local business | ALXnow

The Italian Place in Old Town is Franchising

Published February 5, 2020 at 11:45AM | Updated February 7, 2020 at 12:28AM

After three years in business, Adriana Penachio-Sifakis is ready for growth, and that means franchising.

At just 700 square feet, her sub shop and market The Italian Place (621 Wythe Street) can get busy fast, but customers don’t wait too long. A new self-serving kiosk in the shop and online ordering have made for a quicker experience, she says, and those who choose to stick around for a few minutes might get carried away by the dulcet tones of Frank Sinatra while perusing the market full of gourmet Italian products.

News

‘Triwizard Tournament’ Coming to Old Town Bookstore

By Vernon Miles

Published February 5, 2020 at 10:30AM | Updated February 5, 2020 at 11:31AM

(Updated 11:30 a.m.) Whether you’re a child reading through the Harry Potter books for the first time or a reporter in your late 20s still waiting on a letter from Hogwarts, you’re invited to the Hooray for Books Harry Potter night.

The event is scheduled for 6:30-8 p.m. at Hooray for Books (1555 King Street) tomorrow (Thursday).

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Morning Notes

By ALXnow.com

Published February 5, 2020 at 8:00AM | Updated February 5, 2020 at 8:26AM

Looking south from Route 1 in Potomac Yard (Staff photo by Jay Westcott)

Pedestrian Struck on Patrick Street — APD responded yesterday around 4 p.m. to a pedestrian reportedly struck on N. Patrick Street at Madison Street. The road was blocked temporarily. The pedestrian was taken to a local hospital; the nature of his or her injuries is not currently known. [Twitter]

Remembering a Local Legend — “Many African Americans in Alexandria, Virginia, fondly remember Phillip Bell by his nickname ‘Chick.’ He owned Lewis Funeral Home at 311 North Patrick Street. Phillip ran a professional funeral business for many years on Wolfe and Patrick Streets.” [Gazette Packet]

News

Old Town Tobacco Store Takeover Hits Snag

By James Cullum

Published February 3, 2020 at 3:30PM

A deal to take change hands at a longtime Old Town tobacconist and Scottish gift shop has hit a snag.

Last fall, plans were being set for Old Virginia Tobacco Co. to take over The Scottish Merchant/John Crouch Tobacconist at 215 King Street. Merchandise was marked down half-price and the new owner even planned to keep on veteran staffers and keep the shop open while undertaking renovations in January and February.

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Alexandria Warehouse Sale to Return Next Weekend to Carlyle

By Vernon Miles

Published January 29, 2020 at 9:15AM

The annual Alexandria Warehouse Sale is set to return next Saturday, Feb. 8 in Carlyle.

The sale brings boutiques from across the region to the Westin Hotel (400 Courthouse Square). It’s free to attend and is scheduled to run from 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

News

An Old Town Business Is Waiting to Connect Virginians with Medical Marijuana

By Vernon Miles

Published January 17, 2020 at 11:45AM | Updated January 17, 2020 at 3:48PM

As Virginia starts making progress towards the decriminalization of marijuana, one local business is working to make it easier to connect people to medical marijuana licenses.

Veriheal, based in Old Town, educates clients about medical cannabis and connects them to doctors who can get them approved for a medical marijuana license. The company works in 23 states with its structure changing based on state laws. Anthony Dutcher, marketing director for Veriheal, said they’re working to get started in Virginia.

News

Morning Notes

By ALXnow.com

Published January 15, 2020 at 8:00AM

Light trails of passing cars at sunset near Suburban Cleaners on Washington Street in Old Town (Staff photo by Jay Westcott)

Whole Foods Donating to Local Nonprofit — “Now through the June 1, 2020, you can support The Child & Family Network Centers (CFNC) in Alexandria when you bring your own bag at Whole Foods at 1700 Duke Street. By bringing your own bag, you’ll save on the five-cent bag fee, which will automatically be donated to CFNC.” [Zebra]

Art Program for Residents in Recovery — “This fall, the Alexandria Residential Treatment Center (ARTC) partnered with Heard, a local nonprofit, to offer art workshops for individuals in recovery. An Alexandria-based creative arts initiative, Heard partners with nonprofits and local governments to provide marginalized and at-risk adults the opportunity to be heard through art and creativity with workshops in creative writing, visual arts, poetry, dance, etiquette and improvisation.” [City of Alexandria]

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Morning Notes

By ALXnow.com

Published January 10, 2020 at 8:00AM

Bar Owner to Lead St. Pat’s Parade — “The Ballyshaners have selected John Brennan, owner of Daniel O’Connell’s Restaurant and Bar as Grand Marshal of the 2020 Alexandria St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Brennan, of Kilkenny, Ireland and an Old Town homeowner has been an active member of Alexandria’s business community since opening Daniel O’Connell’s in 2006.” [Zebra]

Recycling Collection Still Delayed — “City recycling collection remains delayed due to winter weather earlier this week. Residents that did not receive collection service on their normal day will receive service on the following day.” [Twitter]

News

New Laser Tag Bar in West End to Host Grand Opening on Friday

By Vernon Miles

Published January 8, 2020 at 3:40PM

Laser tag arena at Doyle's Outpost (photo via Doyle's Outpost/Facebook)

West End bar/arcade/laser tag arena Doyle’s Outpost is planning to host a grand opening celebration on Friday, Jan. 10.

The new “entertainment venue” in the Seminary Plaza shopping center (4620 Kenmore Avenue) features a restaurant and bar along with a two-level laser tag arena, with some arcade games and VR attractions thrown into the mix.

News

Bonaventure Waiting on City’s Del Ray Plans Before Making Moves on Mount Vernon Ave. Properties

By James Cullum

Published January 8, 2020 at 2:45PM

Cheesetique Del Ray (courtesy of Cheesetique)

It will be more than a year until Bonaventure Realty makes a move on plans for a swath of properties it recently purchased along Mount Vernon Ave. in Del Ray, according its Vice President Jeremy Moss.

The company, which last summer bought the properties at 2401, 2403 and 2411-2419 on Mount Vernon Ave., has no immediate plans for changes and jumped at the chance to purchase the properties.

News

Morning Notes

By ALXnow.com

Published January 8, 2020 at 9:25AM

Reminder: School and Trash Collection Delays — Alexandria public school students are preparing to go to school after a two hour weather delay this morning. Curbside trash and recycling collection, meanwhile, may be delayed today and Thursday after being suspended Tuesday afternoon. [Twitter, Twitter]

Wind Advisory Issued for Alexandria — Alexandria and surrounding areas are under a Wind Advisory from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. today. Gusts of up to 50 mph are possible, which could cause trees and power lines to topple, forecasters say. [Twitter]