Arlington Rooftop Bar & Grill is permanently closed, and the landlord is looking for a new tenant.
Located at 2424 Wilson Blvd, the multi-story sports bar and restaurant opened in 2010 and became a popular destination thanks in large part to its open air rooftop deck and its ability to host events, including local and state political gatherings.
Despite its popularity, Arlington County police frequently visited the restaurant for noise complaints related to live music, according to a county staff report.
In 2021, the Arlington County Board voted unanimously to revoke the restaurant’s live entertainment permit. The restaurant also closed temporarily in 2019 due to a zoning issue.
Raghav Dumera, one of the restaurant’s landlords, confirmed that its last day of operation was New Year’s Eve and it will not be reopening for the warmer weather season. The closure was not announced on the restaurant’s social media accounts.
Dumera, who also owns and operates several other restaurants in the same building — Takeshi Sushi, Delhi Dhaba and Ghost Kabob — gave few details about the closure except to say the venue’s owner did not renew the lease.
Dumera noted he is looking for a new tenant to fill the space as soon as possible.
“So, anyone that’s interested can definitely reach out,” he said.
Hat tip to Katie W.
Greenheart Juice Shop is now open in Courthouse.
The shop held a grand opening Saturday for its new location in the former Rāko Coffee space at 2016 Wilson Blvd. It is the second Greenheart location in Arlington after an outpost opened in Ballston last year.
The first 50 guests received free wellness shots and, at the opening, the company announced the launch of its new line of citrus juices and two new 8-ounce children’s juice options.
Greenheart sells juices, smoothies, bowls and light bites such as toast topped with hummus and veggies and a banana waffle, all designed to “support customer well-being,” according to PR rep Nick Goebel.
“We have a saying, ‘You deserve to feel good,’” added Greenheart’s Director of Operations Alicia Swanstrom, in a statement. “Those are words we live by, whether it’s through uplifting guest interactions, our clean ingredients that help people feel their very best or thoughtful spaces that feel good to be in.”
The company is looking to spread that good feeling beyond Virginia. With locations in Aldie, Leesburg and Vienna, Greenheart intends to open its sixth location in D.C. at Western Market, a food hall on the campus of George Washington University, Goebel said in a press release.
(Update at 11:50 a.m.) Police and firefighters investigated a suspicious package in Courthouse this morning.
Emergency personnel were dispatched to a lower floor of the office building at 2111 Wilson Blvd shortly before 10 a.m. A larger bomb squad response was later requested to the scene.
Arlington County police said two floors of the building were evacuated and other occupants were being asked to shelter in place.
CONTINUED: The investigation is ongoing. Expect continued public safety presence in the area.
— ArlingtonCountyPD (@ArlingtonVaPD) February 15, 2024
The all-clear was given as of 11:15 a.m., per ACPD.
FINAL: The all clear has been given and the package was determined to be non-hazardous. The partial evacuation and shelter in place have been lifted.
— ArlingtonCountyPD (@ArlingtonVaPD) February 15, 2024
Photo via Google Maps
A 25-year-old man was arrested near Clarendon over the weekend and charged with stealing money from the tip jar at two local businesses.
The suspect also threatened an employee during the early Saturday incident, according to Arlington County police.
More, below, from an ACPD crime report.
ROBBERY, 2024-02100055, 3300 block of Wilson Boulevard. At approximately 2:32 a.m. on February 10, police were dispatched to the report of disorderly conduct. Upon arrival, it was determined the male suspect allegedly entered a business and stole money from a tip jar. An employee confronted the suspect during which he made threatening statements and subsequently exited. The suspect then entered another nearby business and stole money from the tip jar before leaving the scene. Responding officers located the suspect in the area and took him into custody. [The suspect], 25, of No Fixed Address, was arrested and charged with Robbery and Petit Larceny. He was held without bond.
Also in the crime report, an Arlington man was arrested this weekend after police say he jumped in front of a car while holding a boxcutter in the Courthouse area, then injured an officer who responded to the scene.
From ACPD:
ASSAULT ON POLICE, 2024-02100013, 2000 block of Clarendon Boulevard. At approximately 12:34 a.m. on February 10, police were dispatched to the report of a suspicious person. The reporting party stated the male suspect jumped in front of their vehicle and began yelling while holding what appeared to be a boxcutter. The reporting party was able to leave the scene in their vehicle. Responding officers located the suspect in the area and took him into custody. The suspect was allegedly noncompliant, resisted officers and assaulted an officer, causing minor injuries. The suspect was evaluated and released on scene by medics for minor injuries sustained prior to police arrival. During a search of his person incident to arrest, a boxcutter was recovered. [The suspect], 37, of Arlington, Va. was arrested and charged with Assault on Police, Carrying a Concealed Weapon, Obstruction of Justice and Public Intoxication. He was held without bond.
Monday’s crime report also included a trio of weekend robberies, in Pentagon City, Ballston and Crystal City.
ROBBERY, 2024-02100172, 1000 block of S. Hayes Street. At approximately 1:07 p.m. on February 10, police were dispatched to the report of an armed robbery. Upon arrival, it was determined the male suspect and another male subject entered the business and the suspect allegedly concealed merchandise and attempted to exit the store without payment during which he was confronted by loss prevention personnel. The suspect then brandished a knife and left the store on foot with the male subject. Loss prevention personnel called police and a lookout was broadcast. No injuries were reported. Responding officers canvassed the area, located the male suspect and took him into custody. [The suspect], 34, of Washington D.C. was arrested and charged with Robbery. He was held without bond. The male subject was located in the area, detained and determined to be wanted by the Arlington County Sheriff’s Office. [The subject], 33, of Suitland, Md. was arrested and charged with Probation Violation (x2).
ROBBERY, 2024-02110114, 700 block of N. Glebe Road. At approximately 12:07 p.m. on February 11, police were dispatched to the report of a larceny just occurred. Upon arrival, it was determined the male suspect allegedly entered the business and concealed merchandise during which loss prevention personnel confronted him. The suspect then made threatening statements towards them and exited the store without payment. Loss prevention called police and a lookout was broadcast. Responding officers canvassed the area, located the suspect in the Ballston Metro and took him into custody. The stolen merchandise was recovered. Identifying information for the adult male suspect was unable to be located during the preliminary investigation. He was arrested and charged with Robbery.
ROBBERY, 2024-02100027, 300 block of 23rd Street S. At approximately 1:12 a.m. on February 10, police were dispatched to the report of an assault in progress. The preliminary investigation indicates the male victim exited a business and was standing on the sidewalk when three unknown male suspects approached and began assaulting him. The suspects then stole the victim’s wallet, cash, glasses and cell phone before fleeing the scene on foot. The victim’s wallet was later recovered. The victim was transported to an area hospital with serious but non-life threatening injuries. A male witness, who is known to the victim, attempted to intervene during the assault, during which the witness suffered minor injuries but did not require transport to the hospital. The suspects are described as Black males wearing dark clothing. The investigation is ongoing.
Rumble Boxing Gym will open a new location in Courthouse in a few months.
The gym, which offers fast-paced boxing classes, will be located on the ground-floor level of The Commodore, a recently completed apartment building at 2055 15th Street N.
Rumble expects the new location to open in “late spring.” It will be joined by a Japanese restaurant and bar called Gingerfish and a handful of other still unannounced businesses.
The New York City-based fitness chain has some 17 locations, including local outposts in Ashburn and D.C., as well as one that’s opening imminently in Falls Church.
Maria Grenke, who co-owns the local locations, told ARLnow that the Arlington expansion is an attempt to “connect the Rumble community and offer members more options in terms of staying on track of their fitness journey.”
Grenke met her husband and future business partner, Brad, in a fitness-based martial arts class and began training together.
“After successful careers in finance and technology, we were looking for our next chapter and Rumble was the perfect fit,” Maria Grenke said. “We were part of an inclusive community, developed fighting skills (in and out of the ring), and always put in the work. Sounds just like Rumble, right?”
After opening another Rumble in Philadelphia, the newest location in Arlington marks a return to the D.C. area for the couple, who were both raised here.
“[It is] definitely a full circle moment for us,” she said. “We [are] excited to bring the good vibes and killer workout to one of the fastest growing areas in the country.”
To celebrate the opening, Rumble is planning a free “Love Yourself” open-house event on Sunday, Feb. 11, at the gym at 2001 M St NW in D.C. There will be giveaways, samples from wellness lifestyle partners, and a chance to meet the owners.
Arlington’s local radio station has been playing the same music on repeat since December.
The continuous lo-fi beats, noted by listeners more than a month ago, are a result of aging equipment and financing delays complicating Arlington Independent Media‘s move into a new office building that is home to a transmitter critical to AIM’s operations.
The nonprofit community media outlet — which has TV and radio programming and offers media training courses — is mid-way through its move from its Clarendon outpost at the corner of N. Danville Street and Wilson Blvd, behind the Beyond Hello dispensary, to a new location at 2300 Clarendon Blvd.
Staff packed up and stored all AIM’s non-technical equipment in its new Green Valley outpost while its TV and radio broadcasting equipment sits in the lobby, awaiting contractors who can rewire it in 2300 Clarendon Blvd, a new space dubbed AIM Live!
It is a point of consternation for Alvin Jones, the station manager for the community media outlet’s radio station, WERA 96.7 FM.
“It’s been frustrating,” he told ARLnow. “I don’t get to hear, when I’m in my car, the great programming 50 producers are putting out.”
Still going strong! @RadioArlington same 1 hour show for 2 months!!! https://t.co/UVu2FrRC6S
— SRtwofourfour (@SRtwofourfour) January 24, 2024
Former radio show producer Bennett Kobb says he has noticed the same music playing since Dec. 1, 2023. The beats are intended as a backup when interruptions arise, whether that is due to a power outage, a delayed DJ or problems with a station computer, he said.
“It is not permitted to broadcast ‘dead air’ for any significant length of time, that is, a radio signal with no content and no station identification,” he said. “Many radio stations have such arrangements in place… But this was never intended to go on for weeks as it has.”
As of Jan. 12, he had not heard of any communications to the public explaining what was going on. AIM did ultimately provide an update that listeners should expect the radio to go silent on Jan. 20, followed by TV on Jan. 24, as a result of the move. The post noted listeners “will continue to hear music through our transmitter on WERA 96.7 FM.”
The reason for the prolonged continuous loop is because the equipment that relayed microwave signals from AIM’s Clarendon location to the transmitter at 2300 Clarendon Blvd went down, says Jones. AIM will not need this equipment once it is set up in the same building as the transmitter. Jones likened fixing it before the move to upgrading the tires on a car just before trading it in for a new vehicle.
AIM originally had until Dec. 31, 2023, to move out but now predicts that full move-out will happen next week. The delays come down to finances, according to Jones and AIM CEO Whytni Kernodle.
They say they are waiting for Arlington County to approve the rest of a funding request from November for Public, Educational and Government (PEG) funds — subscription revenue that the county receives from franchise agreements with Comcast and Verizon.
These funds only cover capital expenses, which include hiring contractors to take down and rewire equipment.
A pair of women from D.C. are facing charges after an alleged liquor store robbery and car chase.
The robbery was reported around 2 p.m. on N. Fillmore Street in Clarendon. The chase ended around 2:30 p.m. on northbound I-395, temporarily blocking the highway.
The suspects may also be linked to other robberies of Virginia ABC stores in Northern Virginia, according to public safety watchers on social media.
BREAKING: All lanes of I-395N shut down temporarily under Arlington Ridge Road (before the Air Force Memorial) after a police chase of a theft suspect. It ended in a wreck. The chase began in Pentagon City and got on and off I-395 three times between Glebe and Army Navy. A… pic.twitter.com/92mIinQERJ
— Dave Statter (@STATter911) January 20, 2024
Suspect descriptions & vehicle tag has been associated with ~10 larcenies (normally tequila) of ABC stores since 12/23/23. Most recent 01/18/24 in Arlington (~20 bottles taken in 1 theft). pic.twitter.com/SYKidgHcFS
— Matthew Young (@matthewyoung31) January 20, 2024
More on the incident, below, from today’s Arlington County Police Department crime report.
ROBBERY, 2024-01200094, 1000 block of N. Fillmore Street. At approximately 2:00 p.m. on January 20, police were dispatched to the report of a robbery. Upon arrival, it was determined two female suspects entered the business and collected merchandise. Suspect One allegedly made threatening statements towards an employee and exited the store followed by Suspect Two. The suspects fled the scene in a black sedan and a lookout was broadcast. At approximately 2:25 p.m., officers observed the suspect vehicle travelling in the 2900 block of S. Glebe Road and attempted a traffic stop during which the driver failed to stop and fled the scene. Officers initiated a vehicle pursuit and took the suspects into custody after their vehicle experienced a flat tire and came to a stop on northbound I-395 in the area of Washington Boulevard. One suspect was evaluated on scene for minor injuries and did not require transport. One hit and run by the suspect vehicle was reported resulting in minor property damage and no injuries. Two police cruisers sustained minor damage and no officers reported injuries. The stolen merchandise was recovered from the suspect vehicle. [The suspect], 23, of Washington, DC, was arrested and charged with Robbery and Eluding. [The suspect], 22, of Washington, DC, was arrested and charged with Petit Larceny. The investigation is ongoing.
Also in today’s crime report, police are investigating an armed robbery Saturday morning in the Courthouse area.
ROBBERY, 2024-01200075, 2300 block of Wilson Boulevard. At approximately 11:31 a.m. on January 20, police were dispatched to the report of an armed robbery. Upon arrival, it was determined the male suspect was inside a business when he approached the counter and brandished a firearm. He then went behind the counter and stole merchandise before demanding cash from the register. He subsequently exited the store with an undisclosed amount of cash and fled the scene on foot. No injuries were reported. Responding officers canvassed the area for the suspect yielding negative results. The suspect is described as a Black male, approximately 35-50 years old, 5’7”-5’11”, wearing a blue sweatshirt, black jacket, dark blue pants, blue hat, black shoes and a white mask. The investigation is ongoing.
Separately, police are also investigating another report of gunshots fired in the Green Valley neighborhood. The latest incident happened late Friday night.
SHOTS FIRED (late), 2024-01190177, 3600 block of 25th Street S. At approximately 11:57 p.m. on January 19, police were dispatched to the late report of shots heard. Officers spoke with the reporting party by phone who stated approximately 25 minutes prior, she heard what appeared to be multiple shots fired in the area. Officers recovered evidence confirming several shots had been fired and witnesses described observing a vehicle leave the area at a high rate of speed. No victims or property damage were reported. There is no suspect description(s). The investigation is ongoing.
The Rosslyn and Courthouse Metro stations will close starting tomorrow (Friday) for a weekend of track and other infrastructure work.
The closures will run through Monday and prompt buses to replace trains between D.C. and Arlington stations — Foggy Bottom on the D.C. side, Clarendon and Arlington Cemetery on the Arlington side.
The work coincides with the extended Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday weekend.
Four-day closure on parts of Blue/Orange/Silver rail lines from this Friday through next Monday, MLK Day. Free shuttle buses from certain Arlington stations to Foggy Bottom-GWU. https://t.co/WaRDRD3Eql pic.twitter.com/qUmJiW2yLP
— Arlington Department of Environmental Services (@ArlingtonDES) January 10, 2024
More, below, from a Metro press release.
Metro today announced travel alternatives to help customers plan for track work and maintenance over the Martin Luther King Jr. Day weekend that will close a portion of the Blue, Orange, and Silver lines on Friday, Jan. 12 through Monday, Jan. 15.
During the four-day closure, buses will replace trains with no rail service between Foggy Bottom-GWU and Arlington Cemetery on the Blue Line; and between Foggy Bottom-GWU and Clarendon on the Orange and Silver lines. The Rosslyn and Court House stations will be closed. Customers traveling through the work zone should expect significant delays and allow at least 30 minutes of additional travel time to account for shuttle buses.
Work crews will replace rail, rebuild concrete grout pads that support the rail, run fiber-optic cables, install platform edge lighting, and other maintenance activity. Without the closure, the work would have caused major disruptions over multiple weekends, as trains would single track every 26 minutes or with truncated service.
Metro will continue to run normal service on the Yellow and Green lines, and supplement Blue Line service between Foggy Bottom-GWU and Downtown Largo and on the Silver Line between Ashburn and Clarendon.
During the winter months, Arlington Cemetery Station typically closes at 7 p.m. to align with Arlington National Cemetery’s hours. However, Metro will keep the station open through closing during the four-day construction project to accommodate shuttle bus customers.
Shuttle buses will be available for connections to the last trains on the Blue, Orange, and Silver lines. Last train times may be adjusted with some inbound trains departing the end of the line earlier than normal, and the last outbound trains may arrive later than normal.
On Monday, meanwhile, Metro will operate on a Saturday schedule — in addition to the above service changes — due to the holiday.
Mardi Gras is already in full swing at Bayou Bakery in Courthouse.
From now through mid-February, people can indulge in the bakery’s King Cake, as well as a King Cake-inspired daiquiri, and donuts that look like mini King Cakes.
In keeping with New Orleans tradition, the café and bakery at 1515 N. Courthouse Road kicked off its pre-Lenten festivities on Saturday: the Feast of the Epiphany, commemorating when three Magi visited Jesus after his birth. It will last through Fat Tuesday, Feb. 13, a day of feasting before Lent begins on Ash Wednesday.
To mark the festive season, people can order a King Cake for $50, made with the bakery’s signature Creole cream cheese, cinnamon and white icing. It is festively finished with the Mardi Gras colors of gold, green and purple, representing power, faith and justice, and a plastic baby, according to a press release from the bakery.
There is also a daiquiri inspired by the traditional cake made of vodka and Bailey’s Irish Cream. For early birds, the bakery is also selling vanilla and cinnamon “Li’l KC” donuts, which are first-come, first-served, and only available on Tuesdays starting at 9 a.m., now through Tuesday, Feb. 6.
For those wanting to fully embrace the Mardi Gras spirit, Bayou Bakery offers a “Mardi Gras in a Box,” available for in-store pickup. The $150 box includes a King Cake, beads, masks, boas, doubloons, Pat O’Briens Hurricane Cocktail Mix and a mystery game.
The Bayou Bakery King Cake, the Mardi Gras in a Box and catering requests must be ordered 48 hours in advance.
Mardi Gras season at Bayou — owned by celebrity chef and New Orleans David Guas — will appropriately conclude with a party and even more cake.
“On Fat Tuesday, Bayou Bakery will be hosting an evening Bayou Gras party [ticketed] and will also have a variety of specials to celebrate Mardi Gras — like King Cake by the slice,” a PR rep said.
(Updated at 8 p.m.) Residents were asked to stay inside Monday evening as police searched part of the Radnor-Fort Myer Heights neighborhood following reports of gunfire.
The initial call for gunshots heard along the 1700 block of Arlington Blvd came in around 5 p.m. Police verified with nearby Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall that no firing drills were underway at the time before starting to search the area.
The U.S. Park Police Eagle helicopter was called in to assist amid more reports of shots being heard, but has since left the county after not finding any suspects, according to scanner traffic.
“ACPD is investigating the report of shots heard in the 1700 block of Arlington Boulevard,” Arlington police said around 5:45 p.m. “At this time, no injuries or property damage have been reported. A police helicopter is assisting with an aerial search of the area. Expect continued police activity.”
The search appeared to be focused on one particular building.
“Community members are asked to avoid the area as police continue to investigate the report of shots heard in the 1700 block of Arlington Boulevard,” ACPD said around 6:20 p.m. “If you are in the area, go inside and stay inside.”
Police also closed the N. Rhodes Street bridge, near where the search was taking place, according to Arlington Alert.
Shortly before 8 p.m., the search was called off.
“A search of the building has concluded,” said ACPD. “No evidence of a shooting was located and there is no apparent ongoing threat to the community. We appreciate the community’s patience during the investigation. The avoid the area/stay indoors has been lifted.”
More, below, via social media.
CONTINUED: Community members are asked to avoid the area as police continue to investigate the report of shots heard in the 1700 block of Arlington Boulevard. If you are in the area, go inside and stay inside.
— ArlingtonCountyPD (@ArlingtonVaPD) January 8, 2024
LOCATION: 14th St N/ N Rhodes st
INCIDENT: Police Department Activity
IMPACT: Traffic has been closed in both directions on N Rhodes St starting at 14th St N and ending at Arlington Blvd. Seek alternate routes. pic.twitter.com/HjtoXX063O— Arlington Alert (@ArlingtonAlert) January 8, 2024
Arlington County Police: SEEK INDOOR SHELTER. ACPD is reporting shots fired near 1730 Arlington Blvd. Avoid the area. If you are in the area, go inside immediately and stay inside. Close and lock all windows and doors. Stay tuned for further updates.
— Arlington Alert (@ArlingtonAlert) January 8, 2024
Eagle is searching rooftops for any armed person after reports of gunfire… @HelicoptersofDC https://t.co/52VuIJwuST pic.twitter.com/4OmnUbxFOf
— Alan Henney (@alanhenney) January 8, 2024
Anyone know what’s happening at Rt 50 & N Rhodes/N Queen? Police and helicopter circling! @ARLnowDOTcom @ArlingtonVaPD pic.twitter.com/hkOqFgE28n
— Emily L., MPA 🐰👩🏻🌾🗳 (@ehlcreations) January 8, 2024
Arlington County police are investigating after a boy says he was robbed twice by the same group of suspects.
The first robbery happened around 7 p.m. this past Thursday in Rosslyn, while the second happened around 7 p.m. the next day in the Courthouse area, according to police.
Police say the boy knows the three male suspects, one of whom brandished a knife during the first robbery.
More, below, from the latest ACPD crime report.
ROBBERY (late), 2024-01050225/2024-01060032, 1500 block of Clarendon Boulevard/15th Street N. and N. Uhle Street. At approximately 3:47 a.m. on January 6, police were dispatched to the late report of a robbery by force. It was determined at approximately 7:00 p.m. on January 4, the juvenile male victim was in the area of the 1500 block of Clarendon Boulevard when he was approached by three male suspects, who are known to him. Suspect One brandished a knife and made threatening statements while Suspect Two assaulted him and demanded his electronics. The suspects then left the scene with the stolen property and the victim did not require medical attention following the incident. At approximately 7:00 p.m. on January 5, the victim was in the area of 15th Street N. and N. Uhle Street when he was approached by the suspects from the incident the day before and approximately seven additional subjects. Suspect Two demanded and stole the victim’s personal property and caused damage to his electronic device before the group left the area on foot. No injuries were reported from the incident. The investigation is ongoing.