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

New all-you-can-eat sushi restaurant coming to Columbia Pike

By Katie Taranto
Signs for MoMoGoGo at 2501 Columbia Pike (staff photo by Katie Taranto)

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.

Go to New all-you-can-eat sushi restaurant coming to Columbia Pike Read more
Around Town

Scoop N Scootery ice cream shop holding June grand opening in Clarendon

By Katie Taranto
Signage for The Scoop N Scootery at 1138 N. Irving Street (staff photo by Katie Taranto)

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.

Go to Scoop N Scootery ice cream shop holding June grand opening in Clarendon Read more
Around Town

Former Cosi restaurant is becoming an expanded State Department lobby in Rosslyn

By Katie Taranto
Cosi's former space at 1801 N. Lynn Street (staff photo by Katie Taranto)

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.

Go to Former Cosi restaurant is becoming an expanded State Department lobby in Rosslyn Read more
Around Town

Walgreens closes in Pentagon City, and a ‘national bookseller’ eyes the space

By Katie Taranto
Walgreens' former retail bay at 1301 S. Joyce Street (staff photo by Katie Taranto)

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.

Go to Walgreens closes in Pentagon City, and a ‘national bookseller’ eyes the space Read more
Around Town

Cornerstone restaurant and bar closes after two years on Columbia Pike

By Katie Taranto
Outside Pike Cornerstone in May 2026 (staff photo by Katie Taranto)

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.

Go to Cornerstone restaurant and bar closes after two years on Columbia Pike Read more
Around Town

Solset rooftop bar opens in Clarendon atop new restaurant, The Boulevard

By Katie Taranto
Solset's rooftop bar (staff photo by Katie Taranto)

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.

Go to Solset rooftop bar opens in Clarendon atop new restaurant, The Boulevard Read more
Around Town

Maman opens new Pentagon City cafe tomorrow amid ongoing expansion

By Katie Taranto
Maman's new cafe in Pentagon City (staff photo by Katie Taranto)

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.

Go to Maman opens new Pentagon City cafe tomorrow amid ongoing expansion Read more
Around Town

Safeway in Cherrydale plans renovations for ‘super premium’ store remodel

By Katie Taranto
Safeway at 3713 Langston Blvd (staff photo by Dan Egitto)

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.

Go to Safeway in Cherrydale plans renovations for ‘super premium’ store remodel Read more
Events

Columbia Pike Blues Festival returns next month, relocating to Penrose Square

By Katie Taranto
The crowd at the 2023 Columbia Pike Blues Festival (courtesy of Columbia Pike Partnership)

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.

Go to Columbia Pike Blues Festival returns next month, relocating to Penrose Square Read more
Around Town

The Board Room abruptly closes in Clarendon after eight years of business

By Katie Taranto
The Board Room sign (file photo)

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.

Go to The Board Room abruptly closes in Clarendon after eight years of business Read more
Events

Cinco de Mayo brings Shirlington street festival and deals on food and drinks

By Katie Taranto
Guapo's in Shirlington (staff photo by Katie Taranto)

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.

Go to Cinco de Mayo brings Shirlington street festival and deals on food and drinks Read more
Events

Star Wars Day bringing treats, trivia and ‘Resistance Rally’ to Arlington

By Katie Taranto
Grogu and Darth Vader doughnuts from Astro Beer Hall (courtesy of Scott Suchman)

Star Wars Day is next Monday, May 4, bringing themed bites, activities and giveaways to Arlington.

A Lego Star Wars building event, Grogu-inspired donuts and even an on-theme protest are just some of the ways local residents will be acknowledging the iconic sci-fi saga. Here’s a look at what is planned in the next few days.

Go to Star Wars Day bringing treats, trivia and ‘Resistance Rally’ to Arlington Read more
View More Stories