Fast-Casual Coffee Shop And Restaurant Cuts Ribbon In Old Town Plaza

FAIRFAX CITY, VA — Representatives of Fairfax City's business community helped owners Usman and Hanna Saleem cut the ribbon on The Commons Fooderie, the eighth restaurant the husband and wife have opened in the Washington, D.C. area.

"Honestly, when we first saw it, it was just perfect," Usman Saleem said, about their new location. "It's on the corner of Chain Bridge Road in the heart of Fairfax City. We're from the area; we're locals. I went to George Mason, and we really had an affinity for the area and it was just perfect."

Open since Jan. 22, The Commons Fooderie is a fast-casual coffee shop and restaurant, which the couple hopes will draw locals to Old Town Plaza.

"We really are focused on creating inviting open spaces, where people can come work, hang out study, but then we put a huge focus obviously, on the food and drink," Usman Saleem said.

The coffee served at The Commons Fooderie is roasted 24 hours before the Saleems ordered it and every food item on the menue is made fresh to order in its own kitchen.

"It's really the freshness and quality of the stuff coming out of the kitchen that makes it special, combined with the beautiful space," he said.

Members of Fairfax City Economic Development, the Central Fairfax Chamber of Commerce and the Old Town Fairfax Business Association joined city officials to welcome the Saleems and their new business to Old Town Plaza.

Fairfax City Councilmember Jon Stehle was on hand to represent the city and welcome The Commons Fooderie to Old Town Plaza.

"This is an important corner for Old Town," Fairfax City Councilmember Jon Stehle told Patch. "Having an active business here, a place people can stop on their way to work or to class, sit down, have a business meeting, just take a break and really engage and then on the weekends for families to come to and have a place to start their day. I can envision walk into the farmers market from here and back on the weekend time, so it's a great activation for our core."

Usmans operate seven other Commons restaurants in the Washington, D.C. area, including one in Tysons. The couple plans to open another location in Reston in about four weeks.