The coronavirus pandemic has forced local businesses to either shut down or add safety measures to stay open. For businesses that aren’t open yet, owners are facing new challenges to decide if or when to debut.
Tysons Reporter found out the new debut plans for three upcoming businesses, which were originally slated to open this spring.
Over in Vienna, plans are still in the works to turn the former home of Posh! (419B Maple Ave. E.) into a Virginia ABC store.
The store was originally expecting to open sometime in May or June.
Dawn Eischen, a Virginia ABC spokesperson, told Tysons Reporter that plans are still on track to relocate the ABC store at 436 Maple Ave. E. to the Maple Avenue Shopping Center space this spring.
“We’re still moving forward with this relocation, but don’t have a firm date,” Eischen said earlier this week. “We’re still looking at the June time frame.”
Eischen previously told Tysons Reporter that the relocation to the spot with roughly 1,400 more square feet “will allow us to provide a wider selection of products, meet market demands and better serve our customers.”
The Palladium’s owners were planning to move their now-closed Arlington nightclub to the Tysons spot.
Currently, The Palladium is closed after the owners canceled the last few concerts in March.
The Salsa Room, which closed in Arlington in March, was supposed to open in its new 15,000-square-foot, two-level home (1524 Spring Hill Road) in late March. Grand opening events were set for the new Tysons nightclub from March 25-29.
Now, Victor Villarreal, one of the owners behind the nightclubs, said that he’s refunded all of the grand opening tickets and he isn’t sure when The Salsa Room will open in Tysons.
“We will open at some point,” he said.
Right now, Villarreal and his brother are working to come up with plans for opening that include different numbers of people allowed inside — 50, 100, 250 — along with other possible safety measures like masks, hand sanitizing stations and cashless payment options.
“I think we’re really considering looking at temperature thermometer you scan on the forehead,” he said. “Our whole plan is trying to keep our staff and our clients safe.”
When state restrictions get lifted, Villarreal said nightclubs will be one of the last businesses to open. “I don’t expect our business to be open until there’s a vaccine or no cases for a couple of weeks at least or a treatment,” he said.
Even if there’s only one COVID-19 case in Virginia, he expects “it’s going to take a long time for people to feel comfortable.”
“We’re the last thing that people are going to want to try to do,” he said, adding that the close contact typical of clubs is completely different from guidelines now for people to stay 6 feet apart.
As for staff, he said that they are waiting for the nightclub to open.
“We can’t pay afford to pay them right,” he said. “A lot applied for unemployment. I know some of them have gotten jobs doing other stuff.”
Villarreal said that he has been negotiating successfully with his landlord in Tysons and utility companies.
“We try to keep a positive attitude but we know nothing is guaranteed,” he said.
The team behind the now-closed Tysons Biergarten aren’t delaying their plans too long to open The ShipGarten — a new pop-up concept near the McLean Metro station.
Originally slated to open this spring, The ShipGarten will now likely make its debut early summer, Matt Rofougaran, Tysons Biergarten’s CEO and managing partner, told Tysons Reporter.
The ShipGarten will consist of a number of themed 40-foot shipping containers, including:
- “The Biergarten” — German and Belgium beers and German food
- Roll Bär — Asian fusion cuisine and Japanese whiskey
- Chalkboard BBQ — a rotating menu of barbecue and international craft beer
- Tysons EuroBar — Mediterranean fare
The shipping containers will be outside, surrounded by a “quintessential biergarten area, family friendly kids area, a fenced in dog area, and entertainment venue,” according to The ShipGarten’s website.
Rofougaran said that patrons will be able to social distance — “Good thing about us is we will have a lot of space.”
He said staffing for The ShipGarten has not been impacted for the pandemic. “Staffing is going to be easy for me,” he said, noting that he’s been in the restaurant business since he was a teenager.
The only coronavirus-related obstacle Rofougaran said he’s noticed is the speed of the work — from architects to construction workers — on the new concept. “Everybody is working much slower,” he said.
Image (1) by Prateek Katyal on Unsplash, image (2) via Google Maps, image (3) via The ShipGarten/Facebook
Editor’s note: Tysons Reporter will temporarily have “Morning Notes” every weekday instead of twice a week to accommodate more news.
Looking for Senior Store Hours? — Fairfax County launched a new interactive map that lets people find stores that have shopping hours dedicated to seniors to reduce the risk of spreading the coronavirus to elderly people. [Fairfax County]
Don’t Take Me Out to the Ball Game — “By this time of the early spring season, the area’s three Little League programs would have held opening-day ceremonies… None of that has occurred, because all activities in the Great Falls, McLean and Vienna Little League programs have been suspended until at least May 11 and likely longer.” [Inside NoVa]
Documenting Your Documents — Fairfax County Fire and Rescue shares tips for how people can get their medical information ready in case of an emergency. [Fairfax County Fire and Rescue]
Q&A With Local Restaurant — Northern Virginia Magazine’s new “Table for None” column focused on how a Falls Church Italian restaurant is weathering the COVID-19 pandemic. [Northern Virginia Magazine]
Empty Merrifield Campus to Become Field Hospital — “Northam said on Wednesday the former ExxonMobil campus in Merrifield owned by Inova Health System will be one of three field hospital locations in Virginia as it faces a surge in coronavirus cases.” [Washington Business Journal]
Booze To-Go — “[Gov. Ralph Northam] announced during a news conference Wednesday that restaurants with a mixed-beverage license from the ABC can start selling mixed-beverages for takeout and delivery. That change will become effective Thursday at midnight. Restaurants previously were allowed to sell only wine and beer through takeout and delivery.” [Inside NoVa]
A Wind Advisory has been issued for northern and central MD, northern VA, and the northern/central VA Blue Ridge from 10 AM to 5 PM Thursday. Sustained winds of 20-30 mph, with gusts up to 50 mph are expected. pic.twitter.com/pC0XVkzb8r
— NWS Baltimore-Washington (@NWS_BaltWash) April 9, 2020
(Updated 4/8/2020) In addition to their regular menu items for delivery or carry out, some local restaurants are turning into grocers to stay open during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Grocery kits and markets from restaurants save residents a trip to the grocery store and help financially support local eateries.
Here’s a few of the restaurants-turned-grocers Tysons Reporter has found:
Great American Restaurants, which operates three eateries in Tysons, debuted “The Great American Grocery Essentials” on March 25, according to a press release.
For $69, the kit includes milk, orange juice, butter, rice, eggs, ground beef, chicken breast, toilet paper, baked goods, spaghetti and paper towels.
The kit is available for pick-up or delivery.
Farmers Restaurant Group has started an online market and grocery at the Founding Farmers locations in Tysons and Potomac, Md., according to a press release.
“The market will sell over 300 items with various ‘departments’ including a prepared foods market, bakery and pastry, butcher and deli, produce, an ice cream shop, basic groceries and household staples, tins of specialty roasted coffee, and an alcohol section,” the press release said.
In addition to the restaurant’s a la carte menu, the Tysons location will also offer scheduled, contact-free curbside pick-up and delivery options for its groceries starting today (April 7).
Delivery orders cost an addition $6.99 and will be available within a 10-15 mile radius of the two locations.
“Restaurant access to bulk food and material suppliers and partners could help ease the burden for everyone, especially with shortages at area grocery stores,” the press release said.
Earls, a restaurant chain that has a location in Tysons, recently launched “Earls Grocer” to sell pre-packaged grocery kits, meals and individual items for delivery or pick-up.
The grocery packs offered in the U.S. include the “Produce Pack,” “Dairy + Egg Pack,” “Pantry Pack” and “Protein Pack.”
Shoppers can also by individual items — like toilet paper, hand soap, BBQ rack of ribs, ground coffee and cheesecake — and prepared meals to feed two to four people.
In the U.S., the groceries can be delivered through DoorDash, UberEats or GrubHub.
The Palm, a restaurant chain that has a location in Tysons, is offering take-home meal kits, according to Facebook posts.
People can create their own meals with The Palm’s “Steak Kits.”
“From 7-ounce Center-Cut Filets to 18-ounce Rib-Eye Steaks, place your order at your nearest Palm for pickup or curbside service,” according to a Facebook post.
Know of a local restaurant offering groceries? Email us at [email protected]
Editor’s note: Are you a restaurant in the Vienna, Falls Church, Tysons, Merrifield and McLean areas that has a fundraiser? Email us at [email protected].
Many eateries in the Tysons area are turning to fundraisers to help them stay afloat financially during the coronavirus panoramic or to help support laid off staff.
Tysons Reporter has been keeping track of GoFundMe pages for local restaurants and their staff. Here are the latest fundraisers we found:
Rocco’s (1357 Chain Bridge Road) is looking to raise $25,000.
“We have been serving our community since 1977, and we don’t want to lose Rocco’s because of this pandemic,” the GoFundMe page says.
The Italian restaurant in McLean is currently offering pick-up and delivery options, according to its website.
Over in Falls Church, Loving Hut (2842 Rodgers Drive) is looking to raise $10,000 to help with operating costs and paychecks for employees.
The vegan chain offers Asian-accented cuisine. The Falls Church location is regularly screening employees for illness, selling vegan hand sanitizer and offering carry out, according to the eatery’s Facebook page.
Agora Restaurants, which has a location in Tysons, is raising $5,000 for their staff.
“Both of our locations have switched to Delivery/Carryout thus leaving us to make the difficult decision to layoff over 100 of our dedicated and loving team members,” the GoFundMe said. “We have decided to setup a fundraiser to support our staff that can be beneficial for them during this period of uncertainty.”
The Tysons location (7911 Westpark Drive) is currently offering delivery and pickup from noon-9 p.m. daily, according to its website.
Photo via Rocco’s/Facebook
Editor’s note: Tysons Reporter will temporarily have “Morning Notes” every weekday instead of twice a week to accommodate more news.
Grim Outlook for Restaurants — “The Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington estimates that 25%-30% of its roughly 1,200 members won’t be able to weather the storm and will have to shut down once all is said and done.” [Washington Business Journal]
Falls Church Businesses Making Masks — “Terry Lederer, who co-owns Lederer’s Sound Service with husband Chuck, has co-organized a volunteer group that has already sewn over 250 masks in the past eight days. That effort is matched by Amy Bitici of the bridal shop Zoya’s Atelier, who has kept four of her employees on the payroll sewing masks in an operation that began this past Monday.” [Falls Church News-Press]
Vienna Town Council OKs New Ordinance — “The ordinance mandates that any electronic meetings shall be open to the public via electronic participation. In addition, public comments on matters requiring a public hearing may be made in writing or electronically. The ordinance also provides for postponement of non-emergency or non-essential public hearings and action items.” [Town of Vienna]
COVID-19 Court Changes — “While the Fairfax County Courthouse remains open to the public, the Circuit Court, General District Court and Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court have changed their bond and arraignment schedule until further notice.” [Fairfax County]
Pet Care During Pandemic — “Eight D.C., Maryland and Virginia animal welfare organizations — including Fairfax County’s Animal Shelter — are uniting to urge the community to have a plan in place for your beloved companion animals in the wake of COVID-19.” [Fairfax County]
Local Eatery Talks COVID-19 Changes — “For as long as he has to, Clarity chef-owner Jon Krinn is dumping the luxury approach at his essential small plates restaurant in Northern Virginia. A kitchen that used to turn out $88 tasting menus full… is now focused on supporting local purveyors.” [Eater DC]
https://twitter.com/FCPSSupt/status/1245683683836690434?s=20
Photo courtesy Ed Schudel
In an effort to help local businesses weather economic impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic, Visit Fairfax has a new mobile program to connect people to local businesses offering takeout.
Visit Fairfax unveiled the “Take Out Trail” mobile passport program today (Thursday). The free program, which can be used on phones or computers, has a menu of local businesses ranging from restaurants to local merchants.
“Our hope is that the mobile passport will help residents connect with the merchants they know and love and also inspire them to explore the other world-class restaurants, breweries and wineries our county has to offer,” Visit Fairfax’s president Barry Biggar said in the press release.
People can use “Take Out Trail” to find out when businesses are open, where they are located and what they are offering for take-out and delivery. The program has more than 50 merchants, according to the press release.
“In addition, many merchants are offering discounts and coupons, such as 20% off orders or 50% off of wine,” the press release said.
Some of the Tysons-area businesses on menu include Caboose Commons, 2941 Restaurant, Eddie V’s and Barrel and Bushel.
Visit Fairfax worked with digital agency Streetsense and Bandwango to build and launch the program “in a matter of days,” the press release said.
Biggar told Tysons Reporter yesterday that Visit Fairfax is working to support local businesses.
The organization has been promoting “Virginia Is for Restaurant Lovers Takeout Week,” coordinating with local hotels to give discounts to self-isolating first responders and offering virtual activities through the “Fairfax First” program.
Local businesses interested in participating in the program for free can find information online or call 435-477-7804.
“During these challenging economic times, it’s more important than ever that we come together as a community to support our local small businesses,” Biggar said in the press release.
Image via Visit Fairfax
Roughly a week after Bear Branch Tavern (133 E. Maple Avenue) decided to temporarily close, the restaurant will now reopen for carryout today (April 2).
While it is unclear why owners didn’t announce intentions to reopen for takeout along with the location’s temporary closure, co-owner Chris Lefbom said on Facebook that the restaurant will begin taking orders at 4 p.m. this evening.
The eatery will be taking extra precautions to protect customers and staff, including sanitizing its public spaces, implementing an online ordering system and patio pickup and having contact-free transactions, according to Bear Branch Tavern’s Facebook page.
Takeout will be available Monday-Friday from 4-9 p.m. and on weekends from 11 a.m. until 8 p.m., the Facebook page said.
Previously, the owners set up a GoFundMe for its employees who were previously out of work.
Tysons Reporter reached out for comment but did not receive an immediate response.
Photo via Bear Branch Tavern/Facebook
Many local restaurants have pivoted recently to offering take-out and delivery options after Gov. Ralph Northam ordered the closure of dine-in options.
Over the last week, Tysons Reporter compiled a list of 106 eateries in Tysons, Merrifield, Falls Church, McLean and Vienna.
The following Google Sheet includes information on whether or not a restaurant is open right now and, if so, how people can get food.
The City of Falls Church, Tysons Corner Center and the Mosaic District also have lists of local eateries’ options that diners can check.
Readers are advised to check social media accounts and websites for restaurants that are not on this list to find out if they can order food.
Ashley Hopko contributed to this report
Editor’s note: Are you a restaurant in the Vienna, Falls Church, Tysons, Merrifield and McLean areas that has a fundraiser? Email us at [email protected].
As local eateries adjust to declining sales and people staying indoors, several have turned to fundraisers to help keep their doors open and employees paid.
Like last week, Tysons Reporter has rounded up GoFundMe pages for local restaurants. Here are the latest fundraisers:
Pulcinella, a McLean restaurant that serves up southern Italian cuisine, has started an employee relief fund. The restaurant is looking to raise $25,000.
“During these past few days, Pulcinella has had to face unthinkable challenges due to the global health crisis,” the GoFundMe page said. ‘Unfortunately, this has impacted our industry along with many others, very negatively.”
The manager at the Lost Dog Cafe in Tysons is looking to raise $2,500 to support the restaurant, which is known for its sandwiches, local history-themed murals and animal rescue.
“Our sister cause, Lost Dog and Cat rescue, gets a piece of the pie each time you stop by, which is why we’ve managed to find more than 30,000 animals a loving home,” the GoFundMe said.
Chris Lefbom and Adam Lubar of Vintage Restaurant Group are looking to raise $5,000 to assist employees at Dogwood Tavern in Falls Church.
The restaurant temporarily closed due to coronavirus concerns, along with Vienna-based Bear Branch Tavern, which is also a part of the Vintage Restaurant Group.
“All funds raised here will be distributed directly to our hourly employees — fairly and equally — based on full- and part-time employee status,” the GoFundMe said.
The manager of Ireland’s Four Provinces in Falls Church wants to raise $30,000 for the restaurant’s staff.
“Many of our employees depend entirely on tips earned from service; with that income gone, even the current gov’t relief measures won’t address some of their most immediate needs,” according to the GoFundMe page.
The restaurant’s owners have pledged to match donations up to $10,000, according to the GoFundMe.
Laura Schwartz is a licensed Realtor in VA, D.C. and MD with McEnearney Associates in McLean. Reach the office at 703-790-9090.
As we begin week 3 of this fight against the Coronavirus, I wanted to take a moment and express my sympathy for everyone impacted by this horrendous circumstance.
I know this hasn’t been easy in so many different ways, for so many different people, but hopefully we’ll all be able to go back to normal life soon(ish) and get everyone back on their feet. In the meantime, if you are able to, there are many ways you can support our local community. If I don’t mention your organization, PLEASE add it to the comment section below to get the word out.
Meals for Those on the Front Line (Nurses, Firefighters, EMT, Doctors): This helps support the local restaurants all while donating meals to those who deserve extra thanks right.
- Social Burger + Sandwich Shop: A partnership to drop off 900 meals to INOVA Fairfax over the next 3 weeks. Meals are $12 + tax, and will be donated to ER, respiratory, laboratory, surgical and several other departments. Order on the Social Burger site, look for “Frontline and First Responder Meals“.
- CrossFit Mill Street is joining this partnership and hosting ZOOM Fitness Sessions (check out the times on their Facebook page). For everyone who attends, they’ll donate $2 per person towards a meal through Social Burger + Sandwich Shop.
- INCA Social: Delivering 50 meals 2 days a week to the INOVA Critical Care Unit at $8 a meal. You can order on their app or website: Order Now -> Delivery -> Choose Items -> Buy a Nurse a Meal (at the bottom).
- Vienna Inn + Church Street Pizza: Providing breakfast, lunch and dinner for the Vienna Fire Department and Vienna Police Department. You can sign up for a slot here.
- A Shout out to Clarity in Vienna for delivering their Focaccia Pizza to some medical workers and emergency personnel last week on their own.
Also don’t forget about the BRAWS Organization in Vienna. Not only do they support women directly, they support other organizations like Women Giving Back. Donate money, new undergarments or menstrual supplies here.
There are also multiple signs up for helping people directly impacted:
- Bear Branch Tavern GoFundMe for their employees
- Adopt a Family — provide 3 meals for a family impacted by the pandemic (can also be gift cards)
Last but not least — I know for my family, talking about where we’re going to get take out or delivery can infuse some small bit of normalcy into our day, all while supporting our local businesses to help them weather this storm. The Vienna Foodies group has put together a spreadsheet to help identify places that are open, their operating schedules, and how you can get the food.
Some things we’ve done are take my kids for a walk to get ice cream at Rita’s or Kiln & Co, grab sandwiches at Sandwich Shop, or go try a new restaurant we normally wouldn’t get a chance to. A positive note is that there’s no traffic — so it’s a quick drive to anywhere to get take out from a new place.
Last night we actually got Peter Chang’s in Arlington, we got Liberty BBQ one night in Falls Church… you can see where my savings in gas money has gone these past 2 weeks. If you’re worried about how they’re handling the food — call and ask. For example, Kiln and Co has free toppings, but nobody should be sharing a spoon… so the smart people there are packaging the toppings to go so there’s no contact.
