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Jimmy John’s, which has locations in Rosslyn, Ballston and Crystal City, has signed a lease to move into the Beacon at Clarendon West apartment project, at the corner of Washington Blvd, Wilson Blvd and N. Irving Street, according to Asadoorian Retail Solutions, which is managing the retail leasing for the development.

Asadoorian’s Jeff Handler told ARLnow.com that the company is also looking to fill the apartment building’s ground floor with a fitness business and a wine bar, among other retail options. Handler also said he’s “in conversation with a number of restaurants.”


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Nicecream Factory, an ice cream shop that features the frozen confection made-to-order using liquid nitrogen, is now open at 2831 Clarendon Blvd.

The shop opened last Wednesday in the former Red Mango space. The shop was “packed” this weekend, according to co-owner Sandra Tran. Many customers read about the shop on ARLnow.com last month, she said, but a few others had been clamoring for her to open when they walked by during the shop’s buildout, which she said took less than a month.


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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.


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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.


News

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]


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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.”


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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.


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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.


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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.


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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.


Around Town

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.


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