Alexandria's Most Anticipated Business Openings in 2016

PHOTO: (Clockwise from upper left) Orangetheory Fitness is expected to open this spring on King Street; Portner Brewhouse is eyeing a summer opening in the West End; Cava Grill recently announced it will be opening at Foxchase; Junction Bakery & Bistro is renovating its location in Del Ray, eyeing a spring opening.

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ALEXANDRIA, VA -- Although there has been a lot of talk lately in the City of Alexandria about small businesses closing, there are plenty of highly anticipated businesses opening soon in the City.

As of Monday, we are looking at the opening of at least seven new restaurants, two grocery stores, two fitness studios and one retailer who recently opened in Old Town Alexandria. This is by no means a definitive list. If you know of a new business opening in the City, please email: maryann.barton@patch.com

Here’s a look at what’s coming up:

Live Oak, 1603 Mount Vernon Ave.: This new restaurant’s name is a nod to Charleston and a hint of the Southern menu expected to open in the former Monroe’s location in Del Ray with not only a well-seasoned team. Owners are Justus Frank, Jeremy Barber and Tim Irwin. Chef Frank’s experience includes turns at Eventide, Fiola, Nonna’s Kitchen/Alphonse Italian Market and Osteria. Keep up with the restaurant and its expected May opening on their Facebook page.

Junction Bakery & Bistro, 1508 Mount Vernon Ave.: Also in Del Ray, with yet another seasoned team at the helm, Junction is also expected to open in the spring, taking over the space formerly occupied by Mancini’s. Noe Landini (Landini Brothers, Fish Market, Pop’s Old-Fashioned Ice Cream) and Nathan Hatfield (former baker Restaurant Eve, Society Fair, Le Diplomate) are in charge of this centrally located eatery. Check in on this project on the Facebook page and on Twitter.

ALDI: With one ALDI grocery store opened at 4602 Kenmore in Alexandria’s West End, there are two more openings to come in the City--at the former Mango Mike’s location on Duke Street and also the former Giant location in Del Ray, at 425 E. Monroe Ave. Both locations require renovation, building, etc. Building permits for the Del Ray location expire in August.

Sweetgreen: This salad and soup restaurant that got its start in Georgetown will take over the spot now occupied by Bittersweet at 823 King St.; Bittersweet is set to close in May. No permits have been filed with the City yet for any renovation.

Glory Days Grill: A spokeswoman confirmed that the company is in negotiations to open a location at Alexandria Commons Shopping Center, but no deal had yet been struck. If it does come to this shopping center on Duke Street, it would take the spot formerly occupied by Lone Star Steakhouse.

OSHUN: PTO Seafood, aka seasoned restaurateur Mike Anderson proposes to open a 95-seat seafood restaurant at 333 John Carlyle Street, according to papers filed with the City. Plans call for a full-service bar and oyster bar.

Barre3 Studio: This popular exercise studio has also filed paperwork with the City to open a spot at 277 S. Washington St., known as the Atrium Building. It’s located in the same building as Society Fair, so you can enjoy a bite and work it off at barre3.

Cava Grill: Popular restaurant Cava Grill is coming to Alexandria, according to the company. The fast-casual Mediterranean eatery, which got its start in DC, will be located at the Shoppes of Foxchase shopping center.

Periwinkle has opened with winter hours at 111 S. Columbus St. in Old Town Alexandria. Keep up with this boutique on its Facebook page. Winter hours are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday-Friday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays.

Orangetheory Fitness: Last we checked in, this new exercise studio coming to King Street was expected to open this spring, eyeing a March opening.

Portner Brewhouse: Opening this summer, the great-great granddaughters of the founder will bring back the family business after 100 years.