News

No one was injured, but a fire this weekend has shuttered three Old Town businesses.

The Friends to Lovers Bookstore opened four days ago at 103 S. St Asaph Street, and closed along with Madam Coco — Emporium and Everything Chocolate and the Little Birdies kids boutique.


News

The holiday shopping season is right around the corner in Alexandria.

On Friday, Nov. 29, more than 50 retailers are participating in the 15th annual Plaid Friday. Alexandria’s alternative to Black Friday asks shoppers to shop at local boutiques for big deals.


News

Parents with young kids can soon get a break. Mulberry Lane Play Café, a new daycare/ cafe/coworking office will officially open its doors in Del Ray on Saturday, Nov. 16.

Here’s the idea: While parents relax or work in an adjacent cafe/coworking office, their one-to-six-year-old kids can hang out for up to three hours at a time in a supervised play area.


News

It’s the perfect weather for an award-winning Port City Brewing Company beer, and this year there are two champion brews for the choosing.

The 30-barrel brewery and tap room in Alexandria’s West End brought home gold and bronze medals at the Great American Beer Festival Competition.


News

Tired? There’s a new specialty coffee roaster in Old Town.

After launching at area farmers markets last year, Hypergoat Coffee Roasters formally opened at 215 N. Payne Street in August. The new business is the culmination of a decade-long hobby for married owners Rodrigo Ramos and Deborah Joos Tafner de Moraes.


News

Alexandria has distributed over $440,000 to businesses around the city as part of a new grant program this year.

In a report to the City Council, city staff said the 2024 Small Business Resiliency (SBR) grant program is set to distribute $440,000 to local small businesses in the city in grants of up to $7,000.


News

Coworking chain ALX Community recently opened the doors to their fourth location in Old Town. The office at 101. N. Union Street allows pets, has impressive waterfront views,

Cofounder Kelly Grant says her business rebounded after the pandemic, despite — or perhaps as a result of — the city’s declining office values.


News

After heaping praise on Ethiopian spot Feru Bar and Restaurant (512 S. Van Dorn Street) in a review earlier this year, Washington Post food critic Tom Sietsema listed the restaurant as one of the Top 40 Restaurants In and Around D.C.

The review praised the atmosphere of the Van Dorn Shopping Center restaurant, the awaze tibs (a meat stew dish), and the hart work of owner Firehiwot Bireka.


News

After 10 years in Del Ray, the Bellies & Babies consignment boutique could soon close for good. That is unless owner Lee Raynes can find a buyer in the next two months.

Raynes didn’t renew the lease for the shop at 1913 Mount Vernon Avenue, and said that a potential buyer recently backed out after a six-month negotiation. The move means that unless Raynes can find someone to buy her brand and take all of the store merchandise off her hands, the store’s last day is Dec. 15.


News

If you’ve got a sweet tooth, two Alexandria businesses just made Washingtonian’s list for making the best desserts in the D.C. area.

The Washingtonian food editors chose the olive-oil cake at Thompson Italian (1024 King Street) and “the big apple” at Goodies Frozen Custard and Treats (200 Commerce Street) as their go-to last course.


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