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Morning Notes

Published February 4, 2021 at 9:00AM

Alexandria Police Participate in Honoring Fallen Capitol Police Officer — “APD participated in the memorial service for fallen U.S. Capitol Police Officer Brian Sicknick. Our officers rendered honors for Ofc. Sicknick, and joined the escort from the U.S. Capitol to Arlington National Cemetery. Our prayers are with his family and friends.” [Twitter]

Free COVID-19 Self-Testing Kiosks Available Around City— “Visit a Curative COVID-19 self-testing kiosk in Alexandria for a free test. Tests do not require government ID; service available in English and Spanish. Make an appointment at Curative.com. Walk up testing also available. For more info: alexandriava.gov/114730.” [Twitter]

News

Loyal Companion Pet Store Opening in Old Town North on Feb. 25

By James Cullum

Published February 3, 2021 at 2:30PM

East Coast-based pet store chain Loyal Companion is planning on opening its doors in Old Town North on Feb. 25.

“We’re a one-stop-shop for pet wellness,” Loyal Companion said on its website. “Stop by and wow your pet with our selection of toys, treats, food, supplements, expert advice and grooming all under one roof.”

News

Psychologist Lauren Fisher Elected Del Ray Business Association President

By James Cullum

Published February 3, 2021 at 11:30AM | Updated February 3, 2021 at 12:35PM

Dr. Lauren Fisher, the co-owner of Del Ray Psych and Wellness, has been elected the new president of the Del Ray Business Association.

“I am honored to be representing an amazing group of resilient, supportive, and community-oriented business owners,” Fisher said in a statement. “I look forward to helping our local businesses and community members adapt, evolve, and strengthen over this next year. In the words of Helen Keller, ‘Alone we do so little, together we can do so much.'”

News

Morning Notes

By James Cullum

Published February 2, 2021 at 9:00AM

Old Town, Alexandria in February 2021. (Staff photo by James Cullum)

Del Ray Business Association Launches ‘I Love Del Ray’ Campaign — “Now through April, you’re going to see a lot of marketing and promotion out there about all of our wonderful small businesses — both in-home and brick-and-mortar — and how we can support them through these tough upcoming winter months.” [Zebra]

How Alexandria is Celebrating Black History Month — “Join the City in celebrating #BlackHistoryMonth with special virtual events and activities throughout February, honoring the history, culture, achievements and contributions of African Americans.” [Twitter]

News

Del Ray Business Association Launches GoFundMe to Thank Alexandria Hospital Staff

By James Cullum

Published February 1, 2021 at 11:35AM

The Del Ray Business Association just launched a GoFundMe campaign to support Inova Alexandria Hospital.

Hospital workers are on the front line of the pandemic in the city, and the DRBA campaign is just the latest of numerous efforts to show appreciation.

News

Revamped ‘ESP’ on King Street Ditches Old Ownership and Controversies

By Vernon Miles

Published January 29, 2021 at 2:45PM | Updated January 29, 2021 at 4:43PM

Killer ESP at 1012 King Street has closed and will reopen as a new concept next month (Staff photo by James Cullum)

Erik Muendel wants the new ESP Tea and Coffee to be what the old Killer E.S.P. should have been.

The coffee shop at 1012 King Street was a beloved, hip hangout spot in Old Town featuring sorbet, pie and espresso, that latter from which the bistro derived its name. Behind the scenes, however, its controversial owner Rob Shelton clashed with staff who alleged inappropriate behavior toward women and minors working at the shop. The conflict culminated with the entire staff quitting in early 2020 followed by the replacement staff quitting just months later.

News

Restaurants and Other Businesses for Sale in Alexandria

By James Cullum

Published January 29, 2021 at 1:15PM

Buying an existing business can often be easier than starting from scratch.

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

Bread & Water Co. Unveils New Fried Chicken Sandwich

By James Cullum

Published January 28, 2021 at 4:30PM | Updated January 29, 2021 at 10:27AM

The new fried chicken sandwich at Bread & Water in the Belle View Shopping Center. (Photo via Bread & Water)

Bread & Water Co. at the Belle View Shopping Center has decided to expand its menu with a fried chicken sandwich.

For $10 every Thursday, Friday and Saturday, customers can get a fried chicken sandwich on a homemade brioche bun, with pickles and special sauce. New $4.50 side orders include waffle fries, brownies and banana pudding.

News

Old Town Tourism Company Hopes to Convert Historic Building to Live Music Venue

By Vernon Miles

Published January 27, 2021 at 10:45AM

Garden portion of The Rectory set up as music venue during the pandemic in 2020. (via Classical Movements)

Last year was a particularly rough time to be a travel agency, but one local company is trying to reinvent themselves.

Classical Movements, a wing of travel management and tour company Blue Heart Travel at 711 Princess Street, is a local tourism agency that specializes in travel focused on international classical music venues from South Africa to Prague. But with the pandemic effectively killing their industry over the last year, Classical Movements has filed an application to adjust the Old Town business into a live music venue.

News

Holy Cow Del Ray Commemorates Closed Atlantis Pizzeria With New Burger

By Vernon Miles

Published January 26, 2021 at 2:30PM

Del Ray burger joint Holy Cow’s (2312 Mount Vernon Ave) “burgers of the moment” have spotlit local controversies or elected leaders, but this month’s burger is a melancholy memorial to the recent closure of Atlantis Restaurant and Pizzeria.

The Atlantis burger features Angus beef and feta cheese with pickled onion, lettuce, tomato, and tzatziki on a brioche bun. The sandwich is $8.95.

News

New Daycare Proposed for Hoffman Town Center

By Vernon Miles

Published January 26, 2021 at 10:15AM | Updated January 26, 2021 at 10:43AM

After many daycares statewide closed during the pandemic, local parents might be relieved to hear a Nest Academy could open a large new daycare and preschool at the east end of Eisenhower Avenue.

According to an application filed with the City of Alexandria, Nest Academy is hoping to open a new 9418 square foot facility at 2476 Mandeville Lane on the northern side of the Hoffman Town Center. The facility will take care of children from six weeks to 12 years old.