Takeout Window For Upcoming Urbano 116 Approved In Alexandria

ALEXANDRIA, VA—A takeout window approved to open at an upcoming restaurant will be an experiment of sorts for the Alexandria business sector. Alexandria City Council voted 4-3 to allow Mexican restaurant Urbano 116 to construct the takeout window. The restaurant approved to open in February and is currently under construction at 116 King Street.

The restaurant plans to offer limited quick-service menu items from the storefront window. Hours would be 11 a.m.-midnight Sunday to Wednesday and 11 a.m.-2 a.m. Thursday to Saturday. The restaurant anticipates 20 to 30 customers per hour during peak times.

Regular restaurant hours will be 11 a.m.-midnight Monday through Wednesday, 11 a.m.-2 a.m. Thursday through Saturday and 10 a.m.-midnight Sunday.

This request was for an encroachment into the public right-of-way, allowing the carry-out window service line on the sidewalk. The figure below shows the area of encroachment (shaded in blue).

The proposal prompted a rigorous discussion on whether the takeout window is appropriate for the area. City staff had also recommended limiting takeout hours to 11 p.m., but the Planning Commission had recommended the extended hours (closing midnight Sunday to Wednesday and 2 a.m. Thursday to Saturday) to match indoor dining hours.

City staff required the restaurant for a plan ensuring the takeout line doesn't take up too much room on the sidewalk. The city will also review the effectiveness of the takeout window after six months.

Urbano 116 is a project of Common Plate Hospitality, the team behind the new Augie's Mussel House and Patio and Mason Social. The restaurant is aiming to open by the end of the year.

For more information on Urbano 116, visit www.urbano116.com.

Rendering provided by Common Plate Hospitality