(Updated 3 p.m.) Alexandria’s been a little more laisse faire about zoning restrictions in some ways for local businesses since the pandemic started, and a new amendment put forward by city staff could see that extend until the end of June.
Not long into the pandemic, the city approved a temporary relaxation of handful of ordinances to help make life a little easier for local businesses going through the worst throes of the pandemic’s economic impact.
The thoughtful dining experiences have paid off. Lena’s Wood-Fired Pizza & Tap was awarded the Heart of Del Ray award on Friday (Feb. 11), beating out four other local businesses.
More than 1,000 voters cast ballots for the spot that captured the heart of the community. The Del Ray Business Association presented the restaurant with a large heart-shaped award on Friday morning — just in time for Valentine’s Day on Monday, Feb. 14.
After nearly two years of hosting outdoor classical music concerts in Old Town, Classical Movements wants to expand their operation.
City Council, which approved Classical Movements’ request to operate last year, will review the application to expand hours and increase seating for the venue at The Rectory at 711 Princess Street at its meeting on Saturday, Feb. 12. Classical Movements wants to increase outdoor seating from 50 to 181, and expand hours from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily.
Business has been so good at the Pedego Electric Bikes shop in Old Town that owner Todd Ketch is planning to open another location in Vienna next month. The ink is still drying on the deal, but if all goes as planned then Ketch will be opening in an industrial section of downtown Vienna.
“The pandemic was like dumping gasoline to the fire for the electric bike market,” Ketch said. “It’s not going to stop from here. How are we going to take full advantage? I’m going to open a second store in Vienna, and we’re excited.”
The nominations are in for the annual Heart of Del Ray Award, and all the community has to do now is find the love.
Voting closes at noon on Thursday (Feb. 10) for the Del Ray Business Association’s annual award to the business that best represents the heart and soul of the community.
Alexandria’s Pat Malone will stand up to cancer for 24 hours straight starting this Thursday (Feb. 10) at Fire Works Pizza in Arlington.
The event starts at 4:26 p.m. Thursday and ends at the same time on Friday.
Alexandria Police are investigating the stabbing of an employee at the Pizza Hut outside of the business on Sunday, Jan. 16.
Police responded to the Pizza Hut at 1049 W. Glebe Road at around 7:30 p.m. for a report of a stabbing in progress, according to a search warrant.
It’s been a year since Old Town coffee shop ESP Tea and Coffee (1012 King Street) reopened under new ownership following a spectacularly bad collapse.
Killer E.S.P closed in 2020 after its entire staff quit — twice — after alleged misconduct from former owner Rob Shelton. New owner Erik Muendel said the last year has seen extensive menu changes and an effort at revitalization.
Rooftop bar and restaurant Cafe 44 (44 Canal Center Plaza) is getting could be getting a new bar, indoor dining room and more.
According to a special use permit (SUP) filed with the city, the outdoor restaurant could be expanding further into the Canal Center Plaza office building with new dining and cooking space.
With the George Washington Birthday Parade Celebration coming back to Alexandria, nearly 20 restaurants in the city are competing in the #GWCherryChallenge.
The challenge, which pits restaurants against each other to make the best cherry-oriented appetizer, entrée, beverage, or dessert, runs from Feb. 1 to Feb. 15. The winner will be announced on the official parade website.
Getting hungry? A number of new restaurants are slated to open this year in Alexandria, according to the city’s tourism bureau.
Visit Alexandria highlighted many of these new businesses in their annual “What’s New in Alexandria” update, which was held Thursday morning (Dec. 27).
