Veteran-Owned Skrimp Shack Opens At Mount Vernon Plaza

HYBLA VALLEY, VA — Skrimp Shack, a fast casual seafood restaurant, opened last month at the Mount Vernon Plaza shopping center in Hybla Valley. The news was announced by Federal Realty Investment Trust, the shopping center owner.

Skrimp Shack specializes in fish sandwiches and made-to-order seafood items. The menu includes family-size options, sandwiches, baskets and dinners. There are kids menu options as well as sides like fries, fried okra, macaroni and cheese, and collard greens.

The restaurant is located in a 2,000-square-foot space between Staples and PetSmart. Due to the pandemic, dining room provides socially distanced seating at 25 percent occupancy.

This Skrimp Shack location is veteran-owned. On Tuesdays, active duty and retired military receive 10 percent off their meals as a "thank you" gesture from the McLeons and staff.

Owner Kenneth McLeon said there has been strong support from the community since the location opened.

"When my wife and I decided to open a business, we knew that we wanted to create a great place for people to connect over delicious, affordable food," said McLeon. "Every day, we strive to empower and encourage our employees to ensure that each customer who walks through our door is guaranteed a delicious meal and a smiling face. We feel blessed to be able to serve the community of Alexandria."

This is the 23rd Skrimp Shack location in Virginia, with other Northern Virginia locations being in Manassas and Dumfries.Founded in Newport News in 2011, the franchise changed ownership from founders Mitch and Stacey Hartman to their friends Glenn Heard and Kevin Harrison in January.

Hours are 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday. For more information, visit theskrimpshack.com.