Author: Jared Serre

Jared Serre covers local business, public safety and breaking news across Local News Now's websites. Originally from Northeast Ohio, he is a graduate of West Virginia University. He previously worked with Law360 before joining LNN in May 2024.

Around Town

Spot for soft-serve ice cream and ‘dirty sodas’ opens in Chantilly

By Jared Serre
The Ube and Shaken Espresso soft-serve swirl at SoftSpot in Chantilly (photo courtesy of SoftSpot)

A new outpost for dessert fare in Chantilly will offer numerous deals next month to celebrate its soft opening.

SoftSpot announced yesterday (Wednesday) that it’s now open in Chantilly’s Sully Place Shopping Center, boasting a menu with soft-serve ice cream, cookies and other treats.

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Countywide

Herrity leads GOP lieutenant governor candidates in fundraising, but trails Democrats

By Jared Serre
Springfield District Supervisor Pat Herrity (photo via patherrity.org)

It hasn’t taken long for Fairfax County’s own Pat Herrity to become the GOP’s top fundraiser in the lieutenant governor race.

The 64-year-old’s campaign announced more than $200,000 in total contributions within a week of its Jan. 3 launch, handily surpassing the $645.53 raised by Williamsburg businessman John Curran, who was the first Republican to declare his candidacy for Virginia’s second-highest statewide office.

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Around Town

Break From Reality, a new set of escape rooms, opens in Fairfax City

By Jared Serre
Inside Break From Reality in Fairfax City (photo courtesy of Krissi Reeber)

What started as a way to stay busy during the coronavirus pandemic has become much more for Krissi Reeber.

A physician associate by day, Krissi Reeber spends her nights as the “gamemaker” for Break From Reality, a family-run hub of escape rooms that celebrated its grand opening in Fairfax City on Jan. 18.

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Around Town

Made-to-order ramen shop The Ramyun Zip eyes expansion after finding traction in Centreville

By Jared Serre
Ramen offerings at The Ramyun Zip in Centreville (staff photo by Jared Serre)

The Ramyun Zip in Centreville is a ramen lover’s paradise.

Upon entering the restaurant at 14215T Centreville Square, customers are greeted by a floor-to-ceiling selection of nearly 100 different types of sealed noodle packs, ranging from mild to extra spicy.

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News

Bridge construction will close I-495 North lanes near Tysons this weekend

By Jared Serre
Map of road closures on I-495 North in late January (via VDOT)

If you’re thinking about taking the Capital Beltway near McLean this weekend, you might want to reconsider that plan.

Starting on the night of Friday, Jan. 24, four of the six northbound lanes on I-495 will be shut down for one mile from the Route 7 interchange (Leesburg Pike) in Tysons to Lewinsville Road in McLean to accommodate construction.

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News

Oakton doctor pleads guilty to improperly prescribing pills, faces 20 years

By Jared Serre
The Albert V. Bryan U.S. Courthouse in Alexandria (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

An Oakton-based doctor pleaded guilty on Wednesday (Jan. 15) to improperly prescribing opioid and amphetamine pills after failing to properly assess patients.

David Allingham, who owns Oakton Primary Care Center, authorized renewals of medications without providing physical examinations of patients between at least April 2019 and January 2024, according to the Department of Justice.

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Around Town

Japanese noodle shop now serving diners in Idylwood Plaza

By Jared Serre
Kajiken in the Idylwood Plaza shopping center (staff photo by Jared Serre)

A restaurant chain known for its abura soba noodles has begun serving diners in Idylwood.

Kajiken opened its doors on Monday (Jan. 13) at 7505-D Leesburg Pike as the newest tenant at the Idylwood Plaza shopping center.

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Around Town

New pickleball facility in Chantilly targets spring opening

By Jared Serre
The location of the forthcoming Dill Dinkers facility in Chantilly (staff photo by Jared Serre)

It won’t be long before pickleballers are dinking and volleying at a new indoor facility in Chantilly.

Owners of the forthcoming Dill Dinkers space are hoping to open doors this spring — a minor delay after they previously anticipated a winter opening.

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Around Town

Fast-casual Japanese chain to open in vacated Burke GameStop

By Jared Serre
The forthcoming Quickway Japanese Hibachi location in Burke (staff photo by Jared Serre)

A D.C.-area chain of hibachi restaurants is opening a restaurant in Burke as part of its latest expansion.

Quickway Japanese Hibachi, which currently features six locations across Fairfax County, is coming to Burke Centre Shopping Center, founder Bob Liang confirmed to FFXnow.

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Around Town

South Block to celebrate opening of Fairfax City juice shop soon

By Jared Serre
Dave's Hot Chicken and the not-yet-open South Block at Fair City Mall (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

A host of festivities are scheduled for South Block when it opens next weekend in Fairfax City.

The juice shop chain will throw a celebratory block party for its new store at 9672 Main Street in Fair City Mall on Saturday, Jan. 18.

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