Around Town

The owners of a small wine bar and restaurant in Ballston are closing their doors for good this month, citing rising operating costs, flagging sales and a struggling region-wide economy.

Pirouette Cafe & Wine Shop’s last day of service is Saturday, Oct. 18 at 4000 Fairfax Drive, owners Jackie and Philippe Loustaunau announced on social media and in an email to customers yesterday (Wednesday).


News

A major office building in Ballston may be next in line for conversion to residential use.

Property owner Red Fox DC LLC is expected to come to the County Board later this month, seeking approval to convert a 13-story office building at 4100 Fairfax Drive — above Bronson Bierhall — to 296 residential units.


News

Arlington County police are investigating an armed robbery Sunday night in Ballston, among several notable incidents in the latest ACPD crime reports.

The robbery happened shortly before 8:30 p.m., along the 1000 block of N. Glebe Road. Police say a younger man armed with a gun demanded and then ran off with electronics and a bag from a male victim who was sitting outside.


Around Town

Starbucks is closing two cafes in Ballston this week as part of a $1 billion nationwide restructuring plan to address dropping sales.

Coffeehouses at 4000 Wilson Blvd and in the Ballston Metro station at 901 N. Stuart Street are on the chopping block.


Events

A new dining promotion is bringing autumnal dishes including pumpkin-flavored pancakes, pasta and cocktails to Ballston starting next week.

At least 13 restaurants are participating in Pumpkin Palooza, a new dining punch card program hosted by the Ballston Business Improvement District. Participants must try six eligible menu items at Ballston restaurants by Nov. 6 to qualify for a fall mug giveaway.


Around Town

A family-owned banh mi shop is flourishing during its first year in Ballston, months after its original location unexpectedly shuttered in D.C.

John Tran opened Simply Banh Mi in January at 801 N. Quincy Street as an expansion of his now-closed Georgetown restaurant. The business owner hoped to pass the D.C. store to new ownership earlier this year, but told ARLnow those plans fell through for reasons related to the health of a family member.


Around Town

A boutique fitness studio is coming to Ballston and hosting free pop-up classes around town this fall.

The gym franchise barre3 has signed a lease at 818 N. Quincy Street in Ballston, according to a press release. In advance of the opening, the new studio is hosting pop-up community classes across Arlington over the next few weeks.


News

After more than a decade, the redevelopment of Ballston’s Central United Methodist Church site is about to conclude.

The reopening of Kinhaven School in Ballston on Tuesday will represent “the last piece of the puzzle,” the Rev. Sarah Harrison-McQueen said during an Aug. 27 online program sponsored by the Northern Virginia Affordable Housing Alliance (NVAHA).


Around Town

A new golf-inspired tavern is teeing up to replace Bartaco’s vacant space at Ballston Quarter.

Loopers Tavern, a restaurant and bar “inspired by the traditions and camaraderie of golf caddies” is Arlington restaurateur Reese Gardner’s newest project, fresh off the opening of Nettie’s Tavern earlier this month. He hopes to open Loopers at 4238 Wilson Blvd, where Bartaco exited in March, he told ARLnow.


News

A person has died after falling from a Ballston apartment tower early Wednesday evening.

Police were dispatched to the Meridian apartment building at 900 N. Stuart Street around 6:20 p.m. for a report of a man that jumped from an upper story and landed on the pavement below, near the building’s driveway.


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