New Cafe Aims To Be Fairfax City's Go-To Dessert Destination

FAIRFAX CITY, VA — About 70 people stood in line around noon on Thursday, waiting for the next batch of pastries to be added to the glass case at the new bakery in the Courthouse Plaza Shopping Center in Fairfax City.

Opening to little fanfare last week in the former McDonald's building next to the library, Layered Bakery has already gained a sizable following for its handcrafted desserts thanks to social media.

"A lot of people are posting on Instagram, and that's how it became famous," said assistant manager Chowdary said on Thursday. "It's become wild. There are a lot of desserts that are more like a New York or LA-based desserts. They're fruit-shaped, which you don't see really at any cafe around here."

Anyone wishing to try one of Layered's desserts should anticipate standing in line and adhering to the bakery's strict schedule. The display case is restocked with about 250-300 desserts at 7 a.m., 12 p.m. and 5 p.m., and each customer is limited to just two desserts.

"It's going to be sold out in an hour," Chowdary said.

Layered is located at 3924 Blenheim Blvd. in Fairfax City. Hours are currently 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. every day, but may switch to 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. in the future, according to Chowdary.

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Launched as a brunch and café concept by the owners of Chateau de Chantilly, Layered offers freshly baked desserts, cakes, and artisan sandwiches, all of which are designed by a Michelin-trained chef.

"The way we make drinks is completely different from the way the other cafes make them, and the desserts are really good," Chowdary said. "You cannot find these kind of desserts nearby or in Virginia."

Layered is a collaborative effort between business owners Combined Properties and Fairfax City EDA, using the city’s Façade and Interior Improvement Grant program. This is the same program that the owners of DTL Sports Center used in 2024 to open their indoor pickleball facility in the same shopping center.

“Our vision is for this to be a place where people come together — whether for a casual coffee catch-up, a family treat, or simply to enjoy something special," Layered co-owner Choi said in June. "We hope to become Fairfax City’s go-to spot for great coffee and desserts.”

If Thursday's turnout was any indication, Layered is well on its way to fulfilling Choi's hope.