Around Town

A mixed martial arts training studio along Columbia Pike has expanded to a new facility nearby — where, for a few weeks, it will soon host a top-ranking French fighter.

Pentagon MMA opened its new performance center last month on the third floor of the Arlington Drafthouse building (932 S. Walter Reed Drive). The new space has a focus on adult classes, training and recovery, with spaces for mixed martial arts and physical therapy — as well as plans to host an international athlete this summer.


Around Town

An all-you-can-eat sushi spot is replacing the shuttered Takohachi Japanese Restaurant on Columbia Pike.

Signs for the new restaurant, MoMoGoGo, have appeared at a storefront at 2501 Columbia Pike in Penrose Square, where Takohachi closed earlier this year. MoMoGoGo — which plans to serve “fresh sushi & Japanese cuisine,” according to its website — has received work permits and is currently hiring.


Around Town

The Scoop N Scootery has set a June grand opening date for its new late-night ice cream shop in Clarendon.

The ice cream franchise will hold a grand opening on Saturday, June 6 at 1138 N. Irving Street with merchandise and treat giveaways to celebrate. The shop plans to offer more than 70 loaded sundae variations for pickup and delivery until 2 a.m., five days per week.


Around Town

Construction is underway at the long-vacated Cosi restaurant in Rosslyn — but it’s not for a new dining tenant.

Instead, the Department of State is expanding its lobby, located next door, into the empty retail space at 1801 N. Lynn Street, an agency spokesperson told ARLnow. The expansion is intended to “accommodate security upgrades, visitor badging, and updated finishes” at the building, which is home to the Bureau of Diplomatic Security.


Around Town

A Walgreens pharmacy in Pentagon City has terminated its lease, leaving a notable vacancy at the Westpost shopping center.

The drug store at 1301 S. Joyce Street closed on May 5, according to storefront signage. Federal Realty Investment Trust, which owns Westpost, says it is now in touch with a “national bookseller” that is interested in leasing the 11,000-square-foot space — but doing so would require an amendment to the center’s site plan.


Around Town

Pike Cornerstone has closed its doors for the last time after just over two years in business.

The restaurant and bar, which aimed to create a “home away from home” atmosphere with hearty bar fare, cocktails and a dog-friendly patio, held its “final call” on Saturday. It opened at 2900 Columbia Pike, at the former site of Rebellion on the Pike, in April 2024.


Around Town

Solset, a new rooftop bar in Clarendon, has opened for business this week, joining the neighborhood’s bustling happy hour scene.

The bar, situated atop the new “supper club“-inspired restaurant, The Boulevard, offers cocktails and “modern American food with a little bit of Asian fusion,” co-owner Nico Karagounis told ARLnow. The restaurant and bar replaced Wilson Hardware, refreshing the 8,000-square-foot space at 2915 Wilson Blvd with a revamped interior and new menu.


Around Town

Arlington’s third Maman cafe is opening in Pentagon City tomorrow with giveaways for its first customers.

The French-inspired bakery and cafe is hosting a grand opening on the ground floor of Amazon HQ2 (1450 S. Eads Street), where Mae’s Market and Cafe closed last year. Starting at 8 a.m, the first 100 customers will receive a free tote bag and cookie with purchase.


Around Town

The Safeway in Cherrydale is getting a facelift this year.

The longtime grocer at 3713 Langston Blvd is preparing for a store remodel, Dana Ward, director of communications and public affairs for Albertsons’ Mid-Atlantic Division, told ARLnow. Contractors are receiving work permits as the store has begun selling off some soon-to-be discontinued products.


Events

The annual Columbia Pike Blues Festival will be relocating to a smaller space when it returns next month, eliminating the need for any major road closures.

The popular festival, which will feature a lineup of nationally recognized artists headlined by Kentucky funk and soul group Joslyn & The Sweet Compression, will take place at Penrose Square on June 13, Columbia Pike Partnership Executive Director Andrew Schneider told ARLnow.


Around Town

A game bar and brewery in Clarendon closed its doors last week after eight years in business, citing high rent and labor costs.

The Board Room’s last day in business at 925 N. Garfield Street was Thursday, owner Mark Handwerger told ARLnow. A 35-year veteran of the D.C.-area bar space, he said that business never fully recovered from the pandemic and struggled with high overhead costs.


Events

Cinco de Mayo is tomorrow (Tuesday), bringing an outdoor taco bar and dancing to Shirlington and specials at several Arlington restaurants.

Guapo’s Restaurant is hosting its yearly Cinco de Mayo party from 2-11 p.m. at 4028 Campbell Avenue, prompting a road closure on eastbound Campbell Avenue between S. Randolph Street and S. Quincy streets.


View More Stories