Business Openings Coming Soon in Alexandria

PHOTO: Opening soon in Del Ray: Chickpea Mediterranean Grill, 529 E. Howell Ave.; photo courtesy of restaurant

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ALEXANDRIA, VA -- Here's a look at some of the businesses planning to open soon in Alexandria:

Cava Grill: Perched in the corner spot at N. Jordan Street and Duke Street, at Shoppes of Foxchase, Cava Grill will open its doors Monday, May 9. They'll be serving free lunch, for Community Day, from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and encouraging patrons to make a donation to City Blossoms, a nonprofit dedicated to fostering healthy communities by developing creative, kid-driven green spaces. ‪(The Rite Aid store next door to Cava Grill also has a sign up saying it's celebrating a grand "re-opening.")

Across the street from Foxchase, a chain-link fence has gone up surrounding the old Mango Mike's restaurant in preparation for removal of asbestos, demolition and construction of the new ALDI grocery store, according to permits filed with the City.

What You Need to Know About Shopping at ALDI

The Majestic (previously The Majestic Cafe), at 911 King St., is set to reopen in mid-May after a renovation of its interior and a new chef in command of the kitchen. Look for new ceiling treatment, lighting and more. Read about the new chef here.

Live Oak, 1603 Commonwealth Ave. in Del Ray, former site of Monroe's, has updated its Facebook recently with a rendering of its logo, a large Live Oak tree, a nod to its Southern roots, with the words "Live Oak Restaurant." No word yet on an opening date for this much-anticipated new eatery.

Junction Bakery & Bistro, 1508 Mount Vernon Ave., also opening in the space of a longtime Del Ray favorite (Mancini's), is expected to open sometime this spring and is keeping patrons-to-be apprised with tantalizing photos from the kitchen, on its Facebook page.

Chickpea Mediterranean Grill, 529 E. Howell Ave., has applied for a retail license to sell wine and beer in Virginia and is hiring, according to an ad posted recently on craigslist: "Chickpea Mediterranean Grill, Alexandria's newest fast casual restaurant in the Del Ray neighborhood, is opening in the beginning of May and we need dedicated team members!" Look for an opening as soon as next week, according to its Facebook page.

For some non-food news: The space for the new Michael's crafts store opening at Bradlee shopping center on King Street, is undergoing a $970,000 renovation and is walled off during the construction phase; no word on an opening date yet. The construction permit expires in October. The store replaces the Dress Barn clothing store, which recently closed.

The nearby ABC liquor store, a few doors down at Bradlee, is getting a facelift and is expected to reopen in early June. A brand-new ABC store opened earlier this month in Alexandria, at 4349 Duke St., the former location of a Pier 1 store that moved to Foxchase. The new 8,813-square-foot space includes 7,235 square feet of retail space with the remainder set aside for storage and the building’s mechanical operations. The new store offers approximately 1,500 items and employs seven people. Store hours are 10 a.m.− 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 1−6 p.m. Sunday.

Also coming soon:

• Five Guys: Five Guys to Replace Bertucci's
• Sweetgreen: Sweetgreen to Open Location in Alexandria
• Vola's Dockside Grill & the Hi Tide Lounge: Waterfront Restaurant to Be Named for City Leader
• Whiskey & Oyster: Seafood Restaurant Proposed for Carlyle Area
• Barre3 Studio: Barre3 Studio to Open First Virginia Location in Alexandria
• Portner Brewhouse: 100 Years Later, Portners Set to Brew Again

Got some news to share? Email: maryann.barton@patch.com