The seafood restaurant is coming to the 5,350-square-foot former Desi Innovations space, at 1101 S. Joyce Street. Bonefish Grill is a national chain specializing in market-fresh fish and other wood-grilled specialties.
It appears that some construction has already started, although we’re told the groundbreaking for the project is planned for June. According to a spokeswoman for Pentagon Row owner Federal Realty Investment Trust, Bonefish Grill expects to open in August.
Mazagan Restaurant, the Moroccan eatery and hookah bar next to the Arlington Cinema & Drafthouse, is open to the public starting at 4:00 p.m. today.
The restaurant replaced the quirky electronics store Venus Stereos & TVs at 2901 Columbia Pike, and the interior has completely been redone with wood floors, stone wall and a glass-enclosed, “privately insulated” hookah bar, which owner Riyad Bouizar said allows hookah smokers to still feel like they’re part of the restaurant without their smoke disturbing those simply there to eat and drink.
Sweet Leaf Cafe Coming to Ballston — Sweet Leaf Cafe will be opening a second Arlington location. In addition to the existing Courthouse location, the local salad and sandwich chain will be opening a new cafe at 650 N. Quincy Street in Ballston, on the ground floor of the Residence Inn hotel. [Washington Business Journal]
Businesses Optimistic About County Ombudsman — Local businesses and developers hope that the appointment of assistant county manager Shannon Flanagan-Watson as Arlington County’s “business ombudsman” is another sign that that the county is serious about cutting red tape and being friendlier to business interests. [InsideNoVa]
The restaurant is expected to open at 800 N. Glebe Road, next to Mussel Bar, this July. It will have table seating for 100, a 28-seat bar and seating for 36 at its outdoor patio.
“The restaurant’s menu is grounded in gourmet grilled pizzas with toppings that have been responsibly sourced from an array of American producers,” said spokeswoman Robin Insley. “Its wine menu features a sommelier-created list of about 36 wines designed to be paired with each pizza.”
A new cafe is now open in Lyon Park, the only coffee shop in the mostly residential neighborhood.
Mocha Cafe & Pastry, at 2720 Washington Blvd, opened April 19, serving fresh baked goods from owner Minoo Taheri and her daughter, Fojan, as well as several types of cold and hot coffee drinks, including Turkish coffee — which Minoo Taheri said is one of her most popular items — and café glacé, a coffee, milk and ice cream drink.
We now know where and when the new Amsterdam Falafelshop in Clarendon will be opening.
The falafel restaurant will be opening at 3024 Wilson Blvd, in the former BGR: The Burger Joint space. Despite its prized location just steps from the Clarendon Metro station, BGR closed in January after 3 years in business.
A Dunkin’ Donuts location appears on its way to Ballston in the former Quiznos storefront in the National Science Foundation building.
The storefront, at 4201 Wilson Blvd — but located at the corner of N. Stuart and 9th Streets — is covered in brown paper but a sign on the window states Dunkin’ Donuts applied for a building permit on April 3.
The fast food restaurant, known for its falafel sandwiches and fries, is currently hiring managers for a new Clarendon location. The job posting notes that a manager is also needed for a late night shift.
Amsterdam Falafelshop’s original location is on 18th Street NW in Adam’s Morgan. It has been expanding, with locations opening in Boston, Annapolis and on 14th Street NW in D.C.
Four Sisters Grill, the fast-casual Vietnamese restaurant in the former Fat Shorty’s space, is now open to the public.
Owner Hoa Lai opened the restaurant, at 3035 Clarendon Blvd, on April 17 and, other than having to close for minor repairs for two days this week, he said the initial community response has been promising.
The restaurant’s leasing agent made the announcement today that the lease for the space has been signed. Formerly home to Santa Fe Cafe, the office building and retail space at 1500 Wilson Blvd has since been renovated. We previously reported that Capriotti’s was looking to open in Rosslyn, but at the time a location had not been finalized yet.
Capriotti’s is a fast-casual sandwich shop with locations in more than a dozen states. It specializes in large sandwiches that feature turkey and roast beef that has been roasted in-house, overnight.
Rosslyn Startup to Be Featured on ‘Shark Tank’ — Rosslyn-based startup Zoobean will be featured tonight on ABC’s “Shark Tank.” Zoobean, which describes itself as “a web service that recommends apps and books for children,” will pitch itself to a panel of wealthy investors, including billionaire Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban. The show airs at 9:00 p.m. on ABC. The company will also be profiled as part of ARLnow.com’s “Startup Monday” feature next week. [PR Newswire, Des Moines Register]
Pentagon City Mall Expansion Imminent — Work is expected to “begin soon” on a planned 50,000 square foot expansion of the Fashion Centre at Pentagon City. The expansion will add two new levels of retail, restaurants with outdoor seating, new elevators and escalators, and an expanded food court. Mall owner Simon is also expected to announce some of the new restaurants and retailers coming to the mall “shortly.” [Washington Business Journal]
A new cajun seafood restaurant has opened in Shirlington Village at 4251 Campbell Avenue.
The restaurant is called Blue Sea Seafood and Bar, and it’s located in the former Bear Rock Cafe space. The concept behind it is “to make sure people were getting a great portion, great price and great food,” general manager Jonathan Theriault told ARLnow.com.
