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ALEXANDRIA, Va. - Two of Old Town Alexandria's most enduring institutions marked 50 years Thursday evening as Mayor Alyia Gaskins issued an official city proclamation declaring July 23, 2026, "Fish Market and Pop's Old Fashioned Ice Cream Co. Day" in Alexandria.
Gaskins read the proclamation to a packed crowd from behind the bar at the Fish Market, 105 King St., where Noe Landini, managing director and CEO of Rex Management, and Councilman John Taylor Chapman were also in attendance. The celebration featured a throwback menu and what Landini called a night to keep "those shrimp peeled" and celebrate five decades of Old Town history.
"This is a place where you not only come for good food, but I'm sure every one of you has a good story to tell as well and a good memory that's been made here," Gaskins told the crowd before reading the proclamation.
Both the Fish Market, 105 King St., and Pop's Old Fashioned Ice Cream Co., 109 King St., opened in 1976 and are owned and operated by Franco and Noe Landini, father and son, under Rex Management Concepts.
The Fish Market
The Fish Market was founded in 1976 by Ray Giovannoni and quickly grew into a cornerstone of Old Town's dining scene, at one point expanding to become one of the largest restaurants in the greater Washington, D.C. region, with sister locations across Maryland, Virginia and beyond.
In 2008, the Landini family acquired the Fish Market and renovated the restaurant, honoring Giovannoni's original vision while bringing it into a new era.
The restaurant occupies the corner of King and Union streets, a block from the Potomac waterfront, with more than 400 seats across five dining rooms. Its Anchor Bar has been a neighborhood sports bar for decades, known for its signature 32-ounce schooner glasses of beer.
Tonight's celebration featured a throwback menu of nostalgic favorites and live music.
"For 50 years, Fish Market has been more than a restaurant," the restaurant wrote on social media. "It's been where celebrations started, traditions were born, stories were shared, and 'just one drink' turned into staying awhile."
Pop's Old Fashioned Ice Cream Co.
Pop's story begins well before 1976. Ray "Pop" Giovanni had been in the ice cream and dessert business since the 1940s, spending much of his early career catering events at the White House — including serving First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt her favorite ice cream. In 1998, he left behind his little black book of recipes, and Pop's Old Fashioned Ice Cream Co. has continued that legacy ever since.
For five decades, Pop's has drawn families and children to its King Street location for ice cream cones on warm evenings, becoming as much a part of Old Town summer as the waterfront itself.
Gaskins recalled her own aide lighting up at the mention of Thursday's celebration. "She was like, 'Oh my goodness, I used to have all of my birthday parties there as a kid,'" the mayor said earlier Thursday.
Rex Management
Both restaurants are part of the Rex Management portfolio, which also includes Landini Brothers, the Italian restaurant at 115 King St. operated by Franco and Noe Landini in the traditional Tuscan style; CXIIIREX, a members-only private club in Old Town; Junction, the American bistro in Del Ray with satellite locations in Chevy Chase and Capitol Hill; and Cooper Mill at 10 Duke St.
The proclamation
The official proclamation, signed by Mayor Gaskins and attested by City Clerk Gloria A. Sitton, will be entered into the city's official archives.
"When people look back 50 years from now, they will continue to recognize the importance of the Fish Market," Gaskins said before reading the document.
The proclamation reads in part: "Fish Market and Pop's Old Fashioned Ice Cream Co. have together served generations of Alexandrians, offering not just food and ice cream, but a gathering place that has shaped the character and history of King Street."
The full text of the proclamation reads:
PROCLAMATION Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Fish Market and Pop's Old Fashioned Ice Cream Co.
WHEREAS, Fish Market first opened its doors on King Street in 1976, founded by Ray Giovannoni, and quickly grew into a cornerstone of Alexandria's Old Town dining scene, at one point expanding to become one of the largest restaurants in the greater Washington, D.C. region with sister locations across Maryland, Virginia, and beyond; and
WHEREAS, in 2008, the Landini family acquired Fish Market and thoughtfully renovated the restaurant into the establishment enjoyed today, honoring Mr. Giovannoni's original vision while bringing it into a new era; and
WHEREAS, Pop's Old Fashioned Ice Cream Co. also celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, having served Alexandria residents and visitors alike as a beloved neighborhood tradition since 1976; and
WHEREAS, both establishments continue to be proudly owned and operated by Franco and Noe Landini, father and son, whose dedication to quality and community has helped preserve these Old Town institutions for half a century; and
WHEREAS, Fish Market and Pop's Old Fashioned Ice Cream Co. have together served generations of Alexandrians, offering not just food and ice cream, but a gathering place that has shaped the character and history of King Street; and
WHEREAS, the City of Alexandria takes great pride in small businesses that anchor our historic waterfront and contribute to the vibrancy of our local economy and community life.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, ALYIA GASKINS, Mayor of the City of Alexandria, Virginia, and on behalf of the Alexandria City Council, do hereby proclaim July 23, 2026, as:
"FISH MARKET AND POP'S OLD FASHIONED ICE CREAM CO. DAY"
In the City of Alexandria, and extend congratulations to Franco and Noe Landini, and to all past and present staff, on 50 years of service to our community, with best wishes for continued success for many years to come.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of the City of Alexandria to be affixed this 23rd day of July 2026.
MAYOR ALYIA GASKINS On behalf of the City Council of Alexandria, Virginia
ATTEST: Gloria A. Sitton, CMC, City Clerk
