Around Town

Demolition has begun at the vacant Stratford Motor Lodge in Falls Church, where a local business owner plans to construct a restaurant and beer garden.

Under new ownership, the site at 300 W. Broad Street is slated to become Stratford Gardens, the latest project by Arash Tafakor. He co-owns a few local businesses, including Brick House Butcher and Dominion Wine and Beer – both located down the street from the new development.


Around Town

The Pentagon City mall has confirmed the planned opening dates for some of its new eateries, with one expected to arrive as soon as February.

Gelato, Mediterranean food, Guatemalan chicken and more are expected to come to the Fashion Centre at Pentagon City over the next few weeks and months.


Around Town

New dessert options with Filipino flair are coming soon to Pentagon City.

With a lilac aesthetic and colorful delicacies, Maryland-based Gwenie’s Pastries hopes to bring baked goods and hot beverages to 1417 S. Fern Street — formerly W Nails & Spa — by April.


Around Town

A Tex-Mex and Latin-inspired restaurant hopes to open in Crystal City sometime early this spring.

La Posada, a new concept by veteran restaurateur Julian Giraldo, is in development at 320 23rd Street S., on the ground floor of Quimby on 23rd apartments.


Around Town

A new Asian fusion restaurant with Korean barbecue is preparing to open in Crystal City.

Pi BBQ and Bar hopes to open by early March at 420 23rd Street S., near Restaurant Row, co-owner Scott Goodson told ARLnow.


News

A state bill that would loosen restrictions on liquor sales is picking up support from members of Arlington’s restaurant scene.

Restaurants with mixed beverage licenses in Virginia are mandated to make at least 45% of sales from food and no more than 55% of sales from liquor-based mixed beverages. Senate Bill 1163 would lower the food sale requirement to 30%, allowing higher revenue percentages from liquor — something multiple restaurant owners told ARLnow they would welcome.


Around Town

Lapu Lapu, a Filipino eatery offering to-go breakfast sandwiches, is expected to open this spring in Crystal City, according to the National Landing BID.

The Gaithersburg-based shop hopes to make its Northern Virginia debut at 1417 S. Fern Street by April. Named after a national hero of the Philippines, Lapu Lapu combines Filipino cuisine with American breakfast sandwiches.


Around Town

A D.C.-based Italian sandwich shop and deli is making its way across the Potomac to Ballston.

Grazie Grazie is preparing to open across from Hawkers Asian Street Food at 4201 Wilson Blvd. It will be the business’s third location and first shop outside D.C.


News

An Arlington nonprofit has received a $200,000 award supporting its food assistance programs and career training for immigrants and minorities.

Kitchen of Purpose last month received the annual Neighborhood Builders Award — a Bank of America grant recognizing high-impact nonprofits nationwide. The award comes as Kitchen of Purpose seeks to increase revenue streams under a new CEO who took the reins in late 2023.


Around Town

A French cafe and creperie with a vintage aesthetic may be opening soon in Falls Church.

The Little Falls Cafe is a new concept by Enzo Algarme and Anastasiya Laufenberg, the founders of Pupatella, an acclaimed Arlington-based pizzeria.  The team aims for a spring opening.


Around Town

A new Chinese restaurant will celebrate its grand opening in Rosslyn amid Lunar New Year celebrations this weekend.

Little Tiger Dumplings, offering Northern Chinese cuisine and six kinds of handmade dumplings, is debuting at Upside on Moore above the Rosslyn Metro station. It replaces previous vendor Lucky Danger.


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