A long-anticipated donut shop is still planning to open in Merrifield’s Mosaic District after an eviction scare threatened its future.
The Salty, which announced last year that it will take over the space at 2905 District Avenue vacated by Loyal Companion, is still expected to open in the future, co-owner Andy Rodriguez told FFXnow.
“The location will be moving forward as planned after a very difficult time with permitting and unexpected site conditions that drove the anticipated construction costs tremendously,” Rodriguez said.
Rodriguez didn’t elaborate on the nature of those unexpected site conditions, but it appears that they dramatically complicated the project’s buildout in recent months.
Delays ultimately culminated in the near-eviction of the business over nearly $85,000 in unpaid rent, according to court records.
In August, a Fairfax County judge granted immediate possession of the space back to EDENS, the company that developed and manages the Mosaic District, after representatives for The Salty didn’t show up to court, online court records said.
Despite the court order, officials for the landlord and The Salty were able to come to terms outside of court.
“We have been in negotiations with the landlord there and have come to an agreement to proceed with the store there,” Rodriguez said.
It is unclear, however, when exactly The Salty intends to open for business. The company previously anticipated opening this summer, but a spokesperson said they don’t have an updated timeline to provide yet.
The brand, which launched in 2014, offers artisanal donuts and coffee. While a Merrifield-specific menu has not been announced, many of its other locations offer homemade pop tarts, cream cheese puffs and other baked goods.
Started in Florida, The Salty currently has 19 operating locations nationwide. The Mosaic District location will be the brand’s first in Virginia, and is part of a larger expansion into the D.C. area.
“The [Mosaic District]’s unique blend of creativity and community spirit makes it an ideal home for our brand,” Rodriguez said last year when announcing the new location.
