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.
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.
The family behind a longtime Ethiopian restaurant on Columbia Pike is starting a takeout pizzeria.
Father Dama Pizza is preparing to open at 1499 Columbia Pike, next door to Dama Restaurant and Cafe, co-founder Hailu Dama told ARLnow. The Dama family has led Ethiopian restaurants in the D.C. area since the 1980s.
A new mahjong studio for both established players and those hoping to learn the popular game has opened in Falls Church.
Local mahjong player Tori Rittinger, who launched Talk Tiles to Me at 113 Rowell Court last week, said she fell in love with the game when a friend got her hooked in 2021.
A family-owned steakhouse and raw bar from Maryland hosted a ribbon cutting at its first Virginia restaurant yesterday (Monday) in Falls Church.
Olney-based GrillMarX is now open in the Little City, serving hand-cut steaks, hearty entrees and Virginia wines at 510 S. Washington Street. The new two-level restaurant hosted its grand opening on the ground floor of 455 at Tinner Hill apartments.
A new yarn shop and haven for fiber arts enthusiasts opens in Falls Church this weekend.
Entangled will sell supplies and host events for knitters and crocheters at 103 Rowell Court. Kelly Schnapp, a Coast Guard veteran, federal employee and longtime knitter from Falls Church, hopes to help customers “escape from everyday stress” and connect to art.
A longtime family-owned ice cream shop is preparing to close in Clarendon.
Nicecream is shuttering later this month at 2831 Clarendon Blvd, co-owner Gil Welsford confirmed. Welsford, who founded the business 11 years ago with his wife, Sandra Tran, expressed gratitude for his customers — saying, “the Arlington community has just been amazing to be a part of.”
A studio for all things mahjong is coming to Falls Church.
The Arlington-founded mahjong business Talk Tiles to Me is opening a new events space and shop at 113 Rowell Court. Founder Tori Rittinger hopes to debut the new studio sometime next month, offering a new home base for her group’s growing audience.
An award-winning fast-casual restaurant serving Middle Eastern street foods is planning to open in a new location in Crystal City.
Falafel Inc has confirmed plans to open at 500 23rd Street S. on Restaurant Row, where Burke & Herbert Bank closed in 2023. The restaurant, which currently has a spot in nearby Water Park, is known for its affordable prices and efforts to fund food assistance for refugees.
The empty space left by Corner Bakery Cafe in Courthouse is getting a new restaurant, possibly by this fall.
Rocoto’s Restaurant and Bakery hopes to bring “high-end casual” Tex-Mex and Latin American fusion to 2111 Wilson Blvd, owner Jaime Vargas told ARLnow. The restaurant is under construction and recently applied for a state liquor license.
Falls Church is getting a new destination for cheese and charcuterie.
Contractors are currently building the storefront for The Cheese Cartel at 922 W. Broad Street, founder Alyssa Romashko told ARLnow. The new small business plans to carry a rotating selection of meats, cheeses, wines and bread.
From French bistros to fried chicken, dozens of new restaurants have landed across Arlington and Falls Church in recent months.
Here are some of the latest developments in the local dining scene this summer, along with some highlights of anticipated openings over the next few months.
