Wegmans, Nicecream: Alexandria's Biggest Business Stories Of 2017

ALEXANDRIA, VA—It's been a big year for business in Alexandria from exciting new openings to announcements of future developments and goodbyes to beloved businesses.

From the opening of the first waterfront hotel in Alexandria to confirmed plans of Wegmans, there was plenty to talk about during 2017. (Want more stories like this in 2018? Subscribe to Patch's free daily newsletter and news alerts and follow the Old Town Alexandria Patch Facebook page.)

Here are the top business stories around Old Town Alexandria over the last calendar year:

1. Wegmans Confirmed To Open In Alexandria

Wegman's, one of the area's favorite grocery chains, will make its debut in the City of Alexandria at Hoffman Town Center. The developer anticipates Wegmans construction will begin in early 2019 have part completed by 2021.

2. Nicecream Opens In Alexandria

Nicecream, a shop that makes ice cream fresh from liquid nitrogen, expanded to Old Town Alexandria in April. The shop, located at 726 King Street, gets ingredients from vendors at local farmer's markets, where Nicecream initially started out.

3. Alexandria's First Waterfront Hotel Opens

Hotel Indigo, Alexandria's first waterfront hotel, opened in May at 220 South Union St. The hotel features five stories, 120 rooms and a terrace overlooking the Potomac River. It has made nods to Alexandria's historical roots, including the 18th century ship and warehouse discovered when it broke ground.

4. Duck Donuts Opens Doors in Alexandria

Duck Donuts, a franchise offering fresh made-to-order donuts, opened a new location at Bradlee Shopping Center in March. Customers can watch as staff prepare the batter, fry the donuts and add toppings all in-store.

5. Mia's Italian Kitchen To Take Place Of Carluccio's In Alexandria

Alexandria Restaurant Partners have signed a lease to open a restaurant called Mia's Italian Kitchen at 100 King Street, the former site of Carluccio's. Slated to open in January 2018, Mia's will feature Italian favorites such as freshly-made pastas, Sicilian-style pizza, sandwiches and more.

6. Old Town Shop Opens in Alexandria

Old Town Shop, a business that showcases local products and Alexandria history, opened in April at 105 South Union Street near the Alexandria waterfront. Geared toward both residents and tourists, the store offers selections of gourmet foods, books, collectives, and hospitality gifts. It has also partnered with the Office of Historic Alexandria to offer "Old Town" branded items.

7. Alexandria's Mark Center Sold To New Owners

For the first time in over a decade, Alexandria's Mark Center is changing hands. Pennsylvania-based Morgan Properties announced Wednesday it had acquired the mixed-use development for $509 million. Under new ownership, the six apartment communities will be consolidated and receive upgrades and additional amenities.

8. Del Ray Says Goodbye To Caboose Cafe, Hello To Snackbar

Michelle and Scott Mitchell have opened Snackbar in the former Caboose Cafe location (2419 Mount Vernon Avenue) after Rhoda Worku decided to retire. Caboose Cafe had been a Del Ray staple since it opened in spring 2004, and the new owners have plans to keep some of the Ethiopian menu items.

9. Owner Of Red Barn Mercantile Opens Penny Post

Red Barn Mercantile owner Amy Rutherford has opened a second shop in Old Town called Penny Post. The shop specializes in paper products and comes 10 years after she opened her first shop.

10. Forge Industrial Works Opens In Old Town Alexandria

Forge Industrial Works opened its doors at 128 South Royal Street to offer collections of industrial furniture, antiques, gifts, home accessories, jewelry and more. The store has been in business since end of July but celebrated its grand opening in September.

Image of Fairfax Wegmans by Jacquelyn Martin/Associated Press