Countywide

Recent Gun Violence Leaves D.C. Area on Edge — “In the D.C. area in recent days, two shootings in crowded public spaces — at the festival on U Street and at a Fairfax County mall — reinforced that no one is immune from violence. As a result, some area residents have begun to pull back. People have started to think twice before going to concerts and the mall.” [The Washington Post]

Tysons Software Company Lays Off 54 Workers — “ID.me Inc. has laid off dozens of employees following a period of rapid growth and just months after the Internal Revenue Service halted use of ID.me’s facial recognition technology…The company had expanded rapidly during the pandemic to keep up with growing demand at the time” [Washington Business Journal]


News

A new future could be in store for a drive-in bank at South Lakes Village Center in Reston.

The owner of the nearly 10-acre retail center is seeking the county’s permission to convert a drive-thru bank on the property into a drive-thru fast food restaurant, according to a June 15 application.


News

Vienna’s former Outback Steakhouse will soon be demolished — and yes, it’s getting supplanted by a bank.

With Chase Bank taking over the site, a chain-link fence has been erected around the now-vacant, standalone building in the Maple Avenue Shopping Center, where the restaurant had operated for 25 years before closing in August 2020.


Around Town

Good news for George Mason University students and anyone else looking for a late-night snack: Insomnia Cookies is adding a location in Fairfax County.

The business plans to open up shop soon in University Mall at 10669 Braddock Road, according to its website. The plaza is anchored by Giant and includes other businesses like Domino’s, United Bank and Gathering Grounds Cafe.


Countywide

Japanese fashion retailer Uniqlo is inching closer to opening its second location in Fairfax County.

Uniqlo plans to open this fall at Kirkland’s former location, which was 13041 Fair Lakes Shopping Center, according to representatives for Peterson Cos., which owns the center. The business already has a locations in Tysons Corner Center.


Countywide

Cravings for every wacky snack-related desire have a high chance of fulfillment at Highs & Lows, a new exotic snack shop in Springfield Town Center.

Located on the lower level near JCPenney, Highs & Lows sells a mix of foreign snacks, sodas and treats.


Around Town

A new smoothie shop is slated to arrive at Herndon’s Franklin Farm Village Center.

According to storefront signage, the national chain Tropical Smoothie Cafe will take up space at 13344 Franklin Farm Road in Herndon.


Around Town

(Updated at 9:15 a.m. on 5/25/2022) Land ho! After over two years of anticipated arrivals dashed against the rocky shores of the COVID-19 pandemic and various construction-related challenges, Shipgarten will dock at last in Scotts Run near the McLean Metro station on Thursday (May 26).

The team behind Alexandria’s Hops N Shine will introduce their new concept to the Tysons development with a soft opening for Tysons Biergarten, which will serve beer and German food out of a converted shipping container from 3-9 p.m. through Sunday (May 29).


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