An Alexandria climbing gym is surviving by its fingertips amid a slow recovery.
“We are talking about a year of survival,” said Sportrock spokesperson Sean Taft-Morales, “not a year of thriving.”
local business
An Arlington nonprofit has partnered with a D.C. food truck to provide free pizza to affordable housing communities in Alexandria this month.
This is the fifth local campaign for Hearts of Empowerment, which has partnered with Timber Pizza Company to provide free wood-fired pizzas from its food truck on August 22 at Charles Houston Recreation Center (901 Wythe Street) in Old Town at 1 p.m. on Saturday, August 22, and at the same time at the Parkview of Alexandria apartments in Arlandria on Saturday, August 29.
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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.”
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]
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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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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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.”
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.”
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]
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.
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.