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

Japanese franchise ‘Takagi Coffee’ plans new Pentagon City cafe

By Katie Taranto
Empty retail bay where Takagi Coffee is expected at Pentagon Centre (staff photo by Ryan Cole)

A coffeehouse franchise based in Japan plans to open its first East Coast location in Pentagon City.

Takagi Coffee has inked a deal at 721 15th Street S., in between Tend and Yunnan by Potomac Noodle House. The cafe applied for a commercial building permit last Friday.

Go to Japanese franchise ‘Takagi Coffee’ plans new Pentagon City cafe Read more
Events

Arlington County Fair returns next week with free festivities and relocated beer garden

By Katie Taranto
Scene from the 2024 Arlington County Fair (staff photo by James Jarvis)

Five days of live entertainment, family-friendly fun and, of course, food-eating contests kick off next week with the start of the 49th annual Arlington County Fair.

Starting next Wednesday, Aug. 13, and lasting through Sunday, Aug. 17, this year’s fair at the Thomas Jefferson Community Center (3501 2nd Street S.) includes a relocated beer garden and a new partnership with the Department of Parks and Recreation.

Go to Arlington County Fair returns next week with free festivities and relocated beer garden Read more
Around Town

New European-inspired restaurant and bar plans Pentagon City opening

By Katie Taranto
Signage for Ember at Westpost (staff photo by Katie Taranto)

A new “Eurofusion” restaurant and bar with specialty dry-aged meats is preparing to open in Pentagon City later this year.

Ember Kitchen and Spirits is targeting a winter opening at 1301 S. Joyce Street, where Irish gastropub Mattie and Eddie’s closed last year. It plans to offer quality cuts of meat and European-inspired dishes, while hosting events involving dancing and live music, founder Nicholas Mounts told ARLnow.

Go to New European-inspired restaurant and bar plans Pentagon City opening Read more
Around Town

Panera Bread plans fall opening in Crystal City

By Katie Taranto
2450 Crystal Drive (staff photo by Katie Taranto)

Panera Bread is coming to Crystal City.

The fast-casual chain known for its soups, salads and sandwiches has confirmed plans to open at 2450 Crystal Drive. Construction has started in the vacant retail bay next to Navy Federal Credit Union, where Panera received a permit to build last month.

Go to Panera Bread plans fall opening in Crystal City Read more
Around Town

RAMMY Awards honor Heidelberg Pastry Shoppe and ‘Padaek’ restaurateur

By Katie Taranto
Chef and restaurateur Seng Luangrath holds the 2025 "Restaurateur of the Year" award at the 2025 RAMMYS (courtesy of the Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington)

A bakery off of Langston Blvd and the chef behind a Laotian restaurant in South Arlington walked away with honors at last night’s RAMMY Awards.

Heidelberg Pastry Shoppe received the Honorary Milestone Award for 50 years in business, while local chef Seng Luangrath won “Best Restaurateur of the Year.”

Go to RAMMY Awards honor Heidelberg Pastry Shoppe and ‘Padaek’ restaurateur Read more
Around Town

The Clarendon Ballroom debuts renovated rooftop with seasonal pop-up decor

By Katie Taranto
Cabana seating with new decorations on The Deck (staff photo by Katie Taranto)

A colorful new look and refreshments have arrived for the summer on The Clarendon Ballroom’s rooftop.

The three-level bar and events venue recently renovated its rooftop — renamed “The Deck” — with latticework, more seating and summery, Mediterranean-inspired decor and food. It is the first pop-up theme in what the Ballroom team hopes to make a rotating series throughout the year.

Go to The Clarendon Ballroom debuts renovated rooftop with seasonal pop-up decor Read more
Around Town

Appalachian and Italian inspired ‘Nettie’s Tavern’ opens in Clarendon this month

By Katie Taranto
Nettie's Tavern in Clarendon (staff photo by Katie Taranto)

A new tavern with Appalachian charm and an Italian American-inspired menu will soon open for business in Clarendon.

Nettie’s Tavern, opening Monday, Aug. 11 in part of the former Whitlow’s space, is named after a beloved family friend of Arlington restaurateur Reese Gardner. The Appalachia native met Nettie, who he identified only by her first name, six years ago in a bar near Berkeley Springs, W.Va.

Go to Appalachian and Italian inspired ‘Nettie’s Tavern’ opens in Clarendon this month Read more
Around Town

Local artist launches satirical zine and ‘street studio’ pop-up in Clarendon

By Katie Taranto
Wilson B.'s street studio (staff photo by Katie Taranto)

The artist behind Arlington’s countless posters satirizing local politicians has launched a new outdoor pop-up studio and zine.

Wilson B., aka @ArlingtonAF, is probably best known for his signs riffing on local political candidates, the Arlington GOP, Advanced Towing and other well-known entities.

Go to Local artist launches satirical zine and ‘street studio’ pop-up in Clarendon Read more
News

Virginia’s sales tax holiday brings back-to-school discounts this weekend

By Katie Taranto
School supplies (courtesy of the Sutton family)

Virginia’s annual tax holiday returns this weekend, bringing three days of discounted shopping across the state.

Between Friday and Sunday, Arlington’s 6% sales tax will not apply to any of the following items, bought in-store or online.

Go to Virginia’s sales tax holiday brings back-to-school discounts this weekend Read more
Around Town

Sauna studio with monthly memberships plans Clarendon location

By Katie Taranto
Signage for Perspire Sauna Studio in Clarendon (staff photo by Katie Taranto)

A sauna franchise is preparing to open a studio in Clarendon.

Perspire Sauna Studio is in development across the street from the Clarendon Metro station, according to public records and new storefront signage. The company claims that its infrared sauna and therapy services, available in packages and monthly memberships, come with numerous health benefits.

Go to Sauna studio with monthly memberships plans Clarendon location Read more
Around Town

Rare Bird Coffee Roasters plans new location in Westover

By Katie Taranto
5870 Washington Blvd in Westover (staff photo by Katie Taranto)

Westover may soon be home to the second location of a popular Falls Church cafe.

The owners of Rare Bird Coffee Roasters have applied for a permit to open a new location at 5870 Washington Blvd, in the same strip mall as Village Sweet and Stray Cat Cafe. They plan to fill a vacancy left by the former Westover Cleaners.

Go to Rare Bird Coffee Roasters plans new location in Westover Read more
View More Stories