early adopters of the cocktails-to-go directive.
Also opening is Palette 22 (4053 Campbell Avenue) in the Shirlington neighborhood of Arlington. The restaurant will reopen for take-out and delivery starting Memorial Day, Monday (May 25). The restaurant will offer a limited menu of local favorites, plus a selection of signature cocktails and sangria.
Photo via Lena’s Wood-Fired Pizza/Facebook
Feed The Fight Alexandria has given out more than 4,000 meals to Inova hospital workers during the pandemic, and the nonprofit’s founders plan to continue as long as there is a need.
Neighbors Ali De Jongh Whitley and Jennifer Kearney Desiderio modeled their work after Feed The Fight D.C., and since April have delivered daily meals to Inova Alexandria Hospital, Inova Mount Vernon Hospital and Inova Fairfax Hospital.
“These frontline heroes are so touched by the kindness of everyone in Alexandria,” Whitley told ALXnow. “They’re exhausted and overwhelmed and a lot of their colleagues have been laid off.”
Whitley and Desiderio emailed 100 of their closest friends and acquaintances in Alexandria for donations, and the nonprofit has ground by word of mouth. The organization buys the meals from various restaurants, including numerous Alexandria Restaurant Partners and Homegrown Restaurant Group eateries.
Bill Blackburn, a partner with the Homegrown Restaurant Group, said he was proud to work with the organization.
“Homegrown restaurant group is grateful for the work Ali and her team have done connecting donors, restaurants and frontline employees for a win-win-win result,” Blackburn said. “It’s great to see people in our community rising to the occasion and helping.”
Whitley, a former teacher, said she’s thinking about expanding the meal service for Alexandria’s uniformed first responders, and that she currently needs more support from the Fairfax community.
“We need money from Fairfax because we’re helping a lot with Fairfax hospital, and most of our money’s coming out of Alexandria, and we’d like for the people in Fairfax to be a little bit more involved,” she said. “We will continue helping as long as we can. As long as there is a need, we’re here to fill that need.”
Staff photo by James Cullum
Casa Chirilagua gave out 1,000 meals to families in Arlandria on Thursday afternoon, and still needs food, cash and face mask donations for Alexandria’s vulnerable Hispanic population.
Taco Bamba in D.C. and Alexandria Restaurant Partners provided the meals, which were distributed by a cadre of community volunteers over the course of a half hour. The meals were made of chicken, vegetables and rice. The food distribution was organized by World Central Kitchen, which has given out millions of meals across the country during the pandemic. Alexandria Police officers maintained order, and Hunger Free Alexandria and Volunteer Alexandria gave out all the food.
Kate Garvey, the director of the Department of Community and Human Services, said that the food distribution will alternate weekly outside Casa Chirilagua on Mount Vernon Avenue and William Ramsay Elementary School every Thursday after 5 p.m.
“We’ll be doing a weekly, and next week will be at William Ramsey,” Garvey said.
City Councilman Canek Aguirre said that the food drives like this are crucial.
“People have lost their jobs,” Aguirre said. “They don’t have money to pay the rent, they barely have enough money for paying basic necessities like food, and this is a huge hill to climb, especially when you don’t have any money at all. So, being able to keep our families fed here in the city is a paramount importance and we’re going to continue to do what we can to make sure that happens.”
Casa Chirilagua works with more than 120 families living below the poverty line, and so far nonprofit has also paid more than $25,000 in rent and utilities for families impacted by COVID-19.
Last week, Tenants and Workers United led a community-wide protest demanding that Virginia implement a rent freeze for workers affected by COVID-19. The Arlandria neighborhood is one of the poorest in the city, and is located in the 22305 ZIP code, which has the highest COVID-19 infection rate in the city.
OEM Training Officer Brent Ruggles and Marion Brunken of Volunteer Alexandria showing support at World Central Kitchen yesterday.
Posted by Office of Emergency Management, City of Alexandria, VA on Friday, May 8, 2020
Staff photo by James Cullum
Alexandria Restaurant Partners Reopening Two More Locations in May — “Alexandria Restaurant Partners will reopen two of its restaurant concepts, Riverside Taco Company and Vola’s Dockside Grill, on May 5.” [Patch]
Del Ray Cafe Gets PPP Loan, Hiring Back Employees — “Our PPP loan came through and we’re bringing back our employees! Starting tomorrow, Friday, April 24th, we will be offering Brunch for carryout every day from 9am-2:30pm. Order from our modified Brunch menu on our website www.delraycafe.com.” [Facebook]
Reminder: ALIVE! Food Distribution on Saturday — “ALIVE! will distribute food from Truck-Trunk at two Drive-Thru food distributions this weekend, April 25 from 8:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. or until supplies run out at the parking lots of Cora Kelly and John Adams Elementary Schools. People who walk to the site are asked to observe social distancing.” [Facebook]
Councilman Seifeldein Wishes Muslims a Blessed Ramadan — “Ramadan Mubarak to all those observing the month of fasting. I wish you a blessed month of reflection. May you find internal peace and enlightenment.” [Facebook]
ALIVE! Thanks Islamic Center for Halal Chicken Donation — “We are fortunate to have Dar Al-Hijrah Islamic Center Fruitful Planet and Gate Gourmet as Community Partners. Each provided wonderful high quality food for our families enrolled at the ALIVE! Child Development Center tomorrow when then drive-thru to pick up learning packet. Also EXTRA thank you to Dar Al-Hijrah Islamic Center for their continued donation of halal chicken, a welcome food item for Muslim families in need in Alexandria City, especially at the start of Ramadan!” [Facebook]
City Hiring Assistant City Manager for Public Private Partnerships — “As a member of the City Manager’s Senior Leadership Team, the Assistant City Manager for Public Private Partnerships reports to the City Manager and a Deputy City Manager and is responsible for leading the overall public private partnership (P3) initiatives for the City primarily via capital project planning and financing, leveraging of City assets and resources to implement City facility, City infrastructure, economic development related public sector and private sector projects, as well as facilitating the development and implementation of alternative service delivery strategies.” [LinkedIn]
Beyer Introduces Legislation To Encourage COVID-19 Test Innovation — “Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA), today introduced the Point-of-Care Testing Prize Competitions Act, legislation designed to harness the power of scientific innovation in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic. The bill would direct the National Institutes of Health (NIH), in consultation with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), to rapidly launch prize competitions encouraging the development of a point-of-care COVID-19 test capable of producing accurate results in under 30 minutes for multiple samples.” [beyer.house.gov]
Trinity United Methodist Church Food Drive on Sunday — “Reminder if you go to the grocery store this week that Trinity United Methodist Church will be collecting non-perishable goods in our parking lot at the corner of Cameron Mills & Allison St. each Sunday afternoon from 2:00 to 4:00 and will continue doing so until the church building reopens.  The current needs include the following: Canned meats (tuna, chicken, spam, ravioli, soups containing meat); Pasta, rice, dry beans; Canned tomato products (sauce, tomato paste, whole/diced/crushed tomatoes); Canned vegetables, fruits, beans; Cereal; Powdered drink mix; Powdered iced tea mix; Coffee; Tea bags; Peanut butter, jelly; Salad dressing – Italian and Ranch preferred; Dish soap, “pot scrubbers”; Toothpaste and Deodorant.” [Trinity UMC]
Virtual Happy Hour at 5 p.m. With Pork Barrel BBQ Bartender — “Social distancing doesn’t have to stop you from having a good happy hour. Join us for a virtual happy hour series to stay connected to the social scene, enjoy great cocktails and have some much needed fun. You’ll be hosted live by top bartenders in the area. Once you register, you must send $10 to your bartenders Venmo and then you’ll receive; a list of the cocktail ingredients, a music playlist curated by the bartender, and a link to the virtual HH. On the day of – get camera ready to meet new friends and make some fab cocktails.” [Eventbrite]
Sweet Fire Donna’s Offers Sunday Brunch — “Sunday Funday Brunch from Sweet Fire Donna’s! Pre-Order by Saturday, 10PM! Add on a Titos Bloody Mary with Two Shrimp Cocktail for $8.95!” [Facebook]
Maryland Lyric Opera Donates to Alexandria Hospital — “When the Maryland Lyric Opera realized their season was over, they wanted to do something to help others. They redirected funds towards a huge purchase of face masks, leveraging the connections of one of their Chinese American producers. They’ve since made major donations of face masks to several hospitals, assisted living facilities and homeless shelters. We are incredibly grateful for their support in providing face masks for our #InovaHeroes!” [Facebook]
Alexandria Times Conducts Mask Contest — “The readers who are able to identify the most mask-wearers will win local restaurant gift cards. This week, we’ve included six photos. To enter the competition, email your best guesses to [email protected]. It’s okay if you can’t identify all six people. The person to accurately identify the most mask-wearers will win a $50 gift card to Del Ray Cafe. Happy guessing!” [AlexTimes]
Asthmatic Champion Sprinter Noah Lyles Cautious Amid Pandemic — “Professional athletes can seem superhuman, but some like US sprinter @LylesNoah are having to take extra precautions to protect themselves during the Covid-19 crisis.” [Twitter]
The Majestic Menu Available Only For Easter Sunday — “We’re so hoppy to be back 🐰 The Majestic is back for one day only and offering a chef curated, prix fixe Easter menu for four. To pre-order, call us today at 703.997.5300. All Easter meals must be picked up at Mia’s Italian Kitchen located just .5 miles from The Majestic.” [Facebook]
Mystery Del Ray Chalk Artist Creates Street Art — “The most timely message from earlier in March read: STAY SAFEÂ WASH YOUR HANDSÂ BE KIND along with the more philosophical quote: ‘Life is, at times, tough. All we need to do is to prove that we are tougher than it.'” [Zebra]
It’s Super Easy to Volunteer Making Face Masks — “Being over the age to help with the general public, I was frustrated about how I could serve during this crisis … until I saw my sewing machine in the closet. I sent a note to Volunteer Alexandria that simply said ‘I sew’ and before I knew it I had an order for masks. Using tea towels, items in my sewing basket, and patterns found online I turned my dining room into a production line. As I handed over my first batch of masks, I was thinking how today’s technology merged with an old fashioned skill will hopefully keep people safer.” -Ivy, Sewer of Masks [Facebook]
At Home in Alexandria Gets Homemade Face Masks — “Several of our wonderful members have dusted off their sewing machines and have gotten to work. Our AHA [At Home in Alexandria] members are in their 60’s, their 70’s, their 80’s and their 90’s. They are the most vulnerable among us right now, and while we have had to pause our full range of services and events momentarily, we still have volunteers shopping for groceries and delivering necessities for our members to keep them safe at home.” [Facebook]
Police Receive Face Mask Donations — “Thank you so much American Uniform Sales, Inc. for these donated cloth face coverings. The Alexandria Police Department is really grateful, and glad to add these to our uniforms.” [Twitter]
Lee-Fendall House Easter Egg Hunt Goes Virtual — “The first five people to find all of the eggs will receive a family pass to visit the museum and a Lee-Fendall chocolate bar. Both can be redeemed when the property reopens later this year.” [Alexandria Living]
Alexandria Chamber of Commerce List of Business Updates — Here’s a list of more than 100 restaurants, retail shops and other businesses in the city, including deals and hours of operation. [Chamber of Commerce]
Free Online Therapist-Led Support Group Tonight — “Join us on Sunday and Wednesday evenings from 7:00pm to 8:00pm via zoom to connect with others, share resources, and to chat about this wild rollercoaster ride of life. We will limit the group to under 10 per meeting. Please RSVP for each event. We hope to see you there!” [Facebook]
Valor Awards Postponed, No Date Set — “Please be advised, the Valor Awards will be postponed to a later date given these unprecedented times. We will be updating the event date once confirmed and alert registered attendees and sponsors directly. We look forward to honoring these exceptional individuals for their tremendous sacrifices to our community.” [Chamber of Commerce]
Alexandria Hospital Reminds Residents to Monitor Stroke Symptoms — “During these unprecedented times, we understand that there is concern about entering a hospital…If you or someone you know is experiencing a serious life threatening emergency, such as a stroke, we urge community members to call 9-1-1 and activate an emergency response team to evaluate and provide further resources.” [Facebook]
There are a few Alexandria restaurants and cafes currently selling groceries as a way to boost sales and minimize outdoor trips.
Here is a list of establishments that are also providing groceries at this time:
Mia’s Italian Kitchen (100 King Street) in Old Town has turned into a market, complete with discounted wine, rolls of toilet paper, paper towels, raw steaks and eggs for sale.
https://www.facebook.com/MiasItalianKitchen/posts/3037784802983412?__xts__[0]=68.ARC0RJ8MSQbOCz3-XT-in_dRYDoV38PLbTyXFEOG7U5h8FymZ9ckHQKaDtKjJyjewq08WPNLJATjgZSBOHURAE1pBm9IvC37j_Mx21rXoabvAuQXDktfGtHl6VK03nPE0F_oY14S5vKkbsA_ywVa9fjA4uziKYt7G6MWYxp_ef4qIA50VlLw6pEJsMKPOsYtd5dkLIROhf95hD-jAVbk7NAmJpnlcPdhMjQ_hx_a5CmduywiLBQUehFYuraMBW4X5fs5-eU6H9zrw1DAdCp3X6dNbPd1ZWONpO2Hz9dtdQDWd0TSSeGfHcetqNPkpux-h9jc6VxqEoosHhf5anvNqRQZuvjI&__tn__=-R
Junction Bakery & Bistro (1508 Mount Vernon Avenue) in Del Ray is also offering, in addition to its regular menu, household staples like toilet paper, fresh eggs, yeast, bread and more.
Good people of Alexandria and beyond — we have converted to a corner grocery + carry-out to serve your needs at this…
Posted by Junction Bakery & Bistro on Monday, April 6, 2020
Cheesetique (2411 Mount Vernon Avenue) in Del Ray is also offering household cleaning supplies, in addition to their regular menu of delicacies.
Household & cleaning supplies are back in stock in our online (and physical) store. Order for pickup or delivery.https://www.cheesetique.com/online-ordering/del-ray-retail/menu
Posted by Cheesetique Del Ray on Saturday, March 28, 2020
Photo via Junction Bakery & Bistro/Facebook
Alfred Street Baptist Church Virtual Worship Service Gets 19K Views –“Thank you for this amazing word today!! God Bless!” [Facebook]
Hospital Nurses Play Games With COVID-19 Patients — “Inova Nurses are helping our patients any way they can during these challenging times, from medical attention to a friendly game of tic tac toe. #InovaHeroes” [Facebook]
Early Giving Begins For Spring2ACTion Fundraiser — “Because of the current crisis, organizations have had to cancel fundraising events and programs that generate revenue. Classrooms and theaters are dark, and programs are cancelled in adherence of social distancing guidelines. Many nonprofits are depleting their reserves to purchase emergency food and supplies for their constituents.” [Spring2ACTion]
Sales of Titan Senior Magnets and Yard Signs Going to Relief Fund — “Don’t have a senior but want to show your support? Buy a community sign! All proceeds will support the PTSA’s new initiative [the] Titans Care COVID Relief Fund!” [tcwallnightgradparty.com]
ALIVE! Thanks Community For Food Giveaway Support — “Huge THANK YOU to Old Blue BBQ for purchasing and donating 500 pounds of potatoes for this weekend’s Truck-to-Trunk food distribution! They came to help pack 4000 grocery bags, but when they realized there wouldn’t be enough produce, left and came back with fresh produce for Alexandria’s neediest.”[Facebook]
Alexandria Symphony Reschedules Performance — Due to concerns surrounding COVID-19, the Alexandria Symphony has rescheduled its “Brandenburgs and Brew” concert to Friday, June 12, 2020. [alexsym.org]
Sales From Alexandria Restaurant Partners T-Shirts Going to Staff — “T-shirt sales end on Monday, April 6, so be sure to purchase yours today!” [Facebook]
Atlantis Pizzeria and Family Restaurant is Open For Carryout — “Jimmy and Bill are brothers who opened Atlantis 38 years ago. They have built up a loyal customer base that continues to support them during this difficult time. They remain open each day because they never want to disappoint their customers. They could use all the help they can get right now. Open for carry out only. Order a pizza and come pick it up. It’s easy. Plenty of room to keep your distance and they are keeping it clean as a whistle. Hope to see you soon!” [Facebook]