Katie Taranto

Arlington, Columbia

Covering breaking news, business and the city of Falls Church at @ARLnowDOTcom, formerly @comissourian. Local is everything.

Articles

Arlington restaurant openings could be slowing down, state data suggests

5 days ago | arlnow.com | Katie Taranto

A slowdown in new restaurant openings could be on the horizon in Arlington. While dozens of new eateries remain on track to open over the next few months, one data source suggests that some restaurateurs could be tapping the brakes on new projects. Since mid-February, just a single business — Buffalo & Bergen — applied for a license to serve mixed beverages in Arlington, according to online records.
Plant boutique of ‘Love is Blind’ fame opens in Crystal City

5 days ago | arlnow.com | Katie Taranto

Crystal City welcomed a new destination for green thumbs over the weekend. The D.C.-based plant boutique PLNTR — known for its 2024 appearance on “Love is Blind” — celebrated the grand opening of its second location on Saturday at 269 19th Court S. The new shop hosts events and classes, and offers a variety of greenery and home goods for sale.
SeoulSpice Korean Kitchen plans grand opening in Falls Church this week

5 days ago | arlnow.com | Katie Taranto

Fast-casual restaurant SeoulSpice Korean Kitchen is set to debut its latest location in Falls Church this week. A grand opening for the regional chain’s newest spot is happening this Wednesday at 156 W. Falls Station Blvd, at the West Falls development. The customizable Korean menu features signature and build-your-own bibimbap, noodle bowls and salads. Bases include white or purple rice, japchae noodles, salad, or roasted vegetables, with toppings like bulgogi, spicy pork, kimchi and kale slaw.
‘Tous les Jours’ French and Asian style bakery opens in Pentagon City

1 week ago | arlnow.com | Katie Taranto

Around Town Published May 30, 2025 at 1:45PM An Asian and French inspired bakery franchise from South Korea has opened for business in Pentagon City. Tous les Jours opened last week at 1100 S. Hayes Street, where Maizal closed last summer. The cafe-bakery offers drinks and freshly baked breads, cakes and pastries with international influences.
Pop-Up District food hall and nightlife spot debuts at Eden Center

1 week ago | arlnow.com | Katie Taranto

The Eden Center’s new food hall and nightlife venue is now open. After a few months of delays, Pop-Up District has opened, bringing a futuristic theme and array of dining kiosks to 6763 Wilson Blvd. The food hall carries Vietnamese, Thai and Korean cuisine as well as coffee and dessert — and after dark, it turns into a late-night lounge. The hall intends to be a casual dining and remote working location during the day. After 6 p.m., it hopes to host a DJ, EDM music and dancing.
New product to help people find lost items launches in Arlington

1 week ago | arlnow.com | Katie Taranto

A new product to help people track down lost belongings made its debut in Arlington this week. Falls Church accountant Dave Doctor is the entrepreneur behind LostAF — a brand of lost-and-found stickers with unique QR codes to help people contact those who have lost things. After scanning the QR code to receive an activation email, users place the stickers on items that might get lost. If somebody finds one of these items later on, they can scan the QR code to let the owner know.
Armed Forces Cycling Classic returns this weekend, prompting road closures

1 week ago | arlnow.com | Katie Taranto

Races in the Amazon Armed Forces Cycling Classic are happening in Arlington and D.C. this weekend, leading to some road closures around Clarendon and Crystal City. The international cycling event kicks off its 27th year at 7 a.m. this Saturday with an amateur Challenge Ride, followed by professional/amateur races in the Capital Cup and Sunday’s Clarendon Cup.
Arlington Drafthouse owners step down, handing reins to longtime manager

1 week ago | ourcommunitynow.com | Katie Taranto

Share After 20 years at the Arlington Cinema & Drafthouse , the beloved Columbia Pike venue’s owners are passing the torch to the business’s longtime manager. Pete Fejeran, who has managed the comedy club and theater at 2903 Columbia Pike for the past 12 years, has taken ownership alongside his wife Kathryn McAbee. Former owners Tim Clark and Greg Godbout are stepping down to pursue “other opportunities,” Fejeran said.
Arlington Drafthouse owners step down, handing reins to longtime manager

1 week ago | arlnow.com | Katie Taranto

After 20 years at the Arlington Cinema & Drafthouse, the beloved Columbia Pike venue’s owners are passing the torch to the business’s longtime manager. Pete Fejeran, who has managed the comedy club and theater at 2903 Columbia Pike for the past 12 years, has taken ownership alongside his wife Kathryn McAbee. Former owners Tim Clark and Greg Godbout are stepping down to pursue “other opportunities,” Fejeran said.
Clarendon-born acai chain South Block taps new president ahead of expansion

1 week ago | arlnow.com | Katie Taranto

Clarendon-born smoothie, acai and juice chain South Block has announced a new president as it rolls out national expansion plans. Restaurant industry veteran Steve Heeley will guide South Block through its next chapter alongside founding CEO Amir Mostafavi, the company announced in a press release last week. Heeley, a Fairfax resident, will lead the chain’s strategy, operations and brand development.