Thompson Italian Proposes Second Location On Alexandria's King Street

ALEXANDRIA, VA — A restaurant space vacated by Hank's Oyster Bar on Alexandria's King Street could become the second location of Thompson Italian.

Thompson Italian owners Gabe Thompson and Katherine Thompson seek to open a new restaurant at 1024 King St., the former location of Hank's Oyster Bar. Hank's Oyster Bar moved to a new location in Old Town North, with a rooftop dining area.

Thompson Italian seeks a special use permit for change of ownership to open on King Street. According to its application, the restaurant plans to sell alcohol for consumption on and off site at the Alexandria location.

Minor renovations are planned for the lower level kitchen, main level service area, doors, light fixtures and signage.

The Thompsons, who previously worked for Italian restaurants in New York City, opened Thompson Italian in Falls Church in 2019. The couple met as part of the opening staff at Dell’anima in New York City, and they went on to become chef-owners at other New York City Italian restaurants such as L’Artusi, Anfora and L’Apicio.

After moving to Northern Virginia in 2015, Gabe Thompson became chef at RPM Italian in Washington.

Their dream to open their own neighborhood restaurant came to life in partnership with Kristen Carson Hamilton, a Falls Church resident who worked at Rose’s Luxury and Little Pearl.

Thompson Italian specializes in pasta and other Italian dishes, along with desserts such as gelato and olive oil cake. Gabe Thompson serves as the executive chef, and Katherine Thompson is the pastry chef.