A trio of fast-casual eateries is coming to Idylwood Plaza, further filling out space left empty by Whole Foods Market’s departure in February.
Potbelly and Qdoba Mexican Eats are both anticipating opening at the shopping center in the fall of 2026, property owner Federal Realty Investment Trust announced today (Monday).
They will be joined by the previously reported South Block and Lidl, which has leased 23,485 square feet of space and will become Idylwood Plaza’s new grocery store anchor.
Potbelly will serve “its signature toasty sandwiches, soups, salads, fresh-baked cookies, and hand-scooped milkshakes” out of a new, 1,667-square-foot space on the north side of the shopping center, according to a press release.
Originally started as a single sandwich shop in Chicago in 1977, the chain can now be found nationwide, including in Vienna, Tysons, Fairfax City, Springfield, Reston and Fairfax Corner. The Reston Town Center West and Fairfax Corner locations recently unveiled new looks as part of the company’s ongoing remodeling initiative.
Qdoba will open in an 1,800-square-foot storefront next to Hair Social.
Qdoba, which will open an 1,800-square-foot storefront next to Hair Social, got its start in Denver, Colorado, in 1995 but changed branding a couple of times before settling on its current name in 1999.
Featuring a menu that includes rice bowls, burritos, tacos and other Mexican-inspired fare, the chain can currently be found at WorldGate Centre in Herndon, Main Street Marketplace in Fairfax City and Crossroads Center in Bailey’s Crossroads.
South Block will occupy 1,500 square feet between Potbelly and Qdoba. Founder and CEO Amir Mostafavi previously told FFXnow that he hopes to open the juice and smoothie shop’s Idylwood location next summer, though Federal Realty says it’s aiming for fall 2026.
“Idylwood Plaza continues to attract exciting new restaurants that expand the variety of dining options for our customers,” Federal Realty Senior Vice President of Asset Management Deirdre Johnson said in the news release. “With Potbelly, South Block, and Qdoba joining the recently opened Mumbai Central, Kajiken, and First Watch, the center continues to evolve, offering the Falls Church community and visitors a range of standout dining experiences.”
The shopping center at 7501 Leesburg Pike also welcomed Quickway Japanese Hibachi over the summer.
According to Federal Realty’s site plan, Idylwood Plaza now just has one vacant space remaining: a 1,181-square-foot storefront between the future Lidl and Potbelly. That section of the strip mall is being divided into smaller suites after Whole Foods vacated its nearly 30,000-square-foot home of 25 years for a new store in Falls Church City.
