A new option for coffee and pastries is tentatively scheduled to open this year in Fairfax City.
Layered, which comes from the team behind the bakery Chateau de Chantilly, is targeting a soft opening in the former McDonald’s building at Courthouse Plaza in mid to late July 2025, according to Fairfax City Economic Development (FCED).
Though a final menu isn’t available yet, Layered will offer coffee, pastries, desserts and cakes, as well as “artisan sandwiches crafted by a Michelin-trained chef.”
“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,” owner Choi said. “We hope to become Fairfax City’s go-to spot for great coffee and desserts.”
According to a press release, Layered is a longtime dream of Choi, who co-owns Chateau, and business partner Jae Lee, a friend and fellow graduate of George Washington University.
“We are incredibly excited to finally welcome the community through our doors this summer,” Lee said.
The forthcoming cafe was made possible by a “collaborative effort” that involved its owners, landlord Combined Properties and the Fairfax City Economic Development, which provided financial support through its Façade and Interior Improvement Grant (FIIG) program.
Thanks to that investment, Layered will be able to transform the 3,600-square-foot building “into a vibrant and modern destination for residents and visitors alike,” according to FCED.
The renovations will include the removal of a space currently featuring shrubbery and mulch to make way for “ample outdoor seating,” an FCED spokesperson said.
“Layered was able to take advantage of another keystone program of FCED, and we’re proud to demonstrate once again how local leadership and targeted investment can directly support small- and independent-business growth,” FCED CEO Christopher Bruno said.
Housed at 3924 Blenheim Blvd, Layered will be located at the southern end of the shopping center. It will be Courthouse Plaza’s lone cafe option, joining neighbors like grocery store anchor Safeway, the Peruvian restaurant My Empanadas and a Virginia ABC store, among others.
When it officially opens its doors, Layered will operate daily from 7 a.m. until 11 p.m.
