Shoppers at Tysons Corner Center may have spotted some new additions to the mall, including a cafe serving up matcha drinks and the return of a Christmas pop-up shop.

A Christmas to Remember comes to the mall during the holiday season to sell a wide variety of ornaments, lights, gifts and collectibles. The holiday decoration store opened a few days ago by the Barnes and Noble on the second level and will stay open through January, an employee said.

Over by the entrance to The Plaza, Matcha Cafe Maiko started serving matcha-focused ice cream and drinks over the weekend.

The chain’s online menu features shaved ice, soft serve, lattes, teas, floats, sweet red bean soup and parfaits.

People looking to get in the mood for Halloween can find a costume and decor store on the first level by H&M, according to the mall’s directory. Spirit Halloween sells costumes for kids and adults, decorations and party goods.

Now Closed

While several stores have opened in the mall, a few have closed.

Candy store Sugarfina closed about a week ago in the mall on the first level by Macy’s, an employee at a neighboring store said.

Frozen yogurt eatery Fruity Yogurt closed a few days ago, an employee at nearby Auntie Anne’s said. The space has a generic wraparound covering it.

Coming Soon 

Canadian clothing brand Roots plans to open in the former Aldo space on the second level in October. The store is currently hiring along with Abercrombie Kids, which is planning to open in November on the first level near Nordstrom.

No new information on when Beauty Nail Bar or Moge Tee will open.

Cinnabon is temporarily closed on the first level in the food court area. A wraparound says that it is “reopening soon.”

Locals can learn about Turkish coffee at the Tysons Corner Center tomorrow (Sept. 26).

The Turkish Coffee Lady will host a pop-up truck event from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. at the Plaza (1961 Chain Bridge Road) to share Turkish culture, educate the public on travel opportunities to Turkey and allow visitors to sample Turkish delicacies like specialized coffee, a press release said.

At the event, guests can not only taste-test samples but also watch a micro-art demonstration from Hasan Kale and also participate in a workshop led by a gastronomy author.

The truck is stopping by Tysons on part of a month-long non-profit tour around New York, New Jersey, Maryland and D.C.

Gizem Salcigil White is the owner of Turkish Coffee Lady and the director of the cultural initiative.

“Turkish coffee is the world’s first coffee brewing method invented by Turks in the 16th century, and it is recognized by UNESCO’s World Heritage List as a cultural inheritance that was passed on from generation to generation,” White said in the press release.

The project is sponsored by several companies and partners including the American Turkish Association of DC and the Republic of Turkey Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

“The coffee truck will also participate in the 17th Annual Washington DC Turkish Festival organized by American Turkish Association of DC this Sunday and conclude the tour at ‘Study Abroad & Global Citizenship Influencer Summit’ in early October hosted by Hostelling International USA,” the press release said.

Photos via Turkish Coffee Lady

Tysons may not have the liveliest nightlife at the moment, but that could soon change as more late-night restaurants and places to hang out open. “Tysons After Dark” will highlight a different spot every week.

Today is National Pepperoni Pizza Day and to celebrate, Tysons Reporter has rounded up eateries and pizza chains in the area serving up pepperoni pies.

New York-style pizza fans are in luck — many of the pizzerias in the area offer that type.

Here’s a list of local pizza places and mostly regional chains that serve up pepperoni pizza options:

• Crust Pizzeria Napoletana (8415 Old Courthouse Road): The locally-owned restaurant serves up Neapolitan pizzas, including a pepperoni one with tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella and fontina.
• Andy’s Pizza (2001 International Drive): Located in Tysons Galleria, Andy’s Pizza offers pepperoni pizza by the slice and whole pizza.
• Lost Dog Cafe (1690A Anderson Road): Known for its specialty sandwiches and dog-themed murals, the local cafe offers three gourmet pizzas with pepperoni — and diners also have their option to create their own.
• Paisano’s (8603 Westwood Center Drive): Diners have their choice between “Paisano’s Supreme” with pepperoni, sausage, ham, meatballs, onions, mushrooms and green peppers and “Meat Lovers ” with pepperoni, sausage, meatballs, ham and cheese. Paisano’s also offers a create-your-own option.

Some national chains in the area include:

• California Pizza Kitchen (7939 Tysons Corner Center, Suite L): The chain offers a variety of pizzas with pepperoni, like “The Works” with spicy Italian sausage, pepperoni, mushrooms, mozzarella, red onions, green peppers, olives and wild Greek oregano or the “Mushroom Pepperoni Sausage” topped with everything in its name. Diners can choose from thin cust, regular crust and gluten-free options.
• Sbarro (1961 Chain Bridge Road): Based on the “original New York slice,” Sbarro serves up a pepperoni pie and stromboli.
• Famous Famiglia (1961 Chain Bridge Road): Don’t want a whole pizza? The Famous Famiglia chain offers pepperoni pizza by the slice, in addition to whole pizzas and pepperoni strombolis.
• Papa John’s (8501 Tyco Road, Suite 1A): Diners have until midnight to decide if they want a pepperoni or meatball pepperoni pizza from the chain at its Tysons location.
• Manhattan Pizza (8365 Leesburg Pike): Located along Leesburg Pike, the pizza place sells the “Brooklyn Meat Pie” with tomato sauce, pepperoni, Italian sausage, ham and meatballs and the “Manhattan Supreme” with tomato sauce, mozzarella, pepperoni, Italian sausage, onions, green peppers and mushrooms.
• &pizza (1961 Chain Bridge Road): &pizza offers gluten-free and vegan dough options. While people can create their own pizzas, one of the popular pizzas there is the “American Honey” with spicy tomato, mozzarella, pepperoni, arugula, goat cheese, hot honey and red pepper flakes, according to the website.
• MOD Pizza (8350 Leesburg Pike): The newly opened eatery in Pike 7 Plaza offers artisan pizzas. The “Mad Dog” has mozzarella, pepperoni, mild sausage, ground beef and red sauce, while the “Tristan” has mozzarella, asiago, roasted red peppers, mushrooms and pesto.

Photo via Lost Dog Cafe/Facebook

Tysons’ new 7-Eleven plans to host a grand opening party tomorrow (Friday) for customers.

Located on the first level of Tysons Corner Center, the convenience store will celebrate with festivities, including activities and free food from noon-4 p.m.

Attendees can expect a DJ, face painter and games, Todd Putt, a spokesperson for the mall, told Tysons Reporter. He added that the grand opening will also offer samples of sandwiches, brownies and fresh-baked cookies.

Construction for the location began in back in the spring.

The convenience store normally carries a range of items from personal care to food. A sign indicated that 7-Eleven applied for a license to sell alcohol.

Regular hours of operation for the new location have not been finalized yet, Putt said.

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 (Sept. 17)

• Brewery and Buzz Oktoberfest — 5 p.m. at Barrel & Bushel (7901 Tysons One Place) — Attendees have the opportunity to try Old Ox Brewery and Ardent Craft Ales and also win prizes.
• Garden Wisdom — 7:30 p.m. at Vienna Town Hall (127 S. Center Street) — Representatives from Plant NoVA Native and the Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District will teach attendees how to rethink their gardens. This event is free.

Wednesday (Sept. 18)

• Entrepreneur Express — 9 a.m.-noon at City of Falls Church Economic Development Authority City Hall (300 Park Avenue) — This free event invites upcoming business owners on how to receive free advice on how to be successful in their ventures and stay ahead of challenges.

Friday (Sept. 20)

• Murder and Marinara — 7-10 p.m. at Maggiano’s Tysons Corner (2001 International Drive) — This event will offer attendees a full three-course meal with bar specials and a night of mystery twists. Tickets are $75.

Saturday (Sept. 21)

• Oktoberfest Kickoff at Tysons Biergarten — 3-7 p.m. at Tysons Biergarten (8346 Leesburg Pike) — This event celebrates the new season with a ceremonial Weihenstephaner keg sent from Germany. $10 entry includes several tastings.
• Zumba — Beyonce Get Me Bodied — 8-8:45 a.m. at Hilton McLean Tysons Corner Atrium (7920 Jones Branch Drive) — This event allows attendees to dance their heart out while exercising alongside Beyonce-loving friends.

Sunday (Sept. 22)

• Broadway Princess Party — 3 p.m. at the McLean Community Center (1234 Ingleside Avenue) — This musical experience invites attendees to experience stories of Disney princesses acted out on stage. Tickets range from $35-$85.

Shoppers at Tysons Corner Center will soon be able to get Invisalign at the mall next week.

Northern Virginia Orthodontics offers Invisalign and braces at two locations in Ashburn and one in Reston.

Now an NVO Invisalign Studio is coming to the second level by Nordstrom in Tysons Corner Center.

People interested can make appointments now and ask about the “First 100 Special” by calling 703-574-2174.

The studio is set to open on Monday, Sept. 16, according to an Instagram post.

Photo via Northern Virginia Orthodontics/Facebook

A new Halloween-themed experience opens this afternoon (Friday, Sept. 13) in Tysons Corner Center.

The American Scream Selfie Museum lets people interact with installations based off spooky movies, TV shows and pop-culture icons by snapping selfies.

The $18 entry fee gives guests 45 minutes to explore 4,200 square foot of space, spokesperson Maurisa Potts said.

Guests can interact with scenes similar to “Game of Thrones,” “Annabelle,” “A Nightmare on Elm Street” and other movies and TV shows, like a chair made of swords called “The Throne.”

Visitors can search for several “easter eggs” hidden throughout the selfie museum. These include framed newsprint of a historical Maryland witch hunt and an incident in the eighth season of “Game of Thrones” when actors left a Starbucks cup on set.

The space features $70,000 worth of props that set designers found at garage sales, antique shops and even Craigslist, according to Jon Libbesmeier, the set-designer and co-creator of American Scream.

Though dimply lit and designed to be spooky, staff said that there will not be anyone jumping out to scare visitors.

The company created similar installations in the D.C. metro area in past seasons, which attracted women aged 24 to 34, though all are welcome, Libbesmeier said.

“Groups of professional women coming to this as a group of friends is our bread and butter in the D.C. market,” Libbesmeier said.

He said this is not typical around the country but he assumed there are lots of young working professionals looking for things to do in the area.

The hours of operation are 3-10 p.m. Thursdays-Fridays and 10 a.m.-10 p.m. on weekends. The exhibit will also be open on the Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday leading up to Halloween.

The pop-up installation will run from Sept. 13-Nov. 1.

Chubbies plans to close their Brandbox location in the Tysons Corner Center this weekend.

The men’s casual apparel pop-up store will close Sunday (Sept. 15), a store spokesperson said, adding that the location was never meant to be permanent.

Chubbies opened in March and offers customers a range of items including men’s swimwear, shorts and accessories.

A sign outside the sop announced a going-out-of-business sale, advertising clothing starting at $9.99.

During the location’s final days, the store will be open Friday-Saturday from 10 a.m. until 9:30 p.m. and on Sunday from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m.

A new fast-food restaurant in Tysons Corner Center wants to help refugees.

Falafel Inc. opened for business at their new location on level one of the mall earlier this week, according to a staff member. Besides just serving an array of Mediterranian fare to customers, the company also provides jobs and food for refugees, according to its website.

“Falafel Inc. is the world’s first falafel quick-service food social enterprise,” according to the company’s website. Tysons Reporter has reached out to learn more about how the proceeds benefit refugees.

Menu items include falafels, hummus, various dips and fries, with prices ranging from $3 to $4.

The company has three spots in the D.C. area and six “coming soon” to Boston, Palo Alton and Los Angeles in California, Amman in Jordan, Dubai and Mexico City.

Falafel Inc. will celebrate its new Tysons spot with a ribbon-cutting on Saturday, Sept. 28.

Shoppers at Tysons Corner Center may want to plan to take the mall’s elevators while several escalators are out of order.

Tysons Reporter walked around the mall yesterday (Thursday) and spotted six escalators closed off.

The most extensive escalator work Tysons Reported spotted was at Macy’s. The department store has multiple escalators closed. Enough escalators are open for shoppers to navigate the store’s multiple levels without needing to take an elevator.

The escalator inside Bloomingdale’s going from the first to second levels is closed, which means that shoppers trying to get up to the second level have to take the store’s elevator.

An employee said that the escalator has been broken for a “long, long time,” but should hopefully be working again soon once a required part comes in to finish the repairs.

Elsewhere in the mall, the escalator on the first level by the food court that goes up to the second level has an “Out of Order” sign.

Next to Victoria’s Secret and the exit on the second level to The Plaza, both escalators connecting the first and second levels are out of order.

Tysons Reporter reached out to the mall to find out how long the escalators have been out and what’s being done to fix them, but has not heard back.

Hat tip to R. Luper