Lena's Oasis To Close At End Of September As COVID Outdoor Dining Program Ends

ALEXANDRIA, VA — As Alexandria's temporary COVID-19 outdoor dining program ends on Sept. 30, so will the Lena's Oasis dining experience at Lena’s Wood-Fired Pizza & Tap on East Braddock Road.

The Lena's Oasis concept was introduced in June 2020 with temporary outdoor dining permits from the City of Alexandria. The city had introduced temporary flexibilities to help businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic. That temporary program ends on Sept. 30 and will be replaced with a permanent program charging "parklet" fees for on-street parking space use.

The Yates family, owners of Lena's, created Lena's Oasis to be a safe and unique dining experience during the COVID-19 pandemic in collaboration with Revolution Events and CG & Co Events. The covered outdoor seating at the Yates Corner parking deck includes a 4,000-square-foot tented area and 2,000-square-foot pet-friendly outdoor terrace with a "Ciao Bella" photo opp wall. The tropical-themed tent is filled with Moroccan-style décor, mood lighting, tropical plants, ceiling fans, vibrant chairs, tiled tables and sheer white curtains to create cabana-style dining areas. Lena's Oasis serves favorites from the Lena's regular menu as well as a themed menu with special cocktails and food.

"One major motivating factor for thinking outside the box with the creation of Lena's Oasis, was to not only retain our existing team members during the pandemic but expand the Lena's team to employ many displaced local workers," said owner Jason Yates in a statement. "We're so proud of our incredible team at Lena's for taking on the challenges of the new space and making all our guests feel welcome, safe, and at home."

According to the restaurant, Lena’s Oasis has served tens of thousands of guests and hosted over 3,500 birthdays, anniversaries and other special occasions. The creative dining experiences at Lena's contributed to it winning the 2021 Heart of Del Ray award from the Del Ray Business Association.

“Lena's Oasis was an amazing example of small business innovation during the pandemic," said Lauren Fisher, president of the Del Ray Business Association. "With Lena’s Oasis they provided a place for much-needed connection and normalcy in a very trying time, and for that, we are forever grateful."

To say farewell to Lena's Oasis, there will be various happenings throughout September. On Sept. 19 and 20, a four-course Italian Wine Dinner will be hosted at Lena's Oasis, featuring new Italian wines on the menu paired with dishes made by the chef.

Lena's will donate $1 to the ALIVE food program for people in need for every reservation made at Lena's Oasis during September. Lena's will also host its annual Lena’s Loyalty program for the most loyal guests, providing a complimentary bottle of wine during their visit in September. Guests can also enter for a chance to win a $100 Lena's gift card by sharing their visits on social media with hashtag #LenasOasisFarewell.

On Sept. 30, a professional photographer will be on site to take commemorative photos of guests at the Ciao Bella wall.

Although we will say "arrivederci" to Lena's Oasis, other dining experiences at Lena's will stay.

"With all the memories we've had there over the last two years, the closing of Lena's Oasis is bittersweet, but we're looking forward to welcoming our guests back again at Lena's Tap Room, Lena's Beer Garden, and The Loft at Lena's," said Yates.

For more information and reservations, visit www.lenaswoodfire.com.