A Neapolitan pizza place plans to open a new location in the Mosaic District.

Pupatella, a local Italian pizza chain, put up signage announcing their new location at 140 Penny Lane, adjacent to Penny Lane Park.

The restaurant chain was founded in 2007 by Enzo Algarme, whose craving for authentic and homemade pizza inspired him to open his own pizzeria, according to the pizza chain’s website.

The menu offers customers a variety of pizza options, including traditional fried Italian food, salads, wine, dessert and coffee.

The Mosaic District spot is the latest in Pupatella’s expansion in Northern Virginia. The pizza local announced new locations in Arlington and Reston earlier this year.

Tysons Reporter reached out for more information and is waiting to hear back.

LEON, a U.K.-based eatery, plans to open in the Mosaic District this winter.

This will be LEON’s first Virginia location at 2905 District Avenue, Suite 160, according to a press release. The expansion into the Mosaic District is part of the company’s plan to open 15 new restaurants by the end of 2020.

“LEON chose EDENS Mosaic District for its vibrant, sophisticated environment that connects families and friends together through a curated mix of unique retail, restaurant and entertainment experiences,” Glenn Edwards, the U.S. president of the brand, said in a press release. “It allows LEON to bring our mission to a family-focused clientele.”

Founded in 2004, LEON brands itself as “naturally fast food” with menu options for a variety of dietary needs, including vegetarians, vegans and pescatarians.

The online menu features breakfast items like an English Breakfast Box and a salmon and egg muffin and all-day dishes including gluten-free chicken nuggets and a vegan sweet potato falafel hot box.

The restaurant chain currently has three locations in D.C. and more than 60 locations in the U.K., Norway, the Netherlands, Spain and Ireland.

Photo courtesy LEON 

Urban Hot Pot is expanding to the Mosaic District, adding to the several other eateries and shops popping up in the commercial center.

The restaurant, known for its traditional Chinese-style dining, will move into an open space at 2980 District Avenue, Suite 110, according to a construction permit application.

The location is preparing to open this winter, a company spokesperson said, adding that owners are still awaiting county approval to redesign the space’s interior.

The original location in Rockville, Md. at 1800 Rockville Pike will remain open for business as the company expands.

Unlimited lunch prices start at $19 and $26 dinner, according to the menu. The price includes unlimited food featuring sliced meats, vegetables and noodles that diners cook themselves in a pot of steaming broth.

The hours of operation for the new location have not been announced yet.

Photo via Facebook

The new Bad Axe Throwing location is offering free throwing lessons to celebrate their grand opening in Merrifield — but only for one weekend.

The new location at 2985 District Avenue, Suite 195 began accepting reservations on last Monday (Aug. 12) and offers an opportunity for participants to try their hand at the sport. The weekend after Labor Day (Sept. 6-8), the location will wave its normal $27 per person fee.

Though patrons cannot reserve dates for the free weekend, they are invited to come for a drop-in session from 5-11 p.m. on Friday (Sept. 6), 12 -11 p.m. on Saturday (Sept. 7) and 2-9 p.m. on Sunday (Sept. 8).

“Our mission is to bring the thrill of a traditional Canadian backyard pastime to urban communities,” the company’s website said.

Anyone curious about the facilities that cannot make it on a free-day, can visit by booking an hour-long session online.

The website suggests that participants wear comfortable athletic clothes. While anyone can come, the company said that people should be strong enough “to throw a soccer ball over their head.”

The company originated in Ontario, Canada where it was founded by CEO Mario Zelaya in 2014. Today, the business has over 40 locations throughout the U.S. and Canada, according to the website.

Photo via Facebook/Bad Axe Throwing

After 27 years of service in the U.S. Military, Vienna resident Timothy Redmond decided to share his experiences in an autobiography.

“As You Were” is a novel about Redmond’s personal life experience after 9/11 and the time he served on duty in Afghanistan. Though the book came out in 2018, it continues to attract attention from readers as he tours local bookshops.

Before he even decided to write a novel, Redmond discovered his passion as a novelist during a creative writing workshop for retired combat veterans hosted by the National Endowment for the Humanities.

During the writing process, Redmond told Tysons Reporter he spent time processing traumatic events that happened to him and his close friends — including the death of a friend.

“It’s stressful to relive some of that,” he said.

He also said it took him a little extra time to write the book because he “wanted to get it right” and respect the people he served with through remembrance. Redmond mentioned that several members in his former unit read the book and gave positive feedback.

From the description of the book on Amazon:

A freshly-minted prosecutor with the Brooklyn DA’s Office, Tim Redmond thought he’d left his life as a Green Beret behind as he pulled into the World Trade Center train station on the morning of 9/11. Three months later he was back in Afghanistan with his old A-Team gearing up for the fight of their lives! Follow this team of Special Forces on their raucous and heroic journey through the unimaginable horrors of war and their unique struggle to return to a home they can no longer make sense of.

Redmond shared his book with the community on Aug. 4, when he set up a table at the new Barnes & Noble in the Mosaic District. He signed autographs and bonded with community members from around the region.

Looking forward to the future, Redmond, who works at a local law firm in Tysons, said that he and his publicist are in the process of scheduling similar events in Tysons.

Photo courtesy Tim Redmond

Mosaic District-based Custom Ink is now linked to a Beyonce-backed company.

The custom apparel company recently acquired Sidestep, a concert merchandise app, the Washington Business Journal reported.

“Sidestep’s services have been made available at concerts in North America, Europe and Australia. Some of its notable users include Beyonce, Guns N’ Roses, Panic! At the Disco, Fall Out Boy and Adele,” the article said.

Beyonce doesn’t just use the app — she invested $150,000 in Sidestep in 2016, Newsweek reported.

This isn’t the first acquisition for Custom Ink. In 2016, the company procured Represent, a Los Angeles-based social commerce startup.

“[Sidestep’s] service will be paired with Represent’s digital marketing platform to allow artists and entertainers to design, market, print and distribute custom merchandise to fans while streamlining the sales process,” the Washington Business Journal reported.

Based out of its Mosaic District office at 2910 District Avenue, Custom Ink also opened two new stores — one in Bethesda, Md. and another in Charlotte, N.C. — this summer.

Photo via Custom Ink/Facebook

The Weekly Planner is a roundup of interesting events coming up over the next week in the Tysons area.

We’ve scoured the web for events of note in Tysons, Vienna, Merrifield, McLean and Falls Church. Know of any we’ve missed? Tell us!

Monday (Aug. 5)

• Sound Check Bingo — 7-8:30 p.m. at Caboose Commons (2918 Eskridge Road) — Music lovers have the opportunity to test their skills by guessing songs and artists after hearing a short clip of music.

Tuesday (Aug. 6)

• Tysons Corner Book Club — 7:30-9 p.m. at Tysons Galleria Food Hall (2001 International Drive) — Members will be discussing Michelle Obama’s book “Becoming” near Andy’s Pizza. This event is free.
• Tuesday Trivia With John W. — 7-9 p.m. at Caboose Commons (2918 Eskridge Road) — This trivia session will feature a variety of topics. It is free to attend.

Wednesday (Aug. 7)

• Summer Rooftop Hit Workout — 6:30-7:30 p.m. at Lululemon Athletica (2920 District Avenue) — Lululemon sponsors this free workout class. All fitness levels are welcome.
• Chanel “Working Woman Wednesday” Beauty Masterclass — 6:30-9 p.m. at Saks Fifth Avenue (2001 International Drive) — This event will feature makeup tutorials from Chanel. Attendance is free and dessert will be provided.

Friday (Aug. 9)

• Meet E.A. Dustin — 7 p.m. at Barnes & Noble (2921 District Avenue Suite 180) — This local author will discuss her book and signing copies of “Save Me Twice” about WWll.

Saturday (Aug. 10)

• Stop the Bleed Workshop — 1:30-4 p.m. at Patrick Henry Library (101 E. Maple Avenue) — CERT and FEMA will teach attendees how to stop bleeding in case of an emergency and save a life if necessary. This is open to everyone 16 years of age and above.
• Ringo Starr & His All-Starr Band — 8 p.m. at Wolf Trap at the Filene Center (1551 Trap Road) — This live musical event will feature musicians who have played alongside Ringo Starr. Tickets start at $45.
• 29th Anniversary Block Party — 1-4 p.m. in McLean (1440 Chain Bridge Road) — The McLean Community Center will host a celebration for the 29th anniversary of the old firehouse. This free event offers free admission and there will be live music, games, food and activities for all ages.

Sunday (Aug. 11)

• Tysons Farmers Market — 9 a.m. at The Plaza at Tysons Corner Center — Every week, local businesses gather to share their goods with the community. Entry is free, and activities for kids will be available.
• Live Music with Eli Lev — noon-3 p.m. at Caboose Commons (2918 Eskridge Road) — Folk singer and songwriter Eli Lev will perform live for the audience. This free performance will likely include music from his upcoming album.

Image via Eli Lev/Facebook 

Warby Parker is eyeing an opening in the Mosaic District next week.

The prescription designer eyeglass retailer plans to open on Saturday, Aug. 10, according to a press release.

“This new library-inspired location will feature an ultra-graphic mural created by the Atlanta-based VCU alum [and] contemporary artist, Alex Brewer (aka HENSE),” the press release said. “HENSE’s playfulness with colors and shapes fit right in with our new space.”

Customers at the store will be able to browse the full selection of optical and sunwear glasses, including the recently launched Trace Edition collection, along with kids’ frames in two sizes.

The Mosaic District spot will be Warby Parker’s third Virginia location, joining Alexandria and Tysons.

A wraparound outside 2920 District Avenue, Suite 130 indicates that Warby Parker is moving into Northern Outfitter’s former spot. The store’s hours will be 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday-Saturday and noon-6 p.m. on Sunday.

Images 2-3 courtesy Warby Parker

The Weekly Planner is a roundup of interesting events coming up over the next week in the Tysons area.

We’ve scoured the web for events of note in Tysons, Vienna, Merrifield, McLean and Falls Church. Know of any we’ve missed? Tell us!

Tuesday (July 30)

• Ruff Tuesdays — 3:30 p.m.-9 p.m. at Caboose Commons (2918 Eskridge Road) and 4-9 p.m. at Caboose Tavern (520 Mill Street NE) — This brewery invites patrons to come for an extended happy hour and bring their dogs. They will have water and treats for furry friends as well as raffle-giveaways.
• Cinema Tuesday — 9-11 p.m. at Tysons Biergarten (8346 Leesburg Pike) — This Tuesday, people at Tysons Biergarten can watch a free showing of “Jaws.” Beer and appetizers will be served.

Wednesday (July 31)

• Culture Shock D.C. — 10 a.m. at Theatre-in-the-Woods (1551 Trap Road) — This hip-hop dance show features a local Culture Shock troupe. The show is suited for ages 7 and up. Tickets are $10.

Thursday (August 1)

• 9th Annual Grateful Dead Meet-Up at the Movies — 7 p.m. at Angelika Film Center (2911 District Avenue) — Fans of the American rock band can watch a feature film, which showcases the previously unreleased June 17, 1991 concert. Tickets are $14.50.

Friday (August 2)

• Movie Night with the National Law Enforcement Museum — 6:30 p.m.-12 a.m. at The Plaza (1961 Chain Bridge Road) — The National Law Enforcement Museum invites the community for a free showing of “Zootopia.”  Popcorn and treats from Lolli & Pops will be provided before the show begins at 7:30 p.m.

Saturday (August 3)

• K-9 Law Enforcement-Themed Kid’s Club — 10 a.m.-12 p.m. at The Plaza (1961 Chain Bridge Road) — Kids will have the opportunity to learn about K9 law enforcement by making crafts and watching demonstrations. Attendees can also meet Washington Metropolitan Airports Authority K9 Russell and his handler Corporal Matthew Werner.

Sunday (August 4)

• Free Yoga — 9-10 a.m. at Strawberry Park (2910 District Avenue) — A free yoga class will take place outside for community members. The Mosaic District asks that participants bring their own yoga mat, water and other necessities.

Photo via Mosaic District/Facebook