local business | ALXnow

West End Computer Repair Shop LapFix Sees Business Spike During Pandemic

Published August 19, 2020 at 2:45PM | Updated August 19, 2020 at 3:36PM

Karim Hussen’s business is spiking. With more customers working from home on personal laptops, the owner and staff of LapFix (4613 Duke Street) have their hands full recovering data and fixing personal computers and phones.

“We are busier now than ever, because everyone needs cameras for their computers and webcams for Zoom chats,” Hussen recently told ALXnow. “Of all things it’s webcams. Thankfully we are an essential business, according to the Commonwealth of Virginia, so I’m thankful that we never closed.”

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Morning Notes

By James Cullum

Published August 18, 2020 at 9:00AM

Lower King Street in Old Town, Alexandria, in June 2020. (Staff photo by James Cullum)

Alexandria Tech Firm Raises $1.1 Million in Seed Funding — “Clowder has quickly become the leader in modern member communication. Our apps are able to take organizations who’ve long relied on web and email-based engagement strategies and place them in the 21st century with an on-hand tool that provides instant access.”[Clowder.com]

Metro Expands Train Service Hours — “The pandemic has posed challenges never before faced by Metro, and I want to extend my thanks to our customers – especially essential workers – for their understanding as we took unprecedented action to protect our essential frontline workforce and the public health.” [Zebra]

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ALXnow’s Top Stories This Week in Alexandria

By James Cullum

Published August 14, 2020 at 5:15PM

These summer weeks are flying by, and another one is in the books in Alexandria.

This week, readers responded to a number of issues in the city, including the tragic story behind the city’s first murder, crime in Arlandria and another protest outside of the acting Department of Homeland Security Secretary’s home.

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‘BLACK IS BEAUTIFUL’ Beer Launching August 28 in Old Town

By James Cullum

Published August 14, 2020 at 11:45AM | Updated August 19, 2020 at 1:39PM

There will soon be a new beer in town.

On August 28, to commemorate the anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr’s “I Have A Dream” speech on the National Mall in 1963, a group of local entrepreneurs will unveil Rocket Frog’s newest socially conscious creation — “BLACK IS BEAUTIFUL” beer.

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Holy Cow Del Ray Wades Into Another Local Controversy With Another Burger

By Vernon Miles

Published August 11, 2020 at 3:50PM | Updated August 12, 2020 at 7:04PM

You haven’t made it as a local controversy until Holy Cow Del Ray makes a burger in your honor.

This month, the subject is the name debate around T.C. Williams High School. The local burger joined the fray with “The Alexandria HS.”

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Alexandria Restaurant Partners Sees Business Getting Back to Normal by 2022

By James Cullum

Published August 7, 2020 at 3:45PM

Scott Shaw says it will be two years before Alexandria Restaurant Partners gets to its pre-COVID financial situation.

“This year we’re down 50% in sales, and if the first half of next year has a slow recovery, then next year might be down 25%, and then we get back to normal in 2022,” Shaw, a partner with ARP told ALXnow. “Right now we’re worried about the winter and what happens when nobody wants to sit outside and we have to survive on to-go orders, which a lot of restaurants can’t do.”

News

Morning Notes

By James Cullum

Published August 3, 2020 at 9:00AM

Mount Purrnon Cat Cafe and Wine Bar Opens in Old Town — “Opening now daily (except Tuesdays) at 109 S. Alfred Street. Mount Purrnon Cat Cafe and Wine Bar! Adopt a cat or two, telework, or just have a sandwich, salad or cup of coffee.” [Facebook]

City Advises Preparedness Before Tropical Storm Isaias Hits — “Our staff is working around the clock to ensure our community is ready for whatever Isaias might throw at us.‬ ‪Please stay alert and prepare for this dangerous storm.‬” [Facebook]

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Irish Technology and Industrial Company Moves Into Eisenhower Avenue Office Park

By Vernon Miles

Published July 31, 2020 at 2:00PM

Developer Monday Properties announced last week that tech company Johnson Controls will be moving into the company’s Cameron Run office park.

Johnson Controls is an Ireland-based company that produces fire, HVAC and security equipment. The building is currently home to Tyco Integrated Security — which Johnson Controls merged with in 2018 — Michael Baker and Savi Technology.

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Police Investigating Multiple Smash and Grab Incidents

By James Cullum

Published July 31, 2020 at 10:30AM

Alexandria Police are investigating a series of smash-and-grab burglaries at seven businesses in the West End and along Eisenhower Avenue.

Assistant Police Chief Don Hayes did not say what was stolen would not comment as to whether the city is experiencing a crime spree.

News

Morning Notes

By James Cullum

Published July 31, 2020 at 9:00AM | Updated July 31, 2020 at 11:42AM

ACPS Releasing Decision on School Year Today — “n many ways, Friday’s announcement will be just the beginning. Once the Virginia Department of Education approves our proposal that we are required to submit by Aug. 14, our hard work continues as we begin to prepare for implementation of our reopening plan. The week of Aug. 14, we will be sharing schedules, curriculum and expectations for both staff and students. I understand that you need information to plan for your lives and I understand that school is central to that process. ” [ACPS]

COVID-19 Cases Increase by 20 — “Positive tests up 20 to 2,779 in the City; 7-day Positivity Rate down to 5.3%; 0 new hospitalizations; New testing event held; Still safer at home, wash hands, wear masks and support our essential workers.” [Twitter]

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AEDP Announces Recipients for Business Grant Program with More Funds on the Horizon

By Vernon Miles

Published July 30, 2020 at 4:45PM

The Alexandria Economic Development Partnership (AEDP) announced a full list of recipients for the program’s ALX B2B program — grant funding aimed at helping local businesses hold out through a sluggish recovery — and is moving forward on another phase of the program.