Business Brief: Upscale bodybuilding gym proposed for S. Patrick Street; restaurant and market proposed at Watergate at Landmark; and more
The Commodore bringing 'five-star dive bar' to Old Town; Hotel Heron joins Hilton's Curio Collection; two restaurant weeks start next week
A Scandinavian-inspired bodybuilding gym with a rooftop workout area is proposed for South Patrick Street, and DASH is expanding its electric bus charging network with a new in-route charger.
Here’s the latest in Alexandria business news.
Upscale bodybuilding gym proposed for South Patrick Street
Valhalla Property Holding LLC is seeking a special use permit for a rooftop outdoor workout area at 601 and 619 S. Patrick St. (previously West Marine), where it plans to open a “Scandinavian design, upscale bodybuilding gym.”
The gym itself is a by-right use. The facility would operate 24 hours a day, with personal trainers on staff, featuring heavy-lifting equipment, cardio machines, locker rooms with hot saunas, cold plunges, and red-light therapy, and a posing room for athletes to practice competition routines.
The rooftop would include battle ropes, tire flipping areas, push/pull sleds, and a walking lap with glass railings and green turf.
“We have basic gyms and grungy gyms in Alexandria, but nothing that combines both heavy lifting and an upscale ‘spa-like’ appeal,” the applicant wrote in the filing. The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on Feb. 3.
DASH expands electric bus charging
Alexandria is continuing to expand its transit bus electrification with an in-route overhead charger that can recharge buses without returning to the depot, vendor ABM announced Thursday.
The announcement follows the October groundbreaking for a new facility that will include infrastructure for up to 24 overhead chargers, solar panels, and battery storage.
DASH currently has 16 electric buses in service, with another 20 funded for procurement. The fare-free system carried 5.3 million riders in fiscal year 2024, an all-time high.
Restaurant and market proposed at Watergate at Landmark
New Fusion Bistro LLC is seeking a special-use permit to open a restaurant and retail market at 211 Yoakum Parkway in the Watergate at Landmark community center.
The 3,617-square-foot space would include a 50-seat restaurant offering table service, carry-out, and delivery, plus a market selling groceries, alcohol, and lottery tickets. Proposed hours are 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.
The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on Feb. 3.
Croatia selects Alexandria as World Cup base camp
The Croatian national football team will stay at the AKA Hotel in Old Town and train at Episcopal High School during the FIFA World Cup this summer, the Croatian Football Federation announced Thursday.
Croatia was drawn into Group L alongside England, Ghana, and Panama. The team opens play on June 17 against England in Dallas.
Technical director Stipe Pletikosa cited the city’s quality facilities and proximity to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in selecting Alexandria over more than 60 potential locations.
Episcopal High School hosted Al Ain FC of the United Arab Emirates during last summer’s FIFA Club World Cup.
MetroStage passes two-thirds fundraising mark
MetroStage is targeting a late 2026 opening for its new permanent home at 915 N. Fairfax St., Producing Artistic Director Carolyn Griffin told The Alexandria Brief.
The theater company has raised more than two-thirds of its $3 million goal. MetroStage is working with Winstanley Architects to convert an existing building into a 120-seat performance space that will anchor the Old Town North Arts District.
The Alexandria Film Festival will become MetroStage’s first “in residence” arts organization, with plans to host its 20th anniversary event at the new space in November 2026.
Two restaurant weeks coming to Alexandria
Diners will have two opportunities to enjoy prix fixe menus at local restaurants in the coming days as Metropolitan Washington Winter Restaurant Week and Alexandria Winter Restaurant Week both return.
Metropolitan Washington Winter Restaurant Week runs Jan. 19-25, with 10 Alexandria restaurants participating, including Bastille Brasserie & Bar, Evening Star Cafe, Founding Farmers and Vermilion. Three-course menus are priced at $25 or $35 for brunch or lunch and $40, $55 or $65 for dinner.
Alexandria Winter Restaurant Week follows Jan. 23 through Feb. 1, featuring more than 80 restaurants offering dinner menus at $35, $45 or $55 per person.
The Commodore bringing ‘five-star dive bar’ to Old Town
The Commodore, a popular Dupont Circle pub known for its creative burgers and dive bar atmosphere, is opening a second location at 220 N. Lee St. in March.
The space previously housed Mystic BBQ & Grill, which closed in late November. The Commodore first opened in D.C. in 2016 and developed a cult following for items like the Squirrel Kicker burger before reopening at its current location in 2021.
Arielle Shoshana opens Old Town flagship
Arielle Shoshana, a specialty fragrance boutique, opened its flagship location at 313 Cameron St. on Wednesday.
Mayor Alyia Gaskins joined co-founders Arielle Weinberg and Katri Haas for a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The boutique operated in the Mosaic District for 10 years before expanding to Old Town.
“We want people to have interesting signature scents that really connect and resonate with them,” Haas said. “Our goal is to make Alexandria smell even more amazing.”
Crooked Beat nears $18K in flood recovery donations
Crooked Beat Records has raised nearly $18,000 of its $20,000 GoFundMe goal after flooding forced the Del Ray shop to close indefinitely last week.
More than 5 inches of water covered the basement-level store at 2417 Mt. Vernon Ave., damaging hundreds of records, including rare pressings of Bob Dylan, The Beatles, and Talking Heads. The store has also raised more than $700 through a limited-edition t-shirt fundraiser.
Crooked Beat will remain closed through at least the end of January. Online orders are available, with pickup windows on Thursday from 4-7 p.m. and Friday from 2-6 p.m.
Hotel Heron joins Hilton’s Curio Collection
The Hotel Heron at 699 Prince St. has joined Hilton’s Curio Collection, giving guests access to Hilton Honors benefits while the property retains its independent branding.
Two Alexandria businesses on the market
A popular fast-casual restaurant and bar in Alexandria is listed for sale at $600,000 on BizBuySell. The listing describes it as a “high-performing, modern-style” establishment in a prime location.
Also available: an 18-location, 33-machine vending route listed at $110,000 with $40,000 in annual cash flow.
Do you have business news to share? Email ryan@alexandriabrief.com.