An expanding French-inspired cafe chain appears to have set its sights on a new location in Ballston.
Signage for New York-based Maman now covers the windows at 4121 Wilson Blvd in the Ballston Exchange. This is the former home of Greenheart Juice Shop, which closed in October, and Philz Coffee, which closed in December 2022.
The Ballston location would be Arlington’s third from Maman. A cafe opened last year at 2055 15th Street N. in Courthouse, while another is forthcoming at 1450 S. Eads Street in Pentagon City.
A targeted opening date for the coffee shop has not been announced, although signage indicates that it is “now hiring.” Maman did not respond to a request for more information.
The roughly 2,000-square-foot space has been undergoing renovations since August, including the installation of new light fixtures, sinks and other back-end equipment, according to permitting records.
The cafe chain has more than 50 locations, mostly in the D.C. area, New York City and Miami.
“Our guests step into an experience that engages all of the senses: rustic décor at every turn, the aroma and comfort of cuisines inspired by family traditions and the highest quality ingredients,” the brand’s website reads.
Maman’s menu, which is a nod to the mothers of the brand’s two founders, consists of a broad slate of baked goods, savory bites, coffees and teas.
Along with its quiche of the day and make-your-own-omelet options, Maman is perhaps best known for its rotation of seasonal drinks, including a pumpkin pie matcha latte and a vanilla honey butter latte with “sweet corn foam” and cornbread crumbs.
It also offers salads, chickpea bowls and sandwiches like “Martine’s Mediterranean steak sandwich” and the croque “maman.”
The cafe could breathe fresh life into Ballston’s dwindling coffee scene. Two Starbucks locations closed in September and Compass Coffee announced plans to shutter one Ballston spot last month, although another Compass Coffee at 4100 Wilson Blvd is still open in the neighborhood.
