Business & Tech

Robot Food Delivery + Holiday Boat Parade + Coffee Shop Expands: VA Business News

Holiday shopping and celebrations, plus a vote opposing a casino are in the news. Plus, Metrobus has a new route direct to DC from NoVA.

The "2026 Olympics" boat took Best in Show at the Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights on Saturday.
The "2026 Olympics" boat took Best in Show at the Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights on Saturday. (Evan Michio Cantwell)

Whether it's Santa arriving by helicopter to visit children in hospital, a boat parade lighting up the Potomac, or Christmas dining options, the holiday season dominated recent business news. Plus a direct Metrobus route from NoVA to Metro Center opens for commuters.

Grounds Central Station In VA Expanding Current Location

The coffee shop in Old Town Manassas announced plans to expand its footprint and host special events like a First Friday pop-up bar.

Direct Metrobus Route From NoVA To Metro Center Added

Metro announced that it will launch a new direct Alexandria route to downtown D.C. during rush hours.

Find out what's happening in Fredericksburgfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Food Deliveries By Robot: New Service Expands To Alexandria

Food deliveries by robots will start to appear in some areas of Alexandria as a company deploys its robots to third-party deliveries.

Electrical Fire Causes $2.7 Million In Damages NoVA

Loudoun County Fire and Rescue said it took more than an hour to knock down most of the fire.

Find out what's happening in Fredericksburgfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Late-Night Shopping Offered At 3 NoVA Stores

Shoppers have the chance to browse stores up to midnight during a special holiday shopping experience in Old Town Alexandria.

‘The Great Christmas Light Fight’ Episode Features VA Family

An Ashburn family's Christmas display will take the spotlight in a "Great Christmas Light Fight" episode this week.

2025 VA Holiday Boat Parade Of Lights Winners Named

From a Jaws-themed boat to a Pink Pony Club party, here are the winners of the Holiday Boat Parade of Lights.

Would-Be Bank Robber Surrenders To Police

A Fairfax man who left a bank when asked to after demanding money then surrendered to police as they arrived outside, a report said.

Santa Arrives By Helicopter, Visits Children At VA Hospital

Santa arrived by helicopter at Inova Loudoun Hospital, bringing smiles and well wishes to children spending the holiday season hospitalized.

Casino Opponents Applaud Divided Board's Opposition To Gaming Proposal

An amendment exposed division among Fairfax County supervisors on how to strategically address potential casino legislation from Richmond.

Anti-Casino Amendment Voted On By NoVA Board Of Supervisors

Fairfax County Board of Supervisors voted Tuesday on whether to include opposition to casino legislation in its 2026 legislative program.

Christmas Dining In NoVA

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