business closing | ALXnow

‘The Company of Books’ Used Book Store Opens in Del Ray

Published September 3, 2020 at 1:30PM | Updated September 3, 2020 at 2:55PM

When one door closes another opens, and that’s definitely the case with The Company of Books, Del Ray’s new used book store is turning the page and replacing the Book Bank in Old Town. The new store opened at 1712 Mount Vernon Avenue in Del Ray a little less than two weeks ago.

The Del Ray location is still a little empty, and books and shelves are being brought in daily. Readers might find a few noticeable differences between the new and the old book stores. For one thing, the Company of Books is a nonprofit and its founder and Executive Director Rachel Baker wants to use future profits toward community events.

News

Coronavirus Claims Longtime Irish Gift Shop in Old Town

By Vernon Miles

Published July 13, 2020 at 2:00PM

After 50 years in business, The Irish Walk at 415 King Street will close by the end of July.

“It is with a heavy heart that I inform you that after 50 years in business; The Irish Walk will be closing its doors on July 31, 2020,” owner Patty Theobald said in an email. “From the original owners, the Butler Family, to the Troy Family, to me and my staff, we have all enjoyed getting to know our customers and community over the last five decades.

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Morning Notes

By James Cullum

Published June 23, 2020 at 9:00AM | Updated June 23, 2020 at 3:21PM

New Residential Building Promises Daycare and Retail in Braddock Area — “Right now, that property is primarily garage and warehouse space for a variety of auto and other businesses.” [Alexandria Living]

Van Dorn, Eisenhower Metro Stations Reopening June 28 — “Several stations and stops were closed in March, in an effort to conserve cleaning supplies during the early stages of the pandemic.” [Zebra]

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Pines Of Florence Closes in Old Town as Building Redevelopment Looms

By Vernon Miles

Published June 16, 2020 at 4:30PM

Pines of Florence in Old Town (1300 King Street) has closed, though how permanent that close is remained unclear.

An employee of Pines of Florence said over the phone that the closure was due to redevelopment for the building approved last fall. The redevelopment is planned to turn the block into a four-story mixed-use development with 31 condominium units and 6,400 square feet of ground-floor retail

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Morning Notes

By James Cullum

Published May 22, 2020 at 9:00AM

Uncertainty Lingers for Furloughed Alexandrians — “When Joy Phansond was furloughed from her job as sales coordinator at the Holiday Inn in Old Town, the temporary layoff was initially supposed to last until April 5. Then it was extended to May 5. Then it was extended again until June 5.” [Gazette]

Cinema Del Ray Canceled Due to Coronavirus — “Due to COVID-19, we must ensure the safety of our fellow community members by canceling Cinema Del Ray 2020. We greatly appreciate the support Cinema Del Ray has been shown in the past. We will be back next year, better than ever!” [Facebook]

News

Aftertime Comics Folds Up, Waits for Pandemic to End Before Reopening in New Space

By James Cullum

Published April 27, 2020 at 11:30AM | Updated April 27, 2020 at 3:33PM

After 35 years, Aftertime Comics owner David Erskine closes up shop. (Staff photo by James Cullum)

For David Erskine, the last 35 years have passed like the pages of a must-read comic book, and on Saturday he did the unthinkable and took down the sign outside his shop, Aftertime Comics.

“We’re all done here,” Erskine told ALXnow as he unscrewed the sign.

News

Lights Out: Two Nineteen Restaurant Closes Until Further Notice

By James Cullum

Published March 25, 2020 at 11:30AM | Updated March 25, 2020 at 5:55PM

Manfredo Lagos, a bartender at Two Nineteen Restaurant in Old Town just before closing down at the end of the night on Tuesday, March 24, 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. (Staff photo by James Cullum)

It was just before midnight on Tuesday night when Two Nineteen Restaurant was forced to temporarily close down.

Really it was more like three businesses closing at once since the building at 219 King Street is home to The Bayou Room, an upstairs cigar lounge and the New Orleans-style French Creole restaurant. Old Town was quiet by the time the doors shut at 11:59 p.m. and there were hardly any cars or people outside.

News

COVID-19 Enters Community Spread Phase, Businesses and Residents Adapt

By James Cullum

Published March 20, 2020 at 4:30PM | Updated March 21, 2020 at 12:34AM

Alexandria has officially entered into the community spread phase of the coronavirus pandemic, according to Dr. Rina Bansal, president of Inova Alexandria Hospital.

That means that direct exposure to the virus can not be traced back to its source.

News

Life-Changing: Alexandria Businesses React to Coronavirus

By James Cullum

Published March 18, 2020 at 5:45PM | Updated March 20, 2020 at 9:22AM

Lower King Street on March 18, 2020. (Staff photo by James Cullum)

With only five reported cases in the city so far, COVID-19 has had a huge impact on Alexandria residents, businesses and the city government.

There has been one reported instance of price gouging, with packages of 10 rolls of Charmin Ultra Soft toilet paper being sold for more than $60 at the Food Star at 206 W. Glebe Road.

News

Morning Notes

By James Cullum

Published March 18, 2020 at 9:00AM

ACPS Releases Samples of Daily Schedules For Students — Alexandria City Public Schools, in their daily 1 p.m. update to parents, released sample daily schedules for students. The schedule includes time to wake up, taking a morning walk and three-and-a-half hours of academic time. [ACPS]

Alexandria Libraries Close Thru March 31 — “This was a difficult decision to make as we know how much people rely on their libraries to support their educational, entertainment, and recreational needs. However, libraries are a hub of community activity with some branches drawing hundreds of visitors per day.” [Alexandria Library]

News

Alexandria Restaurant Partners Closing Multiple Locations After New State Rules

By James Cullum

Published March 17, 2020 at 2:00PM | Updated March 17, 2020 at 11:11PM

The building at Mia's Italian Kitchen at 100 King Street (via Mia's Italian Kitchen/Facebook)

Alexandria Restaurant Partners on Wednesday will shutter all of its businesses and stop work for 450 of its employees at all of its locations in the city, with the exception of Lena’s Wood-Fired Pizza & Tap.

The closure is in response to Governor Ralph Northam’s recommendation on Tuesday that establishments within the state enforce 10-person gathering standards, which effectively shuts down indoor dining.