To celebrate the restaurant’s 10th anniversary, Kalypso’s Sports Tavern will be hosting a series of community events next weekend.

On both July 3 and 4, attendees can expect live music, party favors, free food samples and the eatery’s lineup of Italian and Greek dishes, a press release said.

Free celebratory music will kick off with a performance on Friday from Steel Drums with Josanne Franci from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. and Bongo District Trio from 6 to 9 p.m. On Saturday, Steel Drums with Josanne Franci will be performing again from 6 to 9 p.m.

The eatery is located at 1617 Washington Plaza. A spokesperson said that despite the COVID-19 pandemic,  staff managed to adhere to social distancing guidelines so guests can feel safe while enjoying themselves. Outside on the patio, the website said that it can comfortably hold 75 guests while in stage two of reopening.

Throughout the eatery’s history, they’ve hosted various events and other celebrations for regulars. For its fifth-anniversary party in 2015, the restaurant hosted a similar beach themed celebration.

“I still remember the day in 2010 when I saw the commercial sales listing and was surprised to see the opportunity. I drove over to Lake Anne immediately and fell in love with the lakefront property,” owner Vicky Hadjikyriakou said in the press release.

Photo courtesy Kalypso’s Sports Tavern

Pupatella, an award-winning Neopolitan pizzeria, is expected to open by the end of the year.

Although the COVID-19 pandemic stalled plans to open but early 2020 at 1821 Wiehle Avenue, founding partner Michael Berger told Reston Now the restaurant is planning for a fall opening.

“While we are still looking forward to when the community is able to fully enjoy our lively and welcoming dining room, we are also planning for unique ways to further activate the patio and outside areas so everyone feels comfortable,” Berger said.

The restaurant’s planned opening was postponed due to delays in the county’s approval process. So far, a new roof has been installed.

“We are so excited to be getting closer to joining the Reston community,” Berger said.

The 2,700-square-foot restaurant replaces a Pizza Hut which closed late last year.

Enzo and Anastasiya Algarme started Pupatella as a food truck in 2007. The business has been named a top pizzeria, with recognition from The Today Show, The Washington Post, USA Today and the Washingtonian.

Photo via Michael Berger

A customer at a local Reston restaurant left a big welcome gift on Northern Virginia’s first day of reopening on Friday (May 29).

The customer left a $1,000 tip for Founding Farmers’ opening day team in Reston Station (1904 Reston Metro Plaza). The order’s total was $213.59.

“Congrats on re-opening. We have missed you,” the customer wrote. “Please share with re-opening day team.”

The restaurant’s co-owner Dan Simons, who shared the receipt on Twitter, said he was moved by the customer’s generosity.

“Brought tears of appreciation to my eyes when I saw what one of our amazingly kind and generous guests left for our service team today,” Simons wrote.

Like other local businesses, the restaurant’s servers had been out of work after the COVID-19 pandemic forced restaurants and other businesses to switch to delivery, pickup or curbside service.

The restaurant’s patio is open, but reservations re required. The Reston location is also offering some grocery items for purchase.

The company also put together a reopening resource guide to detail protocols and procedures created due to COVID-19.

Brought tears of appreciation to my eyes when I saw what one of our amazingly kind and generous guests left for our service team today. @FoundingFarmers #BetterTogether #DineLocal #DC #supportsmallbusiness pic.twitter.com/UVBpHisJCA

— Dan Simons (@DanSimonsSays) May 30, 2020

Photo via Dan Simons/Twitter

The COVID-19 dining experience in Fairfax County will change tomorrow as more parking lots and other outdoor spaces in Fairfax County could be used for dining and exercise under certain conditions.

As Northern Virginia begins phase one of its reopening plan tomorrow, Fairfax County officials are considering instituting a blanket approval of outdoor dining, fitness and exercise activities.

The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors will consider the plan at an emergency session at 3 p.m. today (Thursday). Typically, approvals for outdoor dining and fitness activities require a range of applications for approval. If the county approves the emergency ordinance today, businesses would automatically be able to pursue outdoor dining and exercise activities.

The county will begun easing COVID-19 restrictions businesses tomorrow (Friday). Gov. Ralph Northam’s order limits phase one to specific activities. For example, restaurants can only operate at 50 percent of their interior capacity.

Here’s more from the proposal:

With the impending expiration of Phase Zero in Northern Virginia, the County 2 needs to be prepared for Phase One. Under current County ordinances and 3 regulations, business owners would typically be required to pursue a range of 4 applications to allow outdoor dining and outdoor fitness and exercise activities. 5 In the midst of the COVID-19 emergency, the cost and time to meet such 6 requirements would compound the stress on economically challenged 7 businesses, hinder the opportunity presented by Phase One to revitalize the 8 County’s economy, and likely result in a continued de facto closure of such 9 businesses. At the same time, processing and deciding such a multitude of 10 applications on an urgent basis would be virtually impossible for the County 11 government and would consume extraordinary amounts of time and attention on 12 the part of the County’s staff and its deliberative bodies, at a time when they are 13 also strained by the emergency. These factors, separately and collectively, 14 threaten the County’s continuity in government.

Conditions for outdoor dining include, but are not limited to:

• No outdoor entertainment activities
• Outdoor area must be kept free of trash and debris
• Temporary tents must be open on all sides and less than 900 square feet in size
• All tables, chairs and other items must be removable and in good “appearance and repair”
• Adequate parking must be available for on-site users
• Parking designated for individuals with disabilities must be maintained
• The location cannot obstruct sidewalks, travel ways, fire lanes, any building entrance or exit, or interfere with street access for fire department response

The ordinance will not go into effect in the Town of Herndon until the Herndon Town Council approves the emergency ordinance.

Clyde’s Restaurant Group is preparing for a new dining experience fit for a COVID-19 world.

According to the Washington Business Journal, the company is partnering with Lion’s Wood Banquet Furniture to install different acrylic diverse to separate bar and booth seating for dining.

Here’s more from WBJ on the project:

Clyde’s, which typically generates around $135 million in annual revenue, has experienced a 90% decline in sales since social distancing and stay-at-home orders went into effect. It has furloughed 1,700 employees, or about 90% of its workforce.

“Within the industry, it’s restaurants like us that are getting proportionally hit the worst,” McDonnell said. “To do a little bit of carryout business, you don’t have 15,000-square-foot restaurants. You have a tiny, little place with a counter.”

The company purchased 15,000 square feet of plexiglass earlier this month, according to the report. The move could allow the restaurant to fill all of its booths instead of spacing out with every other booth.

Clyde’s in Reston Town Center (11905 Market Street) is currently open for takeout only. The company has not yet announced how it plans to resume business after phase one of the reopening in Virginia begins in late May.

Photo by R. Dawson/Flickr

At a time when most restaurants are struggling, Taco Zocalo — formerly known as the food truck Chef on Wheels — has taken another leap at expansion.

The Reston-based restaurant, which is located at 1810 Michael Faraday Drive, opened its second location in Ashburn (44927 George Washington Boulevard) on May 1.

Although state-mandated restrictions on restaurants due to the COVID-19 crisis create less than ideal conditions for a restaurant opening, chef and owner Basir Ahadi says he is confident the business will do well, thanks to his loyal customer base.

“The Reston location is doing well considering our limitations and the current situation. We are hopeful taco Zocalo will come out this pandemic stronger than we were before it began,” Ahadi said.

The business hired eight new employees for the new locations. Ahadi said he was motivated to employ people who lost their jobs because of the COVID-19 crisis.

Currently, Taco Zocalo offers takeout and delivery via third-party operators.

A loan from the Small Business Administration has helped the business finance payroll, Ahadi said. The landlord of the Ashburn location has also been flexible in working with the business on a monthly basis.

Taco Zocalo started as a food truck under the name Chef on Wheels in 2011. The business opened its first brick-and-mortar location in 2017.

Photos via Basir Ahadi

Big Bowl, a popular Chinese and Thai restaurant in Reston Town Center, has closed permanently after nearly two decades of business.

The restaurant will not be reopening due to the expiration of its lease, according to its website.

“We appreciate our many loyal guests and employees that have supported us over the last 19 years, our team has enjoyed serving you,” the statement read.

County permits do not yet indicate what will fill the space at 11915 Democracy Drive, which is known for its iconic circular storefront.

Image via Google Maps

Tiki Bar Opening in Reston — The team behind Sense of Thai St. a bar and restaurant in Ashburn’s One Loudoun, is currently building the bar at RTC West. Tiki Thai bills itself as the state’s “premier tiki bar and Thai restaurant.” [The Burn]

FCPS to Offer Mental Wellness Service — “Any FCPS parent may schedule a 30-minute phone consultation with a school psychologist or school social worker, for either themselves or their middle or high school student. This consultation provides an opportunity for parents to receive guidance on how to support their child’s emotional well-being during their time away from school. Student consultations will provide support and strategies to students who may be experiencing difficulties with anxiety, mood, behavior, or peer or family interactions during this unprecedented and challenging time.” [Fairfax County Public Schools]

The Problem with Playdates — “If your kids do go outside of the home, it is important to maintain social distance of at least six feet from anyone from outside their own household. This guidance is in place to limit contact and slow the spread of COVID-19, because even though children do not appear to be at higher risk for COVID-19, and often show similar but milder symptoms than adults, they can still pass the virus on to others.” [Fairfax County Government]

Photo via vantagehill/Flickr

Local Restonians can now get Chick-fil-A delivered directly to their doorstep beginning today (Thursday).

The location in north point Village Center is one of 200 stores selected by corporate headquarters for the operator-led service. Staff will be trained to handle and deliver food directly to homes and businesses in the area.

In a press release, the company noted that the North Point Village Center location was selected because of its “unique location deep within residential areas,” as well as “impressive growth and speed increases over the past two years.”

“This is both an honor and great responsibility. As we undertake this task, we are setting the pace for every Chick-fil-A in the country to more positively impact our communities,” said Larry Everett, the operator of the North Point location.

The service runs daily, except on Sundays, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Guests can place orders using the Chick-fil-A app or place on order for mobile curbside pickup or mobile drive-thru. Customers can continue to use the drive-thru and front lobby to place orders.

Everett’s son Philip and operator of a store in Illinois was also selected for the service.

State Gov. Ralph Northam recently ordered restaurants, bars, and gym to enforce a 10-person limit in their establishments.

Unlike DC and Maryland where restaurants were ordered to close earlier this week, many local restaurants are continuing operations. Some are open with reduced hours and while others are shifting entirely to carry out and delivery.

Small businesses are reporting financial distress as COVID-19 continues to spread. So far, the county’s health district has 16 confirmed cases — a number that’s expected to rise as more people receive tests.

Here’s a list of spots to check out for takeout and delivery options. Please note that restaurants are updating hours and policies on a daily basis.

Carryout and Delivery

• Amphora: Reduced bakery hours on weekdays from 8 am to 6 pm and on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Call ahead for curbside delivery
• Ariake: To-go orders only between 11:30 a.m. and 9 p.m.
• Bobby’s Bagel Cafe: Carryout and delivery offered
• CAVA: Some locations have closed, but the Reston location is open for pick up orders
• CarPool Herndon: Carryout offered; 10-guest limit for dine-in
• Charred: Customers can grab a $10 cheeseburger with chips and drinks all week.
• Cooper’s Hawk Winery and Restaurant: Foodservice discontinued, but the tasting room remains open
• Elden Street Tea Shop: Customers can place an order online
• Jimmy’s Old Town Tavern: Delivery and pick-up only via Doordash. Free delivery is offered within a 10-mile radius. The kitchen is open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily.
• Lake Anne Brew House: A new “taproom to go” site was launched yesterday (Thursday)
• Lucia’s Italian Ristorante: The restaurant is also open for dine-in
• Mason’s Famous Lobster Rolls — The owner tells us the Reston Town Center location is open from noon to 7 p.m. Carryout, curbside pickup and free delivery in RTC are available
• Mission BBQ: Open for take-out and delivery only. Free delivery for all orders of $25 or more through March 31
• Founding Farmers: Delivery and takeout offered, with first respondents. Current and formers employees get 50 percent off for curbside pick up orders.
• Finn Thai: Open for dine-in, delivery and carryout
• Glory Days (North Point and Fox Mill Locations) — Carryout, online ordering and delivery
• Gregorio’s Trattoria: Open and also offering delivery and carryout
• Kalypso’s Sports Tavern: Free delivery and takeout
• Mezeh Mediterranean Grill: Pickup and delivery available. Buy one bowl, get one free.
• Morton’s The Steakhouse: Takeout offered from noon to 8 p.m. daily. Half off of select wines with purchase of food.
• Nando’s Peri-Peri: Delivery and carryout
• Nordic Knot: Orders can also be placed online
• North Italia: Delivery and carryout offered only
• Silver Diner (11951 Killingsworth Avenue): Carryout, curbside, and delivery online available
• Ted’s Bulletin: Dine-in is open “with strict sanitation and health checks,” according to the company
• The Counter: Online orders open
• The Melting Pot: Reduced hours from Sunday through Thursday, with an early closing time of 9 p.m.
• The Counter: Online orders open
• Virginia Kitchen: Open from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Curbside service highly encouraged
• Weird Brothers Coffee: The Worldgate Metro Plaza location is open on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. The roasting factory is open on weekdays from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on weekends from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The coffee shop is also offering takeout, curbside delivery and local delivery

Temporary Closures

• Big Bowl
• Bombay Velvet
• Crafthouse: Gifts cards available for purchase online
• Mon Ami Gabi
• Not Your Average Joe’s
• PassionFish
• Uncle Julio’s

Help us update this list by commenting below with the name of the business and a link with details

Photo via Lake Anne Brew House/Facebook

An empty spot Reston is looking for a new tenant.

Previously a sushi restaurant, the space at 1800 Michael Faraday Drive underwent work from the owner back in 2014, according to county documents, but no changes appear to have been made since then.

Reston Now was not able to find pending work permits in the Fairfax County system at the moment for the location. Employees from surrounding businesses are unsure what lies in store for the empty spot.

Reston Now wants to hear from readers what type of businesses they’d like to take over the spot.

More and more states are ordering eateries and entertainment venues to close or switch to delivery and take-out only to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

When the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors voted to declare a local emergency earlier this morning, several supervisors mentioned how the county has limited authority to plan restrictions on eating establishments.

“We don’t have as much authority as people think we do,” Vice-Chair Penny Gross said. “We’re also at the mercy of the governor.”

A few days ago, D.C.’s mayor imposed new restrictions on restaurants and bars, prohibiting table seating and allowing them to offer delivery or take-out options. The restrictions also force nightclubs, theaters and health clubs to close for at least two weeks.

Municipalities have limited authority to take action because Virginia is a Dillon Rule state, Arlington Magazine reported, adding that Gov. Ralph Northam could issue a statewide declaration similar to Maryland’s.

Northam said this morning that the state will follow the Centers for Disease Control’s recommendation to prevent gatherings of 10 or more people, but that he does not plan to place restrictions on restaurants, WHSV reported.

Northam is “asking them to abide by the ‘rule of 10’ and… encouraging them to focus on delivery and takeout options, instead of in-house dining,” according to WHSV.

Northam says he doesn't anticipate shutting restaurants down in the future, saying 45% of Virginians get meals from restaurants.

"I think we've got to be very careful, very prudent. We want to keep Virginia healthy. But we also know that they need to eat."

— Graham Moomaw (@gmoomaw) March 17, 2020

“At least 20 states have ordered that their restaurants and bars close to in-person diners amid the coronavirus pandemic,” The Hill reported earlier today.

The limited authority didn’t stop neighboring Arlington County to plead with restaurants and bars to “take responsible action and switch from dine-in service to only offering carryout and delivery.”

While the statement noted that Arlington County does not have the legal authority to force the changes, it said that COVID-19 cases could overwhelm Arlington if restaurants don’t limit community contact.

As of Monday, the Virginia Department of Health says there are 10 presumptive cases of COVID-19 in Fairfax County — a number that officials say is expected to grow.

Photo via Bombay Velvet