Wegmans, Caboose Cafe: Del Ray's Biggest Business Stories Of 2017

ALEXANDRIA, VA—It's been a big year for business in Del Ray from exciting new openings to announcements of future developments and goodbyes to beloved businesses.

From confirmed plans of Wegmans to Snackbar moving into the location of Caboose Cafe, there was plenty to talk about during 2017. (Want more stories like this in 2018? Subscribe to Patch's free daily newsletter and news alerts and follow the Del Ray Patch Facebook page.)

Here are the top business stories around Del Ray over the last calendar year:

1. Wegmans Confirmed To Open In Alexandria

Wegman's, one of the area's favorite grocery chains, will make its debut in the City of Alexandria at Hoffman Town Center. The developer anticipates Wegmans construction will begin in early 2019 have part completed by 2021.

2. Del Ray Says Goodbye To Caboose Cafe, Hello To Snackbar

Michelle and Scott Mitchell have opened Snackbar in the former Caboose Cafe location (2419 Mount Vernon Avenue) after Rhoda Worku decided to retire. Caboose Cafe had been a Del Ray staple since it opened in spring 2004, and the new owners have plans to keep some of the Ethiopian menu items.

3. FireFlies Is Closing After 15 Years In Del Ray

After over 15 years serving Del Ray, the owner of FireFlies announced it would be closing after Christmas Eve.
The restaurant at 1501 Mount Vernon Avenue has become a staple in the community, hosting local events from poetry readings to musical performances and of course the famous New Year's Day Pajama Brunch. The nearby Live Oak Restaurant announced it would be introducing its second concept at the FireFlies location.

4. Alexandria's First Waterfront Hotel Opens

Hotel Indigo, Alexandria's first waterfront hotel, opened in May at 220 South Union St. The hotel features five stories, 120 rooms and a terrace overlooking the Potomac River. It has made nods to Alexandria's historical roots, including the 18th century ship and warehouse discovered when it broke ground.

5. Nicecream Opens In Alexandria

Nicecream, a shop that makes ice cream fresh from liquid nitrogen, expanded to Old Town Alexandria in April. The shop, located at 726 King Street, gets ingredients from vendors at local farmer's markets, where Nicecream initially started out.

6. Duck Donuts Opens Doors in Alexandria

Duck Donuts, a franchise offering fresh made-to-order donuts, opened a new location at Bradlee Shopping Center in March. Customers can watch as staff prepare the batter, fry the donuts and add toppings all in-store.

7. Happy Tart Bakery Makes Triumphant Return To Del Ray

Happy Tart Bakery is back, and it's better than ever. The bakery at 2307 Mt Vernon Avenue has reopened after closing for renovations last December with new menu offerings. Owner Emma Cech tells Patch it's become a DC area destination for patrons with a gluten intolerance, and it's been named top gluten-free bakery in the U.S.

8. Virginia's First Toppers Pizza Opens In Alexandria

A pizza chain started in Wisconsin has begun expanding to the East Coast, and Alexandria is the first stop on its list. The Toppers shop at 3827 Mount Vernon Avenue opened in December, offering eccentric toppings like such as macaroni and cheese and tater tots as the name suggests.

9. Craft Beer Pro to Open Gourmet Store in Del Ray/Potomac Yard

Department of Beer and Wine, a gourmet shop featuring craft beer and wine, opened at the Potomac Yard shopping center. Owner Jeff Sapsford has managed Sunset Beer Company in Los Angeles and working at Norm's Beer and Wine, a popular store with a cult following in Vienna.

10. Mia's Italian Kitchen To Take Place Of Carluccio's In Alexandria

Alexandria Restaurant Partners have signed a lease to open a restaurant called Mia's Italian Kitchen at 100 King Street, the former site of Carluccio's. Slated to open in January 2018, Mia's will feature Italian favorites such as freshly-made pastas, Sicilian-style pizza, sandwiches and more.

Image of Fairfax Wegmans by Jacquelyn Martin/Associated Press