local business | ALXnow

Morning Notes

Published April 28, 2020 at 9:00AM

Teacher Runs 20 Miles to See Students — “My daughter really misses school and interacting with her friends and teachers, so when Ms. Shannon surprised her Ellie was overwhelmed with excitement. She couldn’t believe that it was actually Ms. Shannon in person.” [Zebra]

T.C. Williams Class of 2020 Making Documentary — “The class of 2020 is making Titan history. Across the city of Alexandria, Titan seniors will be recording their stories all on the same day, May 1. Here’s how it will work: On May 1, anytime between 12:00AM-11:59PM, seniors will answer these questions in 3 short videos of up to 60 seconds each: What do you love? What do you fear? What do you hope for?” [ACPS]

News

Supporting Del Ray Businesses Becomes a Game of Bingo

By Vernon Miles

Published April 27, 2020 at 2:00PM

The Del Ray Business Association has turned supporting local businesses during the coronavirus pandemic into a game.

A bi-weekly bingo series that started today (Monday) fills a 5×5 card with ways to support local businesses in Del Ray. The goal, according to the association, is to “wear a face mask, maintain social distance, and play for the chance to win $50 in Del Ray Dollars,” which are redeemable at some businesses in Del Ray.

News

Aftertime Comics Folds Up, Waits for Pandemic to End Before Reopening in New Space

By James Cullum

Published April 27, 2020 at 11:30AM | Updated April 27, 2020 at 3:33PM

After 35 years, Aftertime Comics owner David Erskine closes up shop. (Staff photo by James Cullum)

For David Erskine, the last 35 years have passed like the pages of a must-read comic book, and on Saturday he did the unthinkable and took down the sign outside his shop, Aftertime Comics.

“We’re all done here,” Erskine told ALXnow as he unscrewed the sign.

News

Morning Notes

By James Cullum

Published April 27, 2020 at 9:00AM | Updated April 27, 2020 at 12:47PM

Hard Times Café Founder Passes Away — “Sad news. @HardTimesFun founder Fred Parker passed away last night. He was a very special friend and an icon in #AlexandriaVA. Thank you Fred for so many memories. You will never be forgotten #RIP” [Twitter]

Birchmere Joins Group to Lobby Congress for Coronavirus Relief — “With large gatherings forbidden throughout the country, the live music industry has ground to a halt, closing revenue streams and putting things like rent and payroll payments in jeopardy. More than 450 venues across the U.S. are banding together under the new group called the National Independent Venue Association to present one voice to lawmakers.” [Washington Business Journal]

News

New Photographer Series Spotlights Life for Old Town Business Owners

By Vernon Miles

Published April 24, 2020 at 3:15PM

Local photographer Sarah Marcella, in partnership with the Old Town Boutique District, travelled to 30 local businesses to take portraits of them at home or in their businesses. Marcella, a press release noted, was safely in her car.

The photoshoot features images of the business owners holding signs saying what community means to them, with answers ranging from “resilient” to “healthy.”

News

Morning Notes

By James Cullum

Published April 24, 2020 at 9:00AM | Updated April 24, 2020 at 9:29AM

The Four Mile Run Stream in Alexandria (staff photo by James Cullum)

Alexandria Restaurant Partners Reopening Two More Locations in May — “Alexandria Restaurant Partners will reopen two of its restaurant concepts, Riverside Taco Company and Vola’s Dockside Grill, on May 5.” [Patch]

Del Ray Cafe Gets PPP Loan, Hiring Back Employees — “Our PPP loan came through and we’re bringing back our employees! Starting tomorrow, Friday, April 24th, we will be offering Brunch for carryout every day from 9am-2:30pm. Order from our modified Brunch menu on our website www.delraycafe.com.” [Facebook]

News

Morning Notes

By James Cullum

Published April 23, 2020 at 9:00AM | Updated April 23, 2020 at 10:28AM

Hunger Free Alexandria Has Urgent Need for Volunteers Today — “Urgent need for Thursday, April 23, 4:30-7:00 p.m. Hunger Free Alexandria is working with World Central Kitchen to feed our neighbors in need. Bring your mask and help with bagging pre-packaged food and distributing meals. Location is on Mount Vernon Avenue in Arlandria.” [Facebook]

State Legislators Reconvene in Richmond — “My “desk” at one of the most unusual legislative sessions in Virginia history. We begin at noon. You can watch us on the livestream. Virginia Transparency even during COVID-19!” [Mark Levine/Twitter]

News

Morning Notes

By James Cullum

Published April 22, 2020 at 9:00AM

Goodwin House Conducting Virtual Job Fair for Servers at 1 p.m. — “When you join our team, you’ll also be working at one of the Top Workplaces in the Washington, D.C. area according to The Washington Post. Our pay is highly competitive, we offer outstanding benefits and we provide opportunities for growth and excellent perks such as access to our swimming pools and fitness facilities.” [Indeed]

Old Town Sign to Stay on Theater — “Patagonia will “fix up” the sign so it looks a little bit better and to prevent further water damage to the marquee. Patagonia will put up its own sign underneath the marquee.” [Alexandria Living]

News

How the Landini Restaurant Empire is Staying Afloat During the Pandemic

By James Cullum

Published April 21, 2020 at 10:25AM | Updated April 21, 2020 at 6:54PM

Noe Landini’s family has owned establishments in Alexandria since 1979, and they’ve never faced a challenge like this before.

The 39-year-old Landini now spends his days dashing between his numerous businesses, making sure they stay afloat like a row of spinning plates. He’s had to lay off a majority of the company’s 300 employees, closed the locations in D.C. and suspended development on a number of new projects. His company has been approved to receive federal CARES Act funds, although the money is not yet in the bank.

News

Morning Notes

By James Cullum

Published April 21, 2020 at 9:00AM

Mayor Marries Couple in Socially Distant Ceremony — “Alanis sang about rain on your wedding day. I’m not sure she envisioned THIS.‬ ‪It was such an honor to put on real pants (first time in weeks!), grab my mask and walk to Parkfairfax to marry a wonderful couple whose original plans were scrambled.‬ ‪Congrats!‬” [Facebook]

‘Mind The Mat’ Hosting Virtual Meditations at 9 a.m. — “Join MtM Monday-Friday mornings for this free 15 minute guided mediation to start your day off right.” [Facebook]

News

City Health Department Moves to Virtual Restaurant Inspections

By James Cullum

Published April 20, 2020 at 4:35PM | Updated April 20, 2020 at 5:27PM

Meggrolls at 107 N. Fayette Street is still open during the COVID-19 pandemic. (Staff photo by James Cullum)

The Alexandria Health Department is now conducting virtual restaurant inspections for the first time, and the department’s environmental health manager estimates that the COVID-19 pandemic has closed half of the city’s 860 permitted food establishments.

“We’re touching base with all of our restaurants and focusing very much on employee health, obviously, with a COVID-19 focus,” Rachel Stradling said. “We’re doing that so that we can keep in touch and keep up with our infection work.”