Woodbridge Residents Share Businesses They Most Want In Town: Patch Survey

WOODBRIDGE, VA — Readers shared desires for types of new businesses they'd like to see around Woodbridge, from small businesses to well-known restaurants and grocery stores. But there was a clear winner for the most desired business.

We had more than 70 responses from the three-day survey distributed to Woodbridge, Lake Ridge-Occoquan, and Dale City readers. Trader Joe's was the top response, named by more than 30 respondents as desired businesses. Respondents voiced support for new grocery stores like Trader Joe's, Whole Foods and Publix opening in Woodbridge.

It's no surprise, as there's been a longtime Bring Trader Joe's to Woodbridge, VA Facebook group with thousands of followers.

"People travel to Fairfax to go to [Trader Joe's], it would be nice just to have one closer," an anonymous reader shared.

One trend among readers was seeing a need for diversifying businesses.

"Woodbridge was recently named America's fastest-growing suburb, so there should be a wider variety of stores available to serve its residents, and also attract consumers who visit our wonderful community," reader Vicky R. shared.

"Would love to see more corporate offices based out of our area," reader Nate Sandels shared. "There are more than there used to be, but it would be nice to see some larger contracting companies or even the big guys like Amazon or Google have offices in Woodbridge so we could have more professional office jobs in [Prince William County]."

Some readers indicated they will go to other locations for shopping and entertainment.

"Most activities that exist locally are shopping, restaurants, movies, or are venues aimed more towards families with kids," wrote an anonymous reader. "Personally, I currently drive all the way out to Fredericksburg just for the retro-style barcade they have...Having stuff like that closer would be great."

Restaurants and other food businesses desired by readers included:

• Trader Joe’s
• Shake Shack
• A Great American Restaurants eatery
• Coopers Hawk Winery & Restaurant
• Whole Foods
• Royal Farms
• Buc-ee's
• PLNT Burger
• Founding Farmers
• California Pizza Kitchen
• Carolina Kitchen
• Bojangles
• Mellow Mushroom
• Einstein Bagels
• Zaxby's
• PF Chang's
• Rango's Tex-Mex
• Applebee's
• TGI Friday
• La Madeleine
• Publix
• Krispy Cream Donuts
• Jason's Deli
• Hardee's

General types of restaurants or food businesses desired were:

• More non-chain restaurants
• Barbecue
• Dumpling restaurant
• Salad restaurant
• Upscale steakhouse
• Italian deli/bakery
• More restaurants similar to Fairfax
• Upscale seafood restaurant
• Bagel shop
• Italian restaurant
• Japanese restaurant
• Family restaurants
• Greek restaurant
• Caribbean cuisine
• More locally-owned coffee shops
• Mom and Pop diners

Other types of businesses sought by readers include:

• Yoga studio
• Disney store
• Pop Mart
• Skating rink
• Dress Barn
• Hendricks
• More corporate offices
• West Elm
• Pottery Barn
• Businesses serving adult social activities/hobbies (barcade, escape room, etc)
• Fabric shop
• More unique shops returning to Occoquan
• HomeGoods
• TJ Maxx
• Tailer/cobbler
• Gift/antique/consignment shop
• Microbusiness center to sell entrepreneur's products
• More career businesses
• Ollie's Bargain Outlet
• Macy's
• Gift and party supply stores

Assessing the Business Climate

We also asked readers which areas could see improvements in business vitality. Woodbridge proper (east of Interstate 95) was identified as an area of improvement by 49.3 percent of respondents, followed by 45.1 percent for Lake Ridge, 39.4 percent for Dale City, 35.2 percent for the Potomac Mills area and 23.9 percent for Occoquan. Other areas readers want to see improvements are Dumfries, Belmont Bay, Triangle and the Route 1 corridor in general.

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