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Morning Notes

Published March 19, 2021 at 5:00AM

City Council to condemn bigotry against Asian Americans — “On Tuesday evening Council will be considering a resolution condemning the disturbing rise in anti-Asian American bigotry and violence in our country. We stand with our Alexandria AAPI community and we will continue to work to #StopAsianHate” [Twitter]

Total Wine store might be coming to Alexandria — “The typical Total Wine & More store carries more than 8,000 different wines from every wine-producing region in the world. The typical Total Wine & More also carries more than 2,500 beers, from America’s most popular brands to hard-to-find microbrews and imports, and more than 3,000 different spirits in every style and price range.” [Alexandria Living]

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Morning Notes

By James Cullum

Published March 15, 2021 at 5:00AM

Nothing Bundt Cakes opens in West End — “Nothing Bundt Cakes sells a variety of bundt cakes, bundt cake towers, mini bundt cakes and bite-size bundt cakes. There are nine basic flavors, including traditional vanilla and chocolate, plus marble, confetti, red velvet, pecan praline, white chocolate raspberry, carrot cake and more.” [Alexandria Living]

Councilman Canek Aguirre kicks off reelection campaign — “We have to invest in our school buildings. We have to invest in our city buildings. And that’s definitely something that we have to continue to do because it’s just going to get more expensive.” [Alex Times]

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Morning Notes

By James Cullum

Published March 12, 2021 at 5:00AM

Alexandria Students Win C-SPAN Documentary Contest — “Five Alexandria students are winners in C-SPAN’s 2021 StudentCam competition. The national contest, in its 17th year, encourages middle and high school students to create short films on subjects of national importance. T.C. Williams High School’s Helen Russell, Alison Avelar, and Elena Gutierrez will receive $250 as honorable mention winners for the documentary, ‘Dear Mr. President: History, or Progress?’ about the renaming of schools, statues, and monuments.” [Zebra]

Some Alexandria Museums to Open in March — “The Alexandria History Museum will reopen on March 25, Gadsby’s Tavern Museum and Alexandria Archaeology Museum will reopen on March 26, and Friendship Firehouse Museum will open on select Saturdays.” [Patch]

News

‘Momma’s Hemp’ Opens on King Street in Old Town

By James Cullum

Published February 26, 2021 at 10:30AM | Updated February 26, 2021 at 12:53PM

Feeling stressed? Momma’s Hemp at 1314 King Street carries $2 lollipops infused with CBD that are supposed to calm you down, give you energy, make you creative and focused.

Jennifer Bright and her eldest son, Devin Pullen, opened the shop on Tuesday. The pair also opened a location in their hometown of Culpeper, Virginia, in 2019.

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Hookah Lounge With Schwarma Coming to Alexandria’s West End

By James Cullum

Published February 17, 2021 at 1:15PM

The owner of a hookah lounge has filed a special use permit to operate a hookah lounge and restaurant in the West End.

Diko Bar and Lounge would take over at the former home of the all-vegan Chez Hareg Cafe at 5245 Duke Street. The 1,200-square-foot location is next door to Shooter McGee’s, across the street from the Canterbury Square Condominiums and near the Alexandria Fire Station 208.

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Sandwich Chain Jersey Mike’s Opens in West End

By Vernon Miles

Published February 16, 2021 at 4:30PM

Popular sandwich franchise Jersey Mike’s Subs has opened a new location at 360 S. Pickett Street in the West End Village.

The new location opened between Taste of Asia and Mediterranean Bakery and Cafe in the former location of Ace Wig and Hair, but has been empty since at least 2018.

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ALXnow’s Top Stories this Week in Alexandria

By James Cullum

Published February 12, 2021 at 3:30PM | Updated February 12, 2021 at 3:59PM

It was a cold week in Alexandria.

With bits of snow and temperatures hovering at around freezing, our top story this week was on Allison Priebe, the local business owner who was robbed while pumping gas in Old Town. Police later released suspect photos and advise anyone pumping gas to keep their keys with them and lock their vehicles.

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Exercise Clothing Store Athleta to Replace La Tasca in Old Town

By Vernon Miles

Published February 10, 2021 at 11:30AM

A new women-focused athletic wear chain Athleta could replace the now-closed tapas restaurant La Tasca at 607 King Sreet.

According to a filing at the Board of Architectural Review for the March 3 meeting, Athleta owner Gap Inc. is seeking permits to restructure the store to better function as retail. The storefront windows would be replaced with larger, aluminum framed ones and the front door replaced with a new glass one.

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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

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.

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Morning Notes

By Vernon Miles

Published January 11, 2021 at 9:00AM

A man walks on a crane above construction in North Old Town Alexandria (Staff Photo by Jay Westcott)

Black History Museum Asks for Help in Conservation Effort — “The Alexandria Black History Museum (BHM) is asking for help from the community. The museum hopes to apply for a conservation grant from the Virginia Association of Museums (VAM)… From Jan. 11 through 20, people can vote for their favorite artifact on the top ten list. The artifact with the most votes will win the People’s Choice Award and $1,000 toward conservation work on the artifact.” [Zebra]

Nothing Bundt Cakes to Open on Duke Street — “Nothing Bundt Cakes is opening its first Alexandria location. The bakery will open at 4553 Duke St., replacing a Subway sandwich shop in the Shoppes at Foxchase in Alexandria’s West End.” [Alexandria Living Magazine]