Author: Katie Taranto

Katie Taranto is a reporter at Local News Now, primarily covering business, public safety and the city of Falls Church. She graduated from the University of Missouri in 2024, where she previously covered K-12 education at The Columbia Missourian. She is originally from Macungie, Pennsylvania.

Around Town

Five Guys returns to company’s very first location on Columbia Pike

By Katie Taranto
A Five Guys employee welcomes a line of customers into the chain's new Columbia Pike location (staff photo by Katie Taranto)

Five Guys has made a triumphant return to the Columbia Pike location where the hamburger franchise got its start 39 years ago.

About a dozen customers lined up outside Westmont Apartments to be the first ones inside the burger joint, which opened for business at 11 a.m. today (Monday). It’s on the same spot where Five Guys opened its very first location in a former strip mall in 1986.

Go to Five Guys returns to company’s very first location on Columbia Pike Read more
Around Town

Veterinarian and hair removal studio coming to Falls Church apartment building

By Katie Taranto
Livewell Animal Hospital signs at Modera Falls Church (staff photo by Katie Taranto)

Two new retail tenants have signed leases to join the ground floor of an apartment building in Falls Church.

Livewell Animal Hospital and laser hair removal studio SEV Laser are the newest additions to Modera Falls Church at 1033 W. Broad Street. The apartment began welcoming residential tenants in April and expects to open a cafe and Thai restaurant later this year.

Go to Veterinarian and hair removal studio coming to Falls Church apartment building Read more
News

Bus stop eliminations and route changes go into effect Sunday in Arlington

By Katie Taranto
Metrobus will eliminate a bus stop near the intersection of Crystal Drive and 20th Street (staff photo by Katie Taranto)

All Metrobus routes are getting new names, some routes are changing and 19 bus stops will be eliminated this weekend in Arlington.

The redesign, dubbed the Better Bus Network, is part of the regional bus system’s first overhaul in 50 years. It aims to bring “more frequent, consistent bus service [and] enhance access across the region,” according to the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority.

Go to Bus stop eliminations and route changes go into effect Sunday in Arlington Read more
Events

Where to watch Independence Day fireworks in Arlington next week

By Katie Taranto
Fourth of July 2024 fireworks on the Mall, as seen from Arlington (via Michael Coffman/Flickr)

Independence Day is next Friday, bringing views of D.C’s annual fireworks show as well as other local celebrations in Arlington.

The nearly 18-minute pyrotechnic production on the National Mall is expected to begin at 9:09 p.m, weather permitting. Many parks and trails in Arlington provide popular viewing spots each year.

Go to Where to watch Independence Day fireworks in Arlington next week Read more
Around Town

Acclaimed Nepalese restaurant in Ballston introduces new ‘Yakky Hour’

By Katie Taranto
Nepali set meal with goat from Himalayan Wild Yak (staff photo by Katie Taranto)

A well-loved Nepalese restaurant with Northern Virginia roots is continuing to succeed at its second location in Ballston, serving up a unique delicacy: yak.

Himalayan Wild Yak opened at 1010 N. Glebe Road in March, joining an Ashburn location that has become a favorite of The Washington Post and Northern Virginia Magazine since opening in late 2021.

Go to Acclaimed Nepalese restaurant in Ballston introduces new ‘Yakky Hour’ Read more
Around Town

New ‘Foodie Trek’ program offers prizes for visiting restaurants in F.C. and Arlington

By Katie Taranto
The Falls (Flickr pool image courtesy of Jason Gooljar)

A dozen restaurants across Falls Church and Arlington are participating in a new “Foodie Trek” program with prizes this summer.

The Greater Falls Church Foodie Trek started June 1, intending to bring in customers during a slow season for restaurants, co-founder Tricia Barba told ARLnow. People who visit all participating businesses and collect passport “stamps” before Aug. 31 have the chance to win one of three prize baskets.

Go to New ‘Foodie Trek’ program offers prizes for visiting restaurants in F.C. and Arlington Read more
Around Town

Steakhouse and raw bar ‘GrillMarX’ plans summer opening in Falls Church

By Katie Taranto
GrillMarX's restaurant space in Falls Church (staff photo by Katie Taranto)

A family-owned steakhouse plans on opening its first Northern Virginia location in Falls Church later this summer.

The owners of Maryland-based GrillMarX are preparing to open their fourth restaurant on the ground floor at 510 S. Washington Street. After aiming for an early summer opening, the steakhouse now expects to open by late July or early August, operations manager Victoria Harvey told ARLnow.

Go to Steakhouse and raw bar ‘GrillMarX’ plans summer opening in Falls Church Read more
Around Town

Smash burger spot ‘Jon’s Joint’ gains buzz in Buckingham

By Katie Taranto
Amaan Jan, Naeem Jan and Safa Farighi at Jon's Joint (courtesy of Safa Farighi)

A burger joint in Buckingham with freshly ground smash burgers and a knack for nostalgia is gaining traction in the community after opening late last year.

Jon’s Joint serves classic burger joint fare in a casual, eclectic dining room filled with pop culture references. Created by childhood friends Safa Farighi and Amaan Jan, the restaurant has racked up hundreds of positive reviews since opening at 250 N. Glebe Road, where Ravi Kabob 2 used to be.

Go to Smash burger spot ‘Jon’s Joint’ gains buzz in Buckingham Read more
Around Town

Brij Coffee closes in Crystal City, plans new D.C. location

By Katie Taranto
Brij's former Water Park kiosk (staff photo by Katie Taranto)

A local coffee shop with a social mission has closed after almost two years at Water Park in Crystal City.

But the story isn’t over for Brij Coffee owner Skyler Kelley, who opened the cafe in fall 2023 with the goal of using the business to combat homelessness.

Go to Brij Coffee closes in Crystal City, plans new D.C. location Read more
Around Town

Japanese restaurant ‘Honoo Ramen Bar’ opens in Falls Church

By Katie Taranto
Honoo Ramen Bar at the West Falls development in Falls Church (staff photo by Katie Taranto)

Honoo Ramen Bar, a new Japanese restaurant, is now open at the West Falls development in Falls Church.

Offering a wide menu of ramen, sushi, cocktails and Japanese entrees, the new restaurant is currently soft opening at 153 W. Falls Station Blvd.

Go to Japanese restaurant ‘Honoo Ramen Bar’ opens in Falls Church Read more
Events

Free kids’ activities and treats are in Pentagon City today

By Katie Taranto
Metropolitan Park near Amazon HQ2 in Pentagon City (staff photo by Jay Westcott)

Free treats and family-friendly activities are on hand in Pentagon City today (Friday) for Amazon’s Bring Your Kids to Work Day.

Nearly 2,000 kids are expected to join their parents and guardians at the HQ2 campus for technology demos, storytimes, outdoor activities and more.

Go to Free kids’ activities and treats are in Pentagon City today Read more
Events

A yacht-themed party is coming to Shirlington this weekend

By Katie Taranto
YotRox group photo (via YotRox/Facebook)

Live yacht rock tunes and dining specials are coming to The Village at Shirlington for a night of nautical-themed fun this Saturday.

The shopping center at 2700 S. Quincy Street is hosting a yacht party from 5-7 p.m., complete with a raffle, live music by the cover band YotRox and dining specials.

Go to A yacht-themed party is coming to Shirlington this weekend Read more
View More Stories