local business | ALXnow

Old Town and Del Ray business rivals battle for supremacy in softball game

Published June 25, 2021 at 1:00PM | Updated June 26, 2021 at 2:18PM

The 7th Annual Del Ray vs. Old Town Softball Battle is on Monday, June 2, at Simpson Field (Via Visit Del Ray/Facebook)

Old Town and Del Ray businesses are back at it again, and the competition for supremacy will be on full display at next Wednesday night’s Old Town-Del Ray Softball Battle.

Mayor Justin Wilson will throw out the first pitch at 6:30 p.m., as the two teams from Del Ray and Old Town businesses will play for bragging rights and the John Porter Cup, a trophy that was metal crafted by Torpedo Factory artist Chris Erney. It is unclear whether Porter, the former principal of T.C. Williams High School, will make an appearance at the event.

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Morning Notes

By James Cullum

Published June 24, 2021 at 5:00AM

Alexandria Fire Station 201 in Old Town (staff photo by James Cullum)

2021 Valor Awards honor Alexandria heroes — “The annual awards are dedicated to honoring the public safety personnel of the Alexandria Fire Department, Police Department, Sheriff’s Office, and Department of Emergency Communications for heroic acts of valor.” [Alexandria Living]

PHOTOS: New Harris Teeter opens in Alexandria — “The new 72,000-square foot Harris Teeter at 4550 King St., at the West Alex development, opened its doors to the public Wednesday morning with balloons, lots of ‘2 for 1’ deals and even the store’s mascot, Harry the Happy Dragon, greeting customers.” [Alexandria Living]

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Morning Notes

By James Cullum

Published June 22, 2021 at 5:00AM

Alexandria City Hall was lit up for the weekend of Juneteenth 2021. (photo via Carol Jean Stalun Photography for Visit Alexandria)

Alexandria’s Noah Lyles tweets that upcoming 200 meter Olympic trial will be ‘disgusting’ — “For everyone who is worrying about my mental don’t worry I’m good. I gave my all and am healthy. Of corse I wanted to make the 100 but it wasn’t meant to be this year. But I will tell you this 200 will be disgusting.” [Twitter]

City Council approves outdoor dining area for Chadwicks — “Yesterday council approved our new outdoor dining area. Now we’ve just got to build it. We’ll see you later this summer for drinks on our new balcony.” [Facebook]

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ALXnow’s top stories this week in Alexandria

By James Cullum

Published June 18, 2021 at 3:30PM

It was a surprising week in Alexandria.

Our top story by far was on the venomous rattlesnake found in Old Town on Sunday. The timber snake, which also goes by the name American Viper, was discovered in the 400 block of Gibbon Street — a few blocks from the waterfront. It didn’t bite anyone, and was apprehended by the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria’s Animal Services team and later moved to a wildlife facility in Northern Virginia.

News

Morning Notes

By James Cullum

Published June 18, 2021 at 5:00AM

Alexandria government drops mask requirement — “Starting on June 15, fully vaccinated visitors and employees who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 do not need to wear a mask or practice physical distancing in City of Alexandria government facilities. Individuals who wish to wear a mask or practice physical distancing may continue to do so. Those who have not been fully vaccinated should continue to wear a mask and maintain six feet of physical distancing in city government facilities.” [Patch]

Captain Gregory’s eyes expansion — “The popular spot is expanding, looking to add about a dozen more seats… They’ll make use of unused kitchen space and likely complete the additional space by the fall.” [Alexandria Living]

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Stomping Ground wins 12th annual Taste of Del Ray

By James Cullum

Published June 16, 2021 at 10:05AM | Updated June 16, 2021 at 10:22AM

Stomping Ground has won the people’s hearts, and their cheddar blue corn grits with a pork ragu did the trick. The Del Ray restaurant took home top honors by winning the people’s choice in the 12th annual Taste of Del Ray.

“We were blown away by the culinary creativity of our restaurants,” said Taste of Del Ray chair Karen Johnson. “But, more than anything, we were so overwhelmed by the support of the community, even though we couldn’t hold our traditional in-person event. This was a difficult year for restaurants, and the neighborhood really came out to celebrate the talented chefs in Del Ray.”

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For Taco Bamba owner, newly announced Landmark location is a homecoming

By Vernon Miles

Published June 15, 2021 at 10:30AM

Image courtesy Taco Bamba

This fall, a little space just off Little River Turnpike will become the latest spot for small regional chain Taco Bamba. For the restaurant owner, the restaurant will also be a full-circle return to where his culinary career got started.

The Landmark neighborhood will be the seventh Taco Bamba, Chef Victor Albisu said in a press release. The Taco Bamba will open at 6259 Little River Turnpike. The restaurant will feature and indoor/outdoor bar and a seasonal patio area.

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Here’s a list of restaurants and other businesses for sale in Alexandria

By James Cullum

Published June 15, 2021 at 9:40AM

Ready to go into business?

The latest listings on BizBuySell show businesses for sale in and around Alexandria. Many are restaurants, which have been heavily impacted by the pandemic.

News

Morning Notes

By James Cullum

Published June 15, 2021 at 5:00AM | Updated June 15, 2021 at 11:42AM

The Contrabands and Freedmens Cemetery Memorial at 1001 S. Washington Street in Old Town (staff photo by James Cullum)

Volunteers needed for ACPS food distribution — “Kids should ask ‘What’s for lunch?’ not ‘Is there lunch?’ Help distribute two days worth of meals for @ACPSk12 students on Mondays, Wednesdays, or Fridays. Volunteers are needed for both mobile pop-ups and curbside locations.” [Twitter]

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Doyle’s Outpost expands hours for laser tag and gaming

By James Cullum

Published June 14, 2021 at 1:10PM

Doyle’s Outpost just expanded their hours to midnight on Friday and Saturday.

The West End’s 16,000-square-foot family-friendly gaming spot at 4620A Kenmore Avenue has eased all of its COVID restrictions, expanded their hours, and is hiring. There’s a two-level laser tag course with a take-back-D.C.-from-the-zombie-apocalypse vibe, video games and more than 25 high definition TVs behind the full bar.

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Alexandria businesses offer unique Father’s Day specials

By Vernon Miles

Published June 11, 2021 at 10:45AM

Not to stereotype, but if you know a dad who likes building things and drinking beer — you know, dad things — there’s a couple Alexandria locations offering some interesting Father’s Day gift options.

The first is Lena’s Wood-Fired Pizza & Tap, which is offering the admittedly modest discount of 6 growlers of beer for the price of 5, for a total of $95. The deal also requires purchase of a membership card. The growlers can be picked up in the store at 401 E Braddock Road or by calling 703 683 5330.