After nine years at Lake Anne Plaza, Singh Thai plans to close on Sunday (March 31).
The locally owned Thai restaurant has been in its current spot at 1633 N. Washington Plaza — the former spot of Jasmine Cafe — since 2015. Singh Thai was located at 11424 Washington Plaza for about five years prior to its move to the larger and more visible spot on Lake Anne Plaza, Reston Now previously reported.
The Thai restaurant shared its closing plans in a Facebook post earlier this month.
“We have enjoyed our time here on the lake and have come to cherish the special people who live and dine with us,” the post says. “Unfortunately it is time for our chefs, the owner’s parents, to retire and move back to Thailand, and for the owner, Chai, to spend a little time back in the homeland as well.”
The post urges customers to keep following the restaurant on Facebook for “updates on the next location and reopening dates.”
The Thai restaurant is offering half off of all of its wine, beer and liquor until Sunday — while supplies last.
Photo via Facebook
Updated at 12:25 p.m. on Friday (March 29) — The grand opening will be held on April 27 at Jimmy’s Old Town Tavern between 11 a.m.-3 p.m. There will not be a soft opening on Monday (April 1).
A pet care service called Woofie’s plans to hold a grand opening near the end of April for its new Reston location.
Established by pet owners in 2004, Woofie’s currently serves locals in Ashburn, Pomotac Station and Lansdowne with more than 70 pet sitters and dog walkers, along with offering seven mobile pet vans, according to its website.
The new spot at 1897 Preston White Drive is right off of the Dulles Toll Road and close to Lake Thoreau.
Woofie’s also plans to open another franchise location in Leesburg.
Photo via Woofies/Facebook
Award nominations open — The Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce is seeking nominations for its annual Awards for Chamber Excellence awards, which are given to “members who demonstrate excellence in their business practices, are leaders in their industry and support the [Chamber’s] mission.” Nominations are due May 10. [Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce]
Raking in the moolah — Reston-based software firm NS8 raised $26 million in series B financing for its product to combat online fraud. [VentureBeat]
“Pints With a Purpose” — The Rotary Club of Reston has an event from 5:30-7 p.m. at the Lake Anne Brew House to benefit the Rotary Club of Reston Foundation, which supports causes in local schools and community groups. $1 from each pint will support a variety of programs in Reston. There will be a 50/50 raffle as well. All proceeds will benefit the Rotary Club of Reston Foundation. [Reston Now]
About nine floors below Google’s future Reston Station offices is a co-working space called Spaces.
Spaces opened at 1900 Reston Metro Plaza back in December and currently occupies the fourth and fifth floors of the 16-story, Helmut Jahn-designed building, Maggie Parker, a spokeswoman for Comstock Companies, told Reston Now. (Google is set to take the building’s top four floors.)
Spaces boasts roughly 42,000 square feet of office space, a 6,000-square-foot business club, two meeting rooms and 364 co-working desks at the spot by the Wiehle-Reston East Metro station, according to its website.
Memberships start at $99 per month, and office space starts at $799 per month. “Dedicated desks” with locker storage start at $450 per month. Members and non-members can also book the meeting rooms for events.
Spaces at Reston also offers virtual offices, which include mail handling services and telephone answering for businesses that want a physical address sans office space.
Some of the businesses that have found a home at Spaces include Krazy K-9 Dog Training, tech company Webera and consulting business KVortex.
Spaces’ co-working areas span the world, including more than 48 spots around the U.S. Nearby locations are in Arlington and D.C.
“Storytime Social” — Moms, dads, caregivers and kids are invited to Scrawl Book’s social hour at 11 a.m. today. There will be coffee for the adults. [Scrawl Books]
Reston business news — Reston-based trucking software developer Trucker Tools raised more than $3 million from a single investor toward a $5 million Series B equity round. The company will partner with J.J. Keller & Associates for truck-location data in its app. [Cision]
Movie time — The Reston Regional Library’s Great Decisions Series asks locals to the film produced by the Foreign Policy Association and then participate in the roundtable discussion on current events and U.S. foreign policy options. The topic for March is “Nuclear Negotiations: Back to the Future.” [Fairfax County]
No Rammys for Reston — “The nominations are in for the 2019 RAMMY awards, and unfortunately, Reston restaurants were completely shut out.” [Reston Patch]
Locals may have noticed that Vapiano, a restaurant chain that serves up Italian food in a fast-casual setting, keeps posting “store closed” signs at the Reston Town Center restaurant.
The closures are temporary as the Reston location (1875 Explorer Street) undergoes management changes and payment delays for staff, which have now been resolved.
Back in January, Vapiano SE, which operates the international restaurant chain, announced it would sell its shares of Vapiano Holding USA, LLC and seven of its subsidiaries in the U.S. to Plutos Sama Holdings Inc.
An attorney representing Vapiano’s new owners told Reston Now that the temporary closures are due to a transiton to a new general manager at the restaurant.
“We wanted to make sure that we trained him properly,” said Matthew Browndorf, the founding partner at Wilson Keadjian Browndorf LLP. He added that training has caused a “little bit of a disruption.”
Training is not the only reason why tensions have flared at the restaurant.
Andrew Corcoran, a managing partner for Wilson Keadjian Browndorf, LLP, told Reston Now that a transition in the payroll system caused a “slight delay” for employees who tried to cash their checks on payday, but that the payment problems and confusion have now been addressed.
Both Corcoran and Browndorf say that all of the staff have been paid now. Each Vapiano location has about 40 employees, Corcoran said.
Corcoran said he saw the “store closed” sign, which urged locals to go to the two locations in D.C., on Saturday (March 9) morning. The sign came down and the restaurant opened up that night and remained open over the weekend, Corcoran and Browndorf said.
Then during the late afternoon on Monday (March 11), Vapiano closed again.
Reston Now spotted a new sign on the door on Tuesday afternoon saying that the restaurant was set to open at 5 p.m. Corcoran said training was why the restaurant planned to open later that day.
The restaurant didn’t reopen, though. A local sent Reston Now a photo of a new sign on the door Tuesday evening that said in all capital letters: “Store closed. Vapiano will return to regular business hours Wednesday March 13, 209. Sorry for the inconvenience,” signed “Management.”
“The schedule was thinly staffed to begin with and some staff unexpectedly called out for illnesses and other personal issues, leaving the location unable to open,” Corcoran told Reston Now this morning.
Now, the restaurant is expecting to reopen today at 11 a.m., Corcoran said.
Creative printmaking tonight — Head to ArtSpace Herndon to learn how to carve and create your own prints from handmade plates, carved blocks and more from 6-8 p.m. All levels are welcome. Four sessions cost $160 total. If you enjoy it, the next class will be held on April 3. [ArtSpace Herndon]
Reston company scores SEC contract — Reston-based Octo Consulting recently “announced it has been awarded a position on the Securities and Exchange Commission’s ONE IT IDIQ vehicle. This 10-year, $2.5 billion vehicle contains seven service channels through which the SEC’s Office of Information Technology will procure IT services and solutions, including systems and software development.” [Associated Press]
2019 Virginia GeoBee — Out of the 23 students named as semifinalists, some are from area schools, including Forestville, Great Falls Elementary and McNair elementary schools. [FCPS]
Victoria’s Secret no longer calls Reston Town Center home.
Signs on the front doors say that the location at 11929 Market, Suite 50 is permanently closed. Black tarps were hanging in the storefront’s windows, and the prominent “Victoria’s Secret” sign had already been taken down by the time Reston Now made a visit this afternoon (March 12).
Aba Kwawu, a spokeswoman for Boston Properties, told Reston Now that Victoria’s Secret’s departure from Reston Town Center was a part of a larger pattern of closures expected for around the country.
Victoria’s Secret announced earlier this year that it plans to close more than 53 stories, according to CNBC.
“While it is unfortunate to see this iconic brand face difficulties, we look forward to replacing them with an exciting new tenant soon,” Kwawu said. No word yet on who that new tenant is for that spot, although several newcomers expected to arrive this year have already been revealed.
Locals who miss the lingerie giant can find the familiar pink and black store in Tysons and Dulles. “Please visit our other area Victoria’s Secret stores,” the signs say.
Reston now has a Peet’s Coffee tucked away by the Signature Apartments at Reston Town Center.
The coffeehouse chain officially opened its doors today (March 11) at 11830 Freedom Drive.
To celebrate the opening, coffee addicts can enjoy “Peet’s Week” with different special offerings every day at the Reston spot. (Ask a barista for the codes.) Here’s a peek at the upcoming ones:
- Tuesday: $1 off a medium beverage
- Wednesday: buy one beverage, get one free
- Thursday: half off an artisan baked good
Peet’s opening was the first from a list of several newcomers slated to arrive Reston Town Center this year.
Google has started fixing up office space at Reston Station a month after the tech giant announced plans to double its workforce in Northern Virginia.
Google filed permits for the spot at 1860 Wiehle Ave — the site of Comstock’s Reston Station mixed-use development next to the Wiehle-Reston East Metro station.
The tech giant is seeking interior alterations with office space furnishings. One of the two permits mentions “peer review,” which is a way to give plans priority status during the building, mechanical, electrical and plumbing plan review process, according to Fairfax County.
Google has not announced exact locations since it revealed last month the expansion plans as part of a $13 billion round of investment in new offices and data centers across the U.S.
News outlets previously reported that Google had purchased sites in Ashburn and Leesburg for two new data centers.
Google currently has an office at Reston Town Center.
Photo courtesy Marjorie Copson
Updated at 1:45 p.m. — Includes new information about Bombay Velvet’s opening.
Spring is less than two weeks away, and the change in seasons will also coincides with some new nail salons, fitness studios and restaurants at Reston Town Center and RTC West.
A fine-dining Indian restaurant, a brunch place and a nail salon are expected to arrive soon at RTC West.
Bombay Velvet is expected to open in late-March. An employee at Famous Toastery told Reston Now that it is aiming for an opening this month.
Signs say that Infinity Spa and Nails is “coming soon” to 12120 Sunset Hills Road, Suite 105.
Over at Reston Town Center, several of the announced newcomers have told Reston Now when they plan to open their doors.
Peet’s Coffee will hold a pre-opening party on Saturday (March 9) ahead of its official debut next week at 11830 Freedom Drive. While Peet’s throws its party, fitness studio Solidcore is slated to open its doors for the first time.
Reston Town Center is also expected to welcome The Glossary Nail Spa and Fox Restuarant Concepts’ North Italia soon. Later this summer, Restonians can expect DC Row this summer.
Pick your favorite below and tell us in the comments which other ones you are ready for.
Second and fifth images via Solidcore and North Italia websites
M&T Bank plans to open a new location near Reston Station about half of a mile away from its current spot along Wiehle Avenue.
The regional bank is set to open late fall at 1886 Metro Center Drive, Maggie Parker, a spokeswoman for Comstock Companies, told Reston Now.
“The office will be on the same level as Metro Center Drive, just inside the front door, across the lobby from the Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce,” Parker wrote in an email.
M&T has a branch and ATM nearby at 1861 Wiehle Ave. It is unclear at this point whether or not the Meter Center Drive opening will affect the current location.
Images via Google Maps
A weekend of events will take on Lake Anne Plaza in honor of International Women’s Day (March 8).
The events aim to raise awareness and celebrate the achievement of the women who helped shape Lake Anne Plaza, according to Rachel Piering, who shared details about the celebration to Reston Now. Women own and operate three-fourths of the businesses on the plaza, Piering said.
A free reception on Friday (March 8) at Reston Community Center’s Jo Ann Rose Gallery (1609 Washington Plaza) kicks off the first Annual International Women’s Day Celebration with a gallery reception and panel discussion starting at 7:30 p.m.
Small Change Consignment Owner Susann Gerstein, Reston Used Book Store Owner Susan Burwell and former Lake Anne Nursery and Kindergarten Director Ann Potts will join Linda Fuller, who used to own the Lake Anne Florist, for the panel.
Before the panel begins at 8:14 p.m., attendees can view the gallery’s photography exhibit by local photographer Charlotte Geary and vintage photos from the Reston Historic Trust and Museum.
Sales of limited edition commemorative posters will benefit Shelter House, a non-profit organization that provides crisis intervention, safe housing and supportive services to homeless families and victims of domestic violence.
Throughout the weekend, locals will be able to enjoy several musical performances, art exhibitions, book signings and special promotions for shops and eateries, Piering said. The International Women’s Day Celebration is provided by the Lake Anne Merchants and Professionals Committee.
Businesses participating in International Women’s Day include:
- Chesapeake Chocolates
- Kalypso’s Sports Tavern
- Lake Anne Coffee House and Wine Bar
- Lake Anne Brew House
- Reston Historic Trust and Museum
- Reston’s Used Book Shop
- Reston Art Gallery and Studios
- Small Change Consignment
On Saturday (March 9) the New Trail Cycling Studio will hold a women-only ride on from 9:30-10:20 a.m. to help raise money for the Reston Runners’ “Seize the Day Women’s 5K” training program and race. Tickets are $20.
“Proceeds are going toward creating scholarships for local underprivileged women to train for and run their first 5k,” Liz Kamp, the owner of New Trail Cycling Studio, told Reston Now, adding that Reston Runner’s Women’s Training Program will help the women prepare for the race.
Image via Rachel Piering
Diners at Not Your Average Joe’s on select days in March can help raise money for a nonprofit that combats student hunger.
On the four Tuesdays in March, the restaurant (1845 Fountain Drive) will donate 15 percent of bills for diners who ask to have their meals support Helping Hungry Kids.
The nonprofit gives food packages to more than 400 elementary school students in Northern Virginia who don’t have enough food on the weekends.
Most of the 12 elementary schools that receive the packs are ones in Reston and Herndon, which include:
- Clearview
- Coates
- Dogwood
- Terraset
- Aldrin
- Armstrong
- Forest Edge
- Lake Anne
- Hunters Woods
Each pack, which contains non-perishable food for two breakfasts, two dinners and several snacks, costs about $6, according to the nonprofit’s website.
File photo
Wine enthusiasts will have until the end of March to raise a final glass at a wine bar in Reston Town Center.
A sign recently posted in the window of The Tasting Room Wine Bar and Shop (1816 Library Street) says that the location will close on March 24.
“Thank you for an amazing 10 years,” the sign says, encouraging fans to head to the other locations in Middleburg and National Harbor in Oxon Mill, Md.
The wine bar was created by the owners of the Boxwood Estate Winery, which produces five blends in the Bordeaux tradition from the seven varieties of grapes grown in the Middleburg vineyard.
Image via Google Maps
