Lily's Chocolate & Coffee Seeks To Open At Busy Old Town Intersection

ALEXANDRIA, VA — Lily's Chocolate & Coffee, a family-owned businesses offering sweets and drinks, is seeking a new location in Old Town Alexandria.

The business debuted in Vienna in 2021. It is owned by Saif and Lily Alobaidi, siblings who immigrated to the U.S. from Iraq in 2009.

The siblings offer a taste of Iraq with a specialty dessert called Lockma. This Iraqi fried pastry comes with a filling, chocolate topping, and garnish such as pistachio, Oreo or hazelnut. Customers may order Lockma in five pieces, eight pieces, 18 pieces or 30-piece box.

Along with Lockma, the business serves desserts such as cakes, waffles, croissants, macarons and more. Hot and iced teas and coffees are on the drink menu along with smoothies and juices.

In Alexandria, Lily's Chocolate & Coffee is applying for a special use permit at 631 King Street, the former location of Francesca's at the busy Washington and King Street intersection. Proposed hours are 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday through Saturday. Carryout, dine-in and third party delivery service will be offered. Public comments will be received by the city through Dec. 29.

For more information about the business, visit lilyschocolatecoffee.com.