One of the D.C. area’s most popular bagel brands is coming to Ballston.
Call Your Mother just announced plans to open at 4000 Wilson Blvd — the former home of a Starbucks location that closed last year after only two years in business. A specific opening date has not yet been announced for the shop, though it is expected “soon-ish,” according to Call Your Mother’s website.
This will be the self-described “Jew-ish” deli chain’s second bagelry in Arlington, following the opening of a kiosk at the National Landing Water Park (1601 Crystal Drive) in early 2025.
“We’ve been itching to bring our bagels to Arlington for years and we finally came across the perfect spot on Wilson Boulevard,” co-founder Andrew Dana told ARLnow. “Huge windows, lots of natural light — it’s a big vibe.”
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As of today, no permits — which are required for significant renovations — have been filed for the space. Other locations are notable for their eye-catching, pink exteriors.
Customers can expect to enjoy the full menu of Call Your Mother’s offerings, which include bagels, breakfast sandwiches and pastries. Among the more popular offerings is The Jetski, a sandwich featuring brisket, pastrami, sofrito and jalapeno, plus cheddar and American cheeses on a cheddar bagel.
“Guests can also expect to experience the brand’s signature moves: big-time hospitality, bright Boca-y color palettes, a heaping helping of nostalgia and bangin’ bagel sandwiches made with extra extra extra love,” the company said in a press release.
Dana said he has a long history in Ballston, where he “first got into the carb game” selling Timber Pizza at the Ballston Farmers Market in 2014. (The pizzeria now has a location in the Ballston Quarter food hall.)
“The neighborhood holds a very special place in our hearts,” Dana said.
Several tenants have cycled out of the corner retail bay at 4000 Wilson Blvd over the past decade. Starbucks followed a three-year run for LebTav, a quick-service concept from Lebanese Taverna — which came after Taylor Gourmet filed for bankruptcy in 2018.
