Lena's Named 2022 Heart Of Del Ray Winner

ALEXANDRIA, VA — Last Friday, Lena's Wood-Fired Pizza and Tap was presented with the 2022 Heart of Del Ray award.

Lena's was one of five finalists for the annual award given to the business demonstrating the "heart and soul" of Del Ray. Other nominees were St. Elmo's Coffee Pub, Stomping Ground, The Dog Store/Your Dog's Best Friends, and Windmill Hill Design Build.

Businesses were nominated for the award before public voting took place through Feb. 10. Over 1,000 votes went to Lena's, as reported by The Zebra.

Nominations for Lena's mentioned its creative dining experiences during the pandemic and willingness to support the community.

"Lena's Wood Fired Pizza & Tap didn't just put up a tent with tables outside," said one nomination. "They recognized people needed an escape during COVID, so they created an elevated dining experience — and it changed with the seasons!"

Lena's introduced Lena's Oasis, a tropical escape in a tent on a parking deck, during the pandemic. Success from the Lena's Oasis and Lena's Beer Garden led the business to introduce another concept, a rotating seasonal dining experience in its loft space. The latest concept, Velvet & Rye, is a Roaring Twenties-themed dining experience for the fall and winter. Other concepts at the loft have been the Winter Lodge and Full Bloom.

Another nomination mentioned Lena's support for the community.

"Lena's always opens their doors to the community, sends pizza for volunteers, sponsors community events, and is always there to support our community," the nomination said.

Full video of the Heart of Del Ray presentation is available from The Zebra.

The Heart of Del Ray is given by the Del Ray Business Association. A business can only win the Heart of Del Ray award once.

Past winners include:

• 2009: A Show of Hands
• 2010: Jen Walker, McEnearney Associates
• 2011: Bobi Bomar, Homes of Alexandria/Compass
• 2012: The Neighborhood Pharmacy of Del Ray
• 2013: The Greener Cleaner of Del Ray
• 2014: Del Ray Pizzeria
• 2015: Mind the Mat Pilates & Yoga
• 2016: Caboose Cafe
• 2017: Del Ray Cafe
• 2018: Pork Barrel BBQ
• 2019: Taqueria Poblano
• 2020: Ms. Preeti's 7-Eleven
• 2021: Dolce & Bean