fairfax | FFXnow

Published July 28, 2026 at 9:15AM

Three-in-One Hand-Ripped Noodles: hot-oil seared noodles, pork zhajiang bean sauce, and tomato egg. (Courtesy Chin Xi'an-Style Restaurant)

A new restaurant aims to bring a taste of regional food from one of China’s oldest and largest cities to Northern Virginia.

Chin’s Xi’An Style Restaurant plans to bring hand-ripped noodles, prepared in a home style inspired by foods in Xi’An — the capital city of Shaanxi, a province in northwestern central China — when it opens its third location this August in Fairfax City. The new location will be based inside the 99 Ranch Market at 10780 Fairfax Blvd, with takeout or seating available in the grocery store.

Around Town

Water circus to visit Fair Oaks Mall this week

By Mary Stachyra Lopez

Published July 13, 2026 at 3:45PM | Updated July 13, 2026 at 4:18PM

A performance on Cirque Italia's water stage (courtesy Joe Howard/Cirque Italia)

A circus will bring its cast of aerialists, acrobats, jugglers, and dancers — and a custom-designed stage filled with 35,000 gallons of water — to Fair Oaks Mall for the first time later this week.

Cirque Italia’s tour “Water Circus Atlantis” will begin performing at the mall on Friday (July 17) at 7:30 p.m. and continuing throughout the weekend.

Around Town

Indoor golf simulator tees up new Fairfax location

By Mary Stachyra Lopez

Published July 10, 2026 at 2:45PM | Updated July 11, 2026 at 2:47PM

Back Nine Golf is preparing to open in Fairfax (Staff photo by Mary Stachyra Lopez)

A Utah-based indoor golf simulator company plans to open a second location in Fairfax County, its ninth in Virginia.

Back Nine Golf has filed a permit to modify the 3,647-square-foot space at 11215 Route 29, Suite L, in the back area of the Fairfax Centre shopping plaza, near the Walmart just outside Fairfax City.

Around Town

Banner’s Hallmark gift store has closed at Fair Oaks Mall

By Mary Stachyra Lopez

Published July 2, 2026 at 8:30AM

The Banner's Hallmark store in Fair Oaks Mall (staff photo by Mary Stachyra Lopez)

Hallmark is no longer greeting customers at Fair Oaks Mall, permanently closing its store there last week.

“We regret to inform you that our Fair Oaks Mall location is closing today,” the store said in an email sent to its customers on Friday (June 26). A coupon was attached for 20% off at other Banners’ Hallmark stores, “as a token of our gratitude.”

News

Fairfax student among five finalists in national cooking competition

By Mary Stachyra Lopez

Published June 25, 2026 at 3:45PM

Safaa Haizoun, a student at Virginia Virtual Academy, will compete for the People’s Choice award for the People's Choice Award in the K12 National Student Cook-Off (courtesy Hong Huynh)

A Fairfax County high school student is one of just five to reach the finals of a national cooking contest held in Arlington this summer.

Safaa Haizoun, a 10th grade student at the Virginia Virtual Academy, an online program offered by multiple public school districts statewide, earned a spot in the K-12 National Cook-Off in early June by designing an original recipe for creamy masala chicken.

Countywide

DACA recipients in Fairfax County concerned about delayed renewals

By Mary Stachyra Lopez

Published June 16, 2026 at 12:45PM

Rep. James Walkinshaw, of Virginia's 11th Congressional District, speaks to local DACA recipients and immigration advocates during a round table discussion June 15 (staff photo by Mary Stachyra Lopez)

When the U.S. celebrates its 250th birthday next month, one Fairfax man could see the end of his American dream.

Over the years, the South Korean immigrant and medical professional has regularly renewed his lawful immigration status under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals Act (DACA), the federal policy that offered relief from removal proceedings and the ability to work in the U.S. for young immigrants.

Around Town

Reimagined Velocity Bar and Kitchen opens at University Mall with wings, comfort food

By Katie Taranto

Published June 2, 2026 at 1:45PM | Updated June 3, 2026 at 9:14PM

Food from Velocity Bar + Kitchen (courtesy of Velocity Bar + Kitchen)

The former Velocity Wings at University Mall has reopened under a reimagined concept, offering the restaurant’s staple chicken wings and a broader lineup of American comfort foods.

Velocity Bar + Kitchen is now open at 10697 Braddock Road, reflecting the business’ evolution “into a more expansive, full-service dining experience while continuing to serve the signature wings guests know and love,” according to a press release from hospitality group Thompson Restaurants.

Around Town

Southern-inspired breakfast and brunch spot prepares to open at University Mall

By Katie Taranto

Published May 19, 2026 at 3:45PM

Future Another Broken Egg Cafe storefront at University Mall in Fairfax (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

A new restaurant franchise centered around breakfast and brunch is coming soon to University Mall.

Another Broken Egg Cafe is preparing to open a new location soon at 10645 Braddock Road in the shopping center near George Mason University’s Fairfax campus.

Around Town

Mexican restaurant Banditos Bar & Kitchen closes near GMU in Fairfax

By Jared Serre

Published March 18, 2026 at 11:45AM

Banditos Bar & Kitchen in Fairfax City (staff photo by Jared Serre)

A Mexican restaurant near George Mason University’s Fairfax campus abruptly shuttered this week.

Banditos Bar & Kitchen has closed after three years in business at 10621 Braddock Road in University Mall, the restaurant announced yesterday (Tuesday) on social media.

Around Town

Mod Pizza to close in Greenbriar Town Center

By Mary Stachyra Lopez

Published February 19, 2026 at 2:45PM | Updated February 19, 2026 at 3:01PM

Mod Pizza at Greenbriar Town Center (photo by Mary Stachyra Lopez)

After eight years of operating in Fairfax, Mod Pizza will close its location in Greenbriar Town Center near Chantilly.

“We sincerely thank our past and present Squad members for their dedication, as well as the Fairfax community for its loyal support over the years,” a spokesperson said in a statement to FFXnow.