June 10th, 2020

Phase 2 starts this Friday

FAIRFAX CITY, VA — 

Phase 2 of Reopening starts this Friday. – Opening announcement

June 5th, 2020

Ornery Beer Company donates meals to A Place to Stand and Daniels Run Elementary School

FAIRFAX CITY, VA — 

Because of OTFBA and community support, Ornery Beer Company was honored to help A Place to Stand today, providing 100 lunches for our children who attend local Daniels Run Elementary School. Thank you for allowing us to help our community.

June 2nd, 2020

May 20th, 2020

May 4th, 2020

PAINT YOUR OWN POTTERY

We have everything you need to make Mom happy on her special day.

This year you can still: 

  1) Serve mom breakfast in bed

  2) Clean up the kitchen afterwards

  3) Paint together as a family with Pottery To Go.   

  See PTG categories in menu bar.  We will miss everyone this year. It’s truly our favorite day in the studio. We hope to see each and everyone of you safe and sound in the future.

createlikecrazy.com

703-218-2881

ORNERY BEER COMPANY

Mother’s Day Specials   —  BRUNCH or DINNER

We have a delicious meal ready for our family Brunch for 2 with Mimosa or Bloody Mary Kits and Duck Donuts – $49

Mothers Day Dinner for a family of 4 with shareable entrees, salad, bread, & dessert – $99

See website for more info ornerybeer.com

Exotica Florist– Exotica is OPEN!

Exotica provides no contact deliveries & pick ups during this hectic time.  Social distancing is not a problem when you can send beautiful flowers!  Mother’s Day is not cancelled! Send Mom a beautiful bouquet …

Order today! Contactless deliveries to keep our mommies safe!

Order NOW: https://www.exoticaflorist.net/

Exotica Florist (703) 778-9779

Bellissimo Restaurant, Fine Northern Italian Cuisine

Treat the mothers in your life to a fantastic take-out family meal! 

Open Noon until 9 pm Mother’s Day!

Call 703 293 2367

Hamrocks- Mother’s Day Menu www.hamrocksrestaurant.com (703) 385-5433

Please order early.

Victoria’s Cakery

We are still taking orders for Mother’s Day. We will be open Saturday from 9 AM -2 PM.

Open Monday – Friday 9 AM -12 PM

Place orders for pickup.

victoriascakery@verizon.net

(703) 273-0800

Mara Hair and Mode Studio – Visit store online – www.maramodestudio.com

Havabite Eatery-

Motherhood:  All love begins & ends there.

Happy mothers day to all the moms we wish you the very best!

Call : 703-591-2244/ 703-591-2243

Text : 703-609-7213

#fairfaxcity #fairfaxcityeats #fairfaxcitytogo #mothersday

April 27th, 2020

  FAIRFAX CITY, VA — Tatjana Farr, owner of Coyote Grille in Fairfax City, is providing free meals to medical workers and first responders in the Washington, D.C. area to make life easier for them as they work on the front lines of the coronavirus crisis.

Farr, who has owned the restaurant for 18 years, also is doing everything she can to keep her business running during the coronavirus crisis so that when the pandemic eases, Coyote Grille will be in good shape to hire back many of the staff members who were laid off when restaurant dining rooms were forced to shut down.

Farr started a GoFundMe page called Food Forward for the Front Lines to raise money to provide meals to front-line workers. So far, the campaign has raised almost $3,000 to feed workers on the front lines and other people in need. All of the money raised goes to buying the food. Coyote Grille prepares and delivers the food at its own cost.

In particular, Coyote Grille is making an effort to deliver food to the workers who have the night shift, a time when it is harder for departments at medical facilities or fire houses to order food.

After a recent delivery of free meals to Inova Fairfax Hospital, one of the nurses at the hospital came by Coyote Grille a couple days later for a curbside pickup. “She loved the food so much and bought food for her entire family,” Farr said in an interview with Patch.

The article also talks about more donated deliveries and ways Coyote Grille is serving the community and one of many restaurants using the new STARSHIP food delivery robots delivering food/drinks/ and alcohol around Fairfax City to those in need or those who are staying home to help fight the COVID-19 virus.

Check out the rest of the article here – Patch Article

March 24th, 2020

FAIRFAX CITY, VA — Updated article featuring our Fairfax City to Go COVID-19 Business List.

The growing outbreak of new coronavirus, or COVID-19, is creating uncertainty in plenty of ways. In the business community, this is especially true for small businesses and their employees. With all residents advised to practice social distancing and high-risk individuals urged to stay home, Fairfax City businesses are adapting with creative solutions.

The Old Town Fairfax Business Association has introduced a page called Fairfax City to Go. The site includes local businesses that are offering online ordering, delivery, pickup and shipping options. It also lists which businesses have temporarily closed due to the crisis.

“Our businesses are working hard to serve us in these uncertain times,” the business association said.

Check out the rest of the article here – Patch Article

March 27th, 2020

By Sophia Barnes • Published March 27, 2020 • Updated on April 3, 2020 at 11:53 am

FAIRFAX CITY, VA — Everyone across D.C., Maryland and Virginia is under strict social distancing orders, but that doesn’t mean you have to cook all our meals or miss out on happy hour.

Luckily, you can get delicious food right from home all while supporting local restaurants that are struggling amid stay-at-home orders. There are also plenty of opportunities to enjoy a craft cocktail, local beer or discounted wine with your deal.

Virginia restaurants and bars are closed for dine-in service, but many are open for takeout, curbside pickup and delivery. You can also get beer, wine and spirits this way.

No matter where you are, there are local businesses that are working to stay afloat.

Check it out we are featured in the article for our list of businesses for Fairfax City.

Check out the rest of the article here – NBC 4 Article

March 23rd, 2020

Mark Hand—

March 20th, 2020

How to Help Small Businesses in Old Town Fairfax City COVID-19

Which Restaurants Offer Takeout, Delivery, or Curb-Side Pickup Services?

FAIRFAX CITY, VA —

Contact businesses, visit websites for more ordering, pickup, takeout, and other delivery options.

March 17th, 2020

Fairfax City during COVID-19

Which Businesses do – Takeout/Delivery/Online Ordering/Shipping or Pickup Services.  (List will be updated as need be)

FAIRFAX CITY, VA —

Restaurant Take Out and Delivery Options:

• Auld Sheeben

• 21 Great American Bistro -closed until 3/20 Dinner 

• Bellissimo’s

• Chubby Squirrel

• Coyote Grille

• Havabite Eatery

• Vietnamese (Eastwind)

• High Side

• The Wine House

• Main Street Bagel

• Old Firestation #3

• Ornery’s

• Hamrock’s

• Sisters Thai

• Patriots Pub & Grill

• Sushi Prince

• Red Hot and Blue

• Victoria’s Cakery

Contact restaurant, visit website for more ordering and delivery options.

      Businesses with online ordering, delivery, pickup, and shipping options:

• Twins Ace Hardware

• Mobius Records

• Commonwealth Dry Goods

• Fairfax Surf Shop

• Paint Your Own Pottery

• Ground Gaia

• Safeway

Contact businesses, visit websites for more ordering, pickup, takeout, and other delivery options.

March 13th, 2020

Fairfax City Business Resources on COVID-19

FAIRFAX CITY, VA —In this time of increased concern over the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), the health and well-being of our city is a top priority. Click here for more info and to learn about the city Business Resources. Here’s the link to more info.In this time of increased concern over the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), the health and well-being of our city is a top priority.The city is working closely with Fairfax County Health Department (FCHD) officials to carefully monitor the situation and minimize any potential impact on those who utilize and rely on our local businesses.  Guidance from trusted sources such as the FCHD, Virginia Health Department, and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will help employers, businesses, and the public remain informed.  Employers and their employees can prepare and implement strategies to address the impacts of COVID-19 with resources from the Commonwealth of Virginia and U.S. Chambers of Commerce.  Additionally, the Small Business Administration is providing diaster assistance to help small businesses navigate coronavirus related issues.Currently, the CDC has determined the risk of exposure to the general public is low but we also know patrons of your business may be in higher risk groups: older adults and people with chronic conditions.  Therefore, the city is encouraging businesses to take extra precautions by adopting and adhering to the CDC Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers.We can ensure that small businesses – the backbone of our community – continue to thrive by taking everyday wellness steps and using alternative ways to support our local economy by purchasing directly from the business website, ordering takeout or delivery, and purchasing gift cards that give businesses immediate income but can be redeemed at a later date.As we continue to monitor and navigate the situation together, we will share resources and updates as they become available.

March 13th, 2020

Novel COVID-19 Info

FAIRFAX CITY, VA —

Information, Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Post Date:03/12/2020

Please note: this information will be updated regularly, as needed.

The City of Fairfax is working with the Fairfax County Health Department and other partners to limit the spread of COVID-19 in our area.

Public health officials are closely monitoring the outbreak of respiratory illness caused by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), which originated in Wuhan, China.

The Fairfax County Health Department offers several ways to stay up-to-date on the COVID-19 outbreak as it continues to evolve:

• Visit the Health Department’s COVID-19 webpage for information on what’s happening in Fairfax.
• Call the Health Department call center at 703.267.3511 for your questions
• Sign up for COVID-19 updates by test:
  • Text FFXCOVID to 888-777
  • Sign up for Fairfax County Alert via text/email at http://bit.ly/337cThP
• Click on the video below to watch the Novel Coronavirus Situation Update (March 2, 2020)

 Fairfax Water has information on their website regarding this issue: https://www.fairfaxwater.org/news/covid-19

The Virginia Department of Health has resources available for public information:

• VDH COVID-19 web page
• VDH public information line: 877-ASK-VDH3

The CDC, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, has resources available for public information:

• General Information
• What You Should Know
• Information for Various Communities and Groups

Information is subject to last-minute change.

• If you have questions about events or activities, please contact the sponsoring group for up-to-date information.
• Any city event cancellation will be posted on the city website calendar.
• Click on the links below for information regarding these services:
  • CUE Bus
  • Parks and Recreation programs and facilities
  • Fairfax County Public Schools, including school service and food distirbution

 

Here are updates regarding the situation in the City of Fairfax:
 
March 8, 2020: Information about the first presumptive positive test result was provided in a press conference held at 1 pm Sunday, March 8; here is the livestream video of that press conference:

 

March 9, 2020: The Fairfax County Health Department and the Virginia Department of Health received a second presumptive positive test result for novel coronavirus (COVID-19) on a City of Fairfax resident. This individual is the spouse and close contact of the patient who tested positive on Saturday, and the exposure is not the result of community transmission.vA presumptive positive test result also was received for a resident in Spotsylvania County. This marks the fourth and fifth cases in the Commonwealth of Virginia. See the media advisory for more details.

 

Please check back for additional information, which will be posted as available.

Link to article

Febuary 13th, 2020

Coyote Grille now has its own online ordering and delivery platform.

FAIRFAX CITY, VA —

Febuary 13th, 2020

What’s Open, Closed On Presidents Day 2020 In Fairfax City

By Mark Hand, Patch Staff

Febuary 13th, 2020

GMU Homecoming Features Fairfax Business Discounts, Decorations

By Mark Hand, Patch Staff

Febuary 2nd, 2020

Fairfax City: ‘We Feel So Welcome Here; this City Is Really Special’

Spanish immersion center opens.

By Bonnie Hobbs

Students and City Council members Janice Miller and Jennifer Passey look on while Director Maureen Santamaria (in pink) and Fairfax Mayor David Meyer cut the ribbon on the school. Photo Courtesy of Danette Nguyen

Since 2007, ChiCeLaCu! (Children’s Center for Language and Culture) has offered Spanish immersion programs for children in Vienna. And on Saturday, Jan 25, it opened a new location in Fairfax City, at 10201 Main St., Suite 230 (the World Gym building).

The new space is cheerful, colorful, warm and inviting. Geared for ages 3-12, the school offers programs for preschoolers, plus afterschool and Saturday classes – and even summer camps – combining innovative strategies with traditional, classroom learning.

“When children learn Spanish earlier, it’s easier,” said school director and founder, Maureen Santamaria. When she and her husband bought a home in Fairfax City, two years ago, she began looking for a place to open another school here. Then she found and renovated this spot. “We feel so welcome here,” she said. “This City is really special, and I appreciate its support. They really want businesses to come here.”

ChiCeLaCu!’s program is also in three FCPS elementary schools. “They’re long-term programs so the children can really learn the language well,” said Santamaria. “It takes about four years to become really fluent.”

In Fairfax City, the emphasis is on preschool and Saturday classes. Preschool is for ages 3-5, either three or five days/week. Students may attend from 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., from 2:30-4:30 p.m., or all day. Saturday classes, for kindergarten through sixth grade, run from 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

But afterschool classes and summer camps are also offered; see www.childrencenterlanguage.com. Or call 571-210-0161 or 703-992-8722. And for working parents, the school is open from 7 a.m.-6 p.m.

Originally from Nicaragua, Santamaria said, “My mom always emphasized the importance of my four siblings and I going to a university and getting degrees, and we all did. This is my passion – I’m a teacher with a bachelor’s in education, and I teach Spanish in the classroom.’

THE SCHOOL also has an administrative staff, plus 10 other teachers, who’ve all been with ChiCeLaCu! a long time. Classes are small, with 8-10 students per teacher. Five classrooms are used on Saturday, and three during the week. And since 2007, some 4,000 children have attended ChiCeLaCu!’s programs.

“You need to be dedicated, perseverant, patient and hardworking,” explained Santamaria. “And if you have those qualities, then you can succeed. The students, parents and teachers here all have a special connection as a community. Our teachers are warm, caring, dedicated professionals, and the safety and wellbeing of the children is our priority.”

In the preschool program, children are taught music, language arts, math, science and cursive writing – for fine motor skills and so they’ll be able to write words in Spanish. In the Saturday program, they learn language arts, history, geography, some math and cursive writing. And, added Santamaria, “We also teach the children to listen to and respect each other.”

The Fairfax City location opened earlier this month; and during Saturday’s official grand opening, students sang a song in Spanish for the visitors, and parents, students and teachers mingled with each other and with the City officials attending the event. Among them was mom Mahtab Tehrani, whose son, Daniel, a sixth-grader, has taken classes at ChiCeLaCu! since second grade.

“He’s doing very well and is fluent in speaking and writing Spanish,” she said. “He started Spanish at a Montessori preschool and liked it. And because it’s a popular language in the U.S., we thought it would be valuable for him to learn it. I like this school because they speak only Spanish here, so the kids speak the language the whole time they’re here.”

Daniel attends afterschool classes, Tuesday and Thursday, for about 90 minutes each, plus three hours on Saturday mornings. “It’s a very good school, and this new location is very nice and spacious,” said Tehrani. “And Miss Maureen really does a lot for the children.”

Dad James Catto was there, too, with his twin daughters, Anya and Elena, 11, now in their sixth year with this school. “I speak Spanish,” he said. “I was a Peace Corps volunteer in Bolivia and served in the State Department’s Foreign Service in Mexico, so the girls spent three years there and learned Spanish. So when we moved back when they were 5½, we wanted to continue their Spanish-language skills.”

Catto then did “tons of research” into schools, but he and his wife liked ChiCeLaCu! because “It offers a unique structure. It teaches both spoken and written fluency, with a strong emphasis on grammar. The kids use books they’d use in Spanish-speaking countries and are doing lessons as if they were native Spanish speakers. So they get a deep understanding of the language and grammar.”

“It’s really imprinted on them,” he continued. “And besides speaking, the students write, do research and have to give presentations. Plus, there’s a whole cultural component. The kids study both ancient and contemporary culture – including the foods, dances, traditions, etc., of Spanish-speaking countries – so they also learn about the region and its people.”

Pleased with the school’s new location, Catto said it’s larger than its space in Vienna so there’s more room to differentiate between the students’ levels of learning. “And it’s near the park,” he added. “I love Fairfax, and we come here all the time, so I’m delighted that the school is here. And this larger space reflects the fact that the school is growing and doing well and shows all the hard work Maureen and the staff have put into it.”

STUDENT DANIEL FRIEDMAN, 11, has attended for five or six years. “They teach you Spanish in a fun way,” he said. “Instead of just lecturing, they give you lots of projects, like writing a five-page book in Spanish. It’s neat because it’s a common language and you could go to Mexico, Spain, Venezuela, etc., and talk to the people. I’d recommend this school to others because there’s lots of hands-on learning, you learn Spanish and you get to be creative, at the same time.”

One of the teachers is Santamaria’s son, Braulio Mayorga Santamaria, who teaches world history and geography to first- through sixth-graders. “I love it,” he said. “The students and parents like me and are all genuinely interested in the class. They participate and have fun.”

“Speaking more than one language is a huge advantage in life,” he explained. “And once people learn Spanish, they can communicate and use it in their everyday lives. Our parents are extremely loyal, and I’ve seen progress in their children, learning to be their own people and speak fluently.”

Proud of what they’ve accomplished, Maureen Santamaria said her greatest satisfaction is seeing students who initially can’t read or speak Spanish become fluent. And, she added, “They’ll remember me, because you always remember a good teacher.”

http://www.connectionnewspapers.com/news/2020/jan/31/fairfax-city-we-feel-so-welcome-here-city-really-s/

January 24th, 2020

Grand Openings, Anniversaries, and other news 

Businesses have opened, expanded, or relocated in Old Town Fairfax.  We formally welcome them at Grand Openings or Ribbon Cuttings.

January 25:  ChiCeLaCu! Ribbon Cutting to welcome Children’s Center for Language and Culture to the City!  Come say hello and see the school, located at 10201 Main Street, Suite 230.  The celebration will take place from 12:00 noon – 2:00 pm.

January 25:  Also on Saturday, January 25 is our annual Town Hall with Delegate David Bulova and Senator Chap Petersen.  The Town Hall takes place at City Hall and is scheduled for 9:00 am.  The legislators come back after a couple of weeks at the General Assembly to share information and usually allow for Q&A session.  Facebook Event link here.

January 24th, 2020

Best of Virginia   

Virginia Living’s Best of 2020 survey is out now and you need to vote.  The survey is for the Commonwealth, broken down by regions.  Click here to begin the survey for Northern Virginia area.  Note that the voting ends for this survey January 31. 2020 at 11:59 pm EST.

There are over 100 categories and each has a drop down menu which lists last year’s top 20, so be sure to ADD YOUR BUSINESS to the list.  I have taken the survey and was able to add a few businesses.  You may only take this survey once, so please share among your fans, family, and friends, and we will do the same on social media.  Tag the editor on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @VirginiaLiving with your #BestofVirginia2020 picks.  It cannot hurt!

 Best of NoVA 

Northern Virginia Magazine’s Best of NoVA is out and it’s time to VOTE.  Polling ends February 14, 2020 at 11:45 pm, with results named in the June 2020 issue.  The June issue hits online and newsstands May 21, 2020.  Vote early, vote often on this one.  Share with friends, family, etc. and tag #BestofNoVA2020 because WE LIKE WINNING!!!!  Here’s a media kit to print posters to place in your business or on your windows.  Here’s the link to vote.

January 14th, 2020

Cutting the ribbon are (from left), City treasurer Tom Scibilia, Council members So Lim and Michael DeMarco, Mayor David Meyer, Dave Omary, Page Johnson, Kelly Seungyon, and Sharon Ricciardi with the Central Fairfax Chamber of Commerce. Photo by Bonnie Hobbs.

Historic Fairfax Building Houses a New Business

Biltmore Design Galleria opens in Old Town.

By Bonnie Hobbs

With nearly two decades of experience in commercial and residential kitchen, closet and bathroom design/remodeling, Biltmore Design Galleria has already amassed a stellar reputation in Chantilly. And now, local residents may also avail themselves of this business’s expertise, since it recently opened a second location in Old Town Fairfax.

And owners Dave Omary and wife Kelly Seungyon didn’t choose just any building in which to set up shop. They selected the historic Sauls House, which holds special meaning for Fairfax City Commissioner of the Revenue Page Johnson.

“My great aunt, Mary Sauls, lived in this house and ran a boarding house here,” he said, during the new business’s grand opening at 10381 Main St. “And I’m glad to see that they’ve kept the integrity of the building.”

Also pleased to welcome Biltmore Design Galleria to the City was Fairfax Mayor David Meyer. “For this business to come and have a presence in this City speaks volumes about our commitment to businesses that are filling a niche,” he said. “People can come to places like this and get exactly what they want.”

He said customers reap the benefits of the owners’ expertise, while having their interior design customized. And besides that, added Meyer, “It’s important that we have a design-build business in this cool, 127-year-old building.”

Noting that Biltmore Design Galleria has been in business for 18 years, Danette Nguyen, with the City’s Economic Development Office, said, “The owners believe everyone should have their dream kitchen, bathroom and closets. And now that they have their Fairfax City location, they’re able to make these dreams a reality.”

“We’re excited to be here,” said Omary. “We chose this area because we like the City’s downtown. I like to support the City and have our business in a small town where everyone knows each other.” He said he’ll make sure things are running smoothly at both their locations, but his wife is the designer.

“We help people with the color and design of their cabinets, floors, paints, etc.,” he explained. “We don’t charge for design or measuring, just for the work and materials.”

Delighted by the turnout at the grand opening, Omary said, “I see the mayor, Council members and City representatives here, plus old friends and customers, which means a lot. This is amazing to see everyone here to support us.”

Biltmore Design Galleria is open Monday-Saturday, 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m., and Sunday, by appointment only. Phone 571-340-3566.

http://m.connectionnewspapers.com/news/2020/jan/13/historic-fairfax-building-houses-new-business/

January 6, 2020

Old Town Business Association meets in January

When we last met in November, it was to wrap up the year and prepare for 2020.  This will be our membership’s founding year, and you should all be founding members.  We have approximately 50 members at this time.
In the past 12 months, OTFBA has gone from a steering committee to a small board with part time staff and an intern, and a thriving membership. At our January 29th meeting, members will elect our officers.
That means if you are an OTFBA member, you can run for the seat of Secretary or Treasurer, and vote for Chair*, Secretary, and Treasurer.  It’s pretty exciting stuff, we are a newly reinvigorated group with a talented base of members and business owners who have expressed their sense of urgency and ownership to see that we all succeed. Join us and let’s do it!
SAVE THE DATE

What:  Jan. OTFBA Membership Meeting
When:  Jan. 29 at 8:00am
Where:  Twins Ace Hardware
10310 Main St.

All members interested in running for Chair*, Secretary, or Treasurer should submit a nomination (self-nomination is fine) in writing to: Info@oldtownfairfax.org by Close of Business (5:00PM) on January 15.  Ballots will be finalized by January 16.   
Votes will be cast and counted at our January 29 Membership meeting.  
* The seat of the Chair is limited to board members only, per OTFBA bylaws which are available upon request.

Thank you Craig Smith, Twins Ace Hardware, for graciously hosting us!  

November 5, 2019

The Old Town Fairfax Business Association invites you to our Inaugural Year Annual Meeting!

October 31, 2019

CHAIN BRIDGE RD. SIDEWALK PROJECT ALERT

• Southbound traffic will be detoured to University Drive via Kenmore Drive, then back to Route 123 via Whitehead Street.
• Northbound traffic will follow the current detour route.