New valet parking service proposed for Old Town restaurants

Unipark seeks permit to serve multiple King Street establishments on Friday, Saturday evenings

A new valet parking operation could soon serve patrons of multiple Old Town restaurants on King Street, according to an administrative special use permit application filed with the city of Alexandria.

Unipark has applied to operate a valet service in the 100 block of King Street, utilizing three parallel parking spaces on the east side of North Lee Street. The company plans to store customer vehicles at an off-site parking facility at 221 Queen St.

According to application materials, the valet service would serve patrons of establishments at 121 King St., 115 King St., and 105 King St. The application identifies these as Landini Brothers, Il Porto, and Fish Market.

The operation would initially run on Friday and Saturday evenings from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., although the application states that the company eventually plans to operate seven days a week. The service would employ three attendants — one on-site supervisor and two runners — handling approximately 20 to 25 vehicles per day.

The application, filed by David Acerado on behalf of Unipark, includes a detailed operational plan to address traffic flow concerns. If more than three vehicles arrive simultaneously, supervisors would direct additional customers to pull aside with hazard lights on until an attendant becomes available. Customers unwilling to wait would be directed to self-park at the Queen Street garage.

The proposal falls under Section 11-513(N) of the city’s zoning ordinance, which allows for administrative approval of valet parking services in the King Street retail zone without requiring full city council review. City Planner Mavis Stanfield is reviewing the application.

Property owner Walt Zaokaom authorized the permit application in October, with Acerado of Silver Spring, Md., serving as the applicant representative.

The valet attendants would wear identifiable uniforms featuring blue jackets or dress shirts with company insignia, according to photos included in the application materials. Verification from HB Parking confirms that Unipark has secured an agreement to use off-street parking spaces at the 300 N. Lee St. facility.

Members of the public may submit comments on the application to Stanfield at mavis.stanfield@alexandriava.gov or by calling 703-746-4666. The comment period closes Dec. 4.

The administrative special use permit process allows for streamlined approval of certain business operations that meet specific standards without requiring planning commission or city council review. However, the director of planning and zoning may determine that full special use permit approval is required if the proposal raises compatibility concerns with adjacent properties.

Notice of New Administrative Special Use Permit
For immediate release: November 13, 2025

In accordance with Section 11-500 of the Zoning Ordinance, the following Special Use Permit application(s) may be approved by the Director of Planning and Zoning after the date(s) indicated below. If you have any comments regarding the following application(s), email the Planner listed below or call 703.746.4666 no later than the Last Day for Public Comment date indicated below. For more information on the following application(s), visit the Administrative Special Use Permits webpage or call (703) 746-4666.

Special Use Permit #2025-00068
Address: 121 King Street
Proposed Business Name: Unipark
Administrative Special Use Permit request for a new valet parking business; zoned: KR/King Street urban retail.
Applicant: David Acerado
City Planner: Mavis Stanfield, mavis.stanfield@alexandriava.gov
Last Day for Public Comments: December 4, 2025