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There’s a liquidation sale happening at Robcyns (3660 King Street) at the Bradlee Shopping Center.

Merchandise is currently being sold at half-price.

The store reportedly opened in 1963, and sells women’s and children’s dancewear, shoes and tchotchkes. It will close for the last time on Saturday, April 27.

The store made the news last year after a car smashed through the front window.

Store staff told ALXnow that the business couldn’t recover after the pandemic and that customers are finding their needs on Amazon.

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Como En Casa opened March 8 at 4112 Mount Vernon Avenue in Arlandria (Courtesy photo)

There’s a new Honduran restaurant in town.

Como En Casa (Just Like Home) opened last month at 4112 Mount Vernon Avenue in the former home of Ferman’s Bar & Grill. It’s the first restaurant for owner Jury Vaquedano, who brightened the interior by painting the walls, and adding large televisions, as well as a fresh menu and staff.

One thing that is sticking around is the rotisserie oven for cooking roasted chicken.

“We have great pupusas, chicken fajitas and tacos,” Vaquedano said. “Lunch is getting busier every day because people are finding out how good the food is.”

Vaquedano is in the process of getting a license to serve wine and beer, and wants to host Olympic watch parties this summer, as well as for other big sporting events.

The entrees at the restaurant cost between $15 and $30.

Vaquedano has owned a roofing company, JVC Home Improvement, for the last eight years. In 2018 she opened a food truck, El Sazon Catracho, but closed it in 2020. Since then, she’s worked with her sister’s Honduran restaurant in Springfield, Hondu Pollo (6959 Hechinger Drive).

Como En Casa serves breakfast all day and is open from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday to Thursday and from 9 a.m. to 2 a.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

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Alexandria Police cruiser (staff photo by James Cullum)

The Alexandria Police Department is investigating the theft of more than $50,000 worth of luxury handbags and other merchandise from two consignment shops in the city.

On Jan. 26, the owner of Encore Consignment Boutique (119 S. Fairfax Street) reported just after midnight that the front glass door was smashed and that approximately $8,600 worth of luxury handbags and other merchandise was stolen, according to a recently released search warrant affidavit. The business was broken into again on Feb. 28 at around 5 a.m., and approximately $6,300 worth of luxury handbags were stolen.

On Feb. 29 at around 4 a.m., the glass door of Vida Style at 210 N. Lee Street was smashed and the owner reported that $50,000 in luxury handbags and other items were stolen.

Vida Style owner Alicia Valencia told us that the store’s top-shelf bags and jewelry were stolen, and that she had to get a front glass door replaced.

“I don’t think I ever felt more of a spirit of community than after this happened,” Valencia said. “My team and everyone jumped in to help. There was fingerprint dust everywhere, and we cleaned that up and I called Del Ray Hardware and they helped me with their glass guy and the glass in the front door was replaced within an hour.”

The suspect(s) were videotaped driving a black Toyota Sienna minivan with Virginia plates, according to the search warrant affidavit.

Anyone with information on these incidents can contact the APD non-emergency number at 703-746-4444. Callers can remain anonymous.

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Foxtrot in Old Town, photo via Foxtrot/Facebook

A little over two years after it opened, Foxtrot in Old Town is closed — swept up in a series of closures affecting all locations in the Washington D.C. area.

The shop was a more upscale version of the typical corner store and cafe. The first D.C. location opened in 2021 and it quickly spread around the region before imploding today.

“It is with a heavy heart that we must inform you of a difficult decision we have had to make,” the company said on Facebook. “After much consideration and evaluation, we regret to announce that Foxtrot and Dom’s Kitchen & Market will be closing their doors starting on April 23, 2024.”

The closure affects all 33 Foxtrot locations in D.C. as well as Chicago, Austin and Dallas.

“We explored many avenues to continue the business but found no viable option despite good faith and exhaustive efforts,” the company said.

Photo via Foxtrot/Facebook

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The proposed apartment building at 901 N. Pitt Street in Old Town (via City of Alexandria)

It was another busy week in Alexandria.

This week’s top stories focused on development projects all over the city, from Old Town North to Carlyle and in the West End. News of the mixed-use projects comes as affordable housing advocates are protesting against being priced out and are asking for greater assistance from the city.

Politics-wise, City Council Member Alyia Gaskins celebrated two recent victories in her Democratic primary race for mayor. Gaskins is leading with fundraising, having raised $149,107 with $69,425 on-hand, according to quarterly campaign finance reports released Monday. Her opponent Vice Mayor Amy Jackson has raised $59,984 and has $22,682 on-hand, while former real estate developer Steven Peterson has raised $44,700 with $14,019 on-hand.

Gaskins also handily won the recent Alexandria Democratic Committee’s Straw Poll by 81%, followed by 16% for Jackson and 3% for Peterson. The primary is on June 18.

On Tuesday, we reported on a new movement to return Alexandria’s City Council to ward/district representation. While the nine-member Alexandria School Board is divided into three districts, the seven members of City Council are at-large, representing the entire city. The Communities for Accountable City Council is a self-described non-partisan group of city residents “exasperated with the intransigent Alexandria City Council that is unaccountable to communities and neighborhoods because of Alexandria’s At-Large election system.”

In our poll this week we asked whether City Council should return to a ward system. Out of the more than 500 votes, 57% voted yes and 43% voted no.

The most-read stories this week were:

  1. Notes: Old Town North building sold for $15.4 million to be turned into mixed-use apartment building (8413 views)
  2. Alexandria considering big plans for properties next to Eisenhower Avenue Metro station (4987 views)
  3. Alexandria City Council approves new ‘neighborhood’ at former Vulcan Materials site (4603 views)
  4. CVS set to close in Taylor Run neighborhood on Duke Street (3611 views)
  5. Affordable housing advocates rally outside Alexandria City Hall (3559 views)
  6. No arrest after fistfight leads to gunfire in Lincolnia (3351 views)
  7. Notes: Fundraiser for motorcyclist killed on Duke Street raises thousands (2390 views)
  8. Local organization forms to push Alexandria back to district/ward elections (2303 views)
  9. Mystic BBQ & Grill opens on Lee Street in Old Town (2235 views)

Have a safe weekend!

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The ALX Dog Walk at Oronoco Bay Park is on Saturday, April 20, 2024 (via Facebook)

Here’s a roundup of all the events, live music, and entertainment happening around Alexandria this weekend.  Enjoy! 

Are you organizing an event? Submit events to ALXnow.

Friday, April 19

Things To Do

Live Music & Entertainment

City of Alexandria

Saturday, April 20

Things To Do

Live Music & Entertainment

City of Alexandria

Sunday, April 21

Things To Do

Live Music & Entertainment

City of Alexandria

Image via Facebook

Ryan Belmore is an award-winning news publisher, editor, and journalist. Born and raised in Rhode Island, he now resides in Alexandria with his wife and two rescue dogs. He was recently appointed to the City of Alexandria’s Board of Zoning Appeals and previously served on the City’s Commission For The Arts. Email listings and events to Ryan at [email protected]. Follow Ryan on Instagram at whatsupalexandria.

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Pride On The Avenue is opening at the pop-up space at 2312 Mount Vernon Avenue in May 2024 (courtesy image)

In recognition of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer Pride Month in June, Del Ray’s seasonal pop-up bar will open in early May as Pride on the Avenue, it’s owners tell ALXnow.

Bill Blackburn and his business partner “Mango” Mike Anderson of the Homegrown Restaurant Group and their staff gutted the space that was home the last few months to their ski lodge concept, Aspen on the Avenue. Just what they’re planning for the interior is still under wraps, as is the menu, but Blackburn said that renovations will be extensive.

“We’re expanding Pride Month into a two-to-three month period in celebration of openness and inclusiveness for the LGBTQ+ community,” Blackburn said. “I can tell you that we’re going to have a new, extensive craft cocktail program, and the interior of the pop-up is going to be completely different.”

The pop-up is located between HRG’s other Del Ray restaurants Pork Barrel BBQ and Holy Cow Del Ray on Mount Vernon Avenue.

Blackburn said that he got the blessing to open the bar from Freddie Lutz, the owner of Freddie’s Beach Bar & Restaurant in Crystal City. He also said that HRG is planning on donating $500 a week to Equality NOVA, a local nonprofit dedicated to supporting the LGBTQ+ community.

“I anticipate that Del Ray will rally behind us with this concept,” Blackburn said. “We want everyone to be welcome in all of our restaurants, and this is a way for us to showcase that.”

Pride on the Avenue will likely stay put until October, when the pop-up will be transformed into its Halloween concept Nightmare on the Avenue. After Thanksgiving, the bar will once again be turned into the Christmas-themed Joy on the Avenue.

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Mystic BBQ and Grill opened at 220 N. Lee Street in Old Town (via Facebook)

There’s a new barbecue restaurant in an Old Town space that was previously home to… You guessed it — a barbecue restaurant.

Mystic BBQ & Grill formally opened this month at 220 N. Lee Street in the space previously occupied by Myron Mixon’s Pitmaster Barbeque, the Zebra first reported. Myron Mixon’s closed last Christmas Eve.

RT’s Restaurant (3804 Mount Vernon Avenue) owners Ralph Davis and Matthew Davis took over the restaurant, after their special use permit was approved. The menu has undergone a visual and branding overhaul and the “southern-centric menu” also features fresh seafood, “including our signature spicy she crab soup, low country shrimp & grits & creole bouillabaisse,” according to the restaurant.

According to Mystic BBQ & Grill:

Opened in April 2024 by a family that has been operating restaurants in and around Old Town for almost 50 years. Located in the heart of Old Town, Mystic has a diverse menu featuring Texas style smoked brisket, baby rack ribs & Carolina pulled pork. Meats are smoked low & slow in BBQ champion Myron Mixon’s signature smoker that is front and center in our open kitchen.

BBQ is just one part of this southern centric menu that also features fresh seafood including our signature spicy she crab soup, low country shrimp & grits & creole bouillabaisse.  Not to be missed is the jumbo lump crab cake sandwich, which sets the standard for all of Old Town. Specialty sandwiches & unique salads are available all day in a casual setting that features upscale but moderately priced food. Great little wine list & large selection of draft beers are also available.  Don’t forget about the “bananas foster” bread pudding with vanilla bean ice cream & brown sugar rum sauce.

The restaurant is open from 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Tuesday to Thursday, and from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

via Facebook

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After a three-month renovation, Royal Restauraunt reopened to the public on Wednesday with an expanded menu and hours.

The favorite brunch spot was bought by Alexandria Restaurant Partners and Sloan Hospitality last fall, and after being up and running for three months closed in January. ARP refurbished the 123-year-old restaurant, added a 56-seat patio with a retractable awning, reupholstered the booths, built an inside bar and expanded its menu to include dinner.

“It’s a definitely a awesome growing area,” said partner Matt Sloan. “There’s been a lot of excitement people walking by, you know, there’s, there’s a good amount of foot traffic here.”

In Alexandria, ARP also owns Mia’s Italian Kitchen, Vola’s Dockside GrillRiverside Taco CompanyJoe Theismann’s RestaurantThe Majestic, Ada’s on the River and Barca Pier and Wine Bar. The company also owns a Mia’s Italian Kitchen and Café Tu Tu Tango in Orlando, Florida.

For Sloan, the move is the latest in a long collaboration with ARP. He was previously the general manager at ARP’s restaurant Ada’s on the River, and later left to open his own restaurant — Matt & Tony’s at 1501 Mount Vernon Avenue. He also leased Matt & Tony’s from ARP.

D.C.-based architect David Anthony Chenault designed the interior, paying homage to the diner’s history with some modern elements.

“The walnut-colored bar, featuring a sleek stainless-steel top, handmade Soho tiles, and lightly antiqued glass mirrors, is complemented by oversized canvas art,” ARP said in a release.

The restaurant previously closed after brunch, and it’s new hours are 7 a.m to 10 p.m. Sunday to Thursday, and from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Royal Restaurant will hold a ribbon cutting on Monday, April 15, at 12:30 p.m.

According to ARP:

Royal’s menu retains its beloved 1904 classics such as The Royal BreakfastClassic Belgian Waffle with whipped butter and maple syrup, and the traditional Greek Omelet served with home fries and toast, ensuring longtime fans can still enjoy their favorite dishes. An array of new creations across all-day brunch, lunch, and, for the first time, dinner menus complement these staples.

Noteworthy additions to the all-day brunch selections include Crispy Fried Chicken Thighs with chorizo gravy and Steak & Eggs, marinated in guajillo for a spicy kick. Lunch and dinner “mains” include Country Fried Steak served with crispy potatoes and mole-spiced carrots, Prime Brisket Meatloaf with mashed potatoes, sweet and sour charred corn relish, burnt onion gravy and crispy onions, as well as a selection of savory starters, refreshing salads, and sandwiches like the “Club Sandwich” Torta on ciabatta, and the Green Chili Cheeseburger featuring roasted green chili, escabeche onions, bacon, sharp cheddar, and deli mustard piled heartily on a house ground chuck meat patty served on a warm brioche bun.

The new dessert menu invites guests to indulge in Roasted Apple Chimichangas and Ancho Chili Chocolate Mousse.

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The Dogs Of Del Ray mural (staff photo by James Cullum)

Here’s a roundup of all the events, live music, and entertainment happening around Alexandria this weekend; enjoy! 

Are you organizing an event? Submit events to ALXnow.

Friday, April 12

Things To Do

Live Music & Entertainment

City of Alexandria

Saturday, April 13

Things To Do

Live Music & Entertainment

City of Alexandria

Sunday, April 14

Things To Do

Live Music & Entertainment

City of Alexandria

  • There are no events or public meetings scheduled.

Ryan Belmore is an award-winning news publisher, editor, and journalist. Born and raised in Rhode Island, he now resides in Alexandria with his wife and two rescue dogs. He was recently appointed to the City of Alexandria’s Board of Zoning Appeals and previously served on the City’s Commission For The Arts. Email listings and events to Ryan at [email protected]. Follow Ryan on Instagram at whatsupalexandria.

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