Restaurant Replacing The Village Wharf Aims to Open in March

The River Bend Bistro is aiming for a spring 2013 opening in the Hollin Hall Shopping Center in the location formerly occupied for more than a decade by The Village Wharf.

Caroline Ross, a chef by training and former manager of Rick's Wine and Gourmet, co-owns the River Bend Bistro with her husband, Bill. The restaurant was originally scheduled to open in November 2012, but the Rosses are still making their way through various departments to get permits.

Rick's Wine and Gourmet recently closed after 20 years at its location at a shopping center off of Duke Street in Alexandria.

The Fairfax County Health Department has the blueprints for the restaurant and they still have to go through the Building Department, Bill Ross told Patch.

“With any luck, we’ll open in March,” Ross said. “It’s progressing at an incredibly slow pace.”

River Bend Bistro will offer casual fine dining and local foods. The restaurant will seat 74 and have a full bar.