Monday, October 31
Clean-Up Honors Jeff Todd
Chamber project dedicated to his civic spirit.
Walking along Jeff Todd Way in the Mount Vernon area, picking up litter didn’t seem like an exciting way to spend a Saturday morning, but Hannah Todd didn’t seem to mind.
Rock 'n' Run
Stratford Landing Elementary School students raised funds during their annual Rock ‘n’ Run on Friday, Oct. 21.
A Toast to Art
Two friends and young entrepreneurs, Rachel Bell and Camille Herrera, opened a brick and mortar franchise on Oct. 22 called Wine & Design
Meals Tax: Myths and Misconceptions
Commentary
As the Nov. 8 General election draws near, we would like to take the opportunity to set the record straight and do some myth busting regarding the meals tax.
Focusing on Domestic Abuse
Commentary
Since 1989, October has been designated as Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
Vote ‘Yes’ for FCPS Teachers' Salaries
Commentary
When you vote on Tuesday, Nov. 8, Fairfax County voters can vote for our schools by voting to allow a four percent tax on prepared restaurant meals.
Foundation’s Historic Roots
Its mission is to help needy students with learning disabilities.
“The Gunston Hall School” foundation that donates money to financially needy students with learning disabilities, has origins going back to 1892
Wednesday, October 26
Classified Advertising October 26, 2016
Read the latest ads here!
Ghost Stories of Alexandria
Mysteries, phantoms, and Devil-Bats lurk through city streets.
With 267 years of history, Alexandria is a city fraught with supernatural hauntings.
Friday, October 21
Partnership to Prevent and End Homelessness Supports Meals Tax
After careful consideration, the Fairfax – Falls Church Partnership to Prevent and End Homelessness has decided to fully support the proposed 4 percent Fairfax County Meals Tax.
American Elections: French Perspective
I am a French student who chose to come to study close to Washington DC for what I thought would be one of the most interesting elections in the history of Uncle Sam’s country.
Column: No to the Meals Tax
A food tax is not a silver bullet.
I have been opposed to the meals tax from the start, but what has concerned me most over the last several months has been the tactics used to try to convince our residents to vote for it and the county’s failure to deal with its spending problems. I would like to offer some clarity on these points and why I am against the meals tax.
Vote Yes: Immigrant Families Rely on Schools for More Than Education
Fairfax County Public Schools are more than just a place to learn. Growing up in Burke, I saw firsthand how our schools created a sense of community and neighborhood camaraderie. Schools are where we could go to borrow a book, where we could watch and play sports, and where we could perform a play or listen to a concert.
Column: Yes to the Meals Tax
Reduces dependence on property tax.
As a businessman here in Fairfax and a former member of the Fairfax County School Board, I write on behalf of a coalition of thousands of homeowners, parents, teachers, firefighters, police, friends and users of our libraries and our parks and recreation facilities, and those who belong to churches and non-profit organizations working to ensure that Fairfax County also protects those in need [www.yesmealstax.org].
Letter: Supporting Meals Tax
Letter to the Editor
I’m writing to encourage Fairfax County voters to support the county meals tax referendum on the ballot in November.
Letter: Meals Tax: A Better Option
Letter to the Editor
After reviewing Fairfax County’s proposed 4-percent meals tax, the Class Size Counts (CSC) board voted to support the Nov. 8 referendum because it decided that it would be better to raise money for Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) through a tax on prepared foods rather than through additional increases to County property taxes.
Advice from the Pros
Local private school admissions directors share wisdom they’d offer to their own children.
From interviews to essays to standardized tests to open houses, the season for submitting independent school applications is underway. For families vying for a spot at the area’s most elite schools, the process can be fraught with anxiety, stress and confusion as parents and students wade through the myriad academic options in the Washington, D.C., region.
Thursday, October 20
Remembering the Fallen
Ivy Hill ceremony honors fire and EMS personnel.
Alexandria’s fallen firefighters and EMS personnel were remembered by members of the city’s first responder and law enforcement agencies at a memorial service and wreath-laying ceremony Oct. 14 at Ivy Hill Cemetery as part of the annual National Fire Prevention Week ceremonies.
Wednesday, October 19
Alexandria: WWII Cadet Receives CAP Congressional Gold Medal
Haynes joined Civil Air Patrol in 1942.
It’s not everyday someone can say they’ve earned a pilot’s license before their driver’s license, or went on to join the U.S. Air Force and then attend MIT at their own expense. Such is the case of longtime Alexandria resident, mother of four, Elizabeth “Libby” Daggit Haynes, 89, a World War II Civil Air Patrol (CAP) Cadet.
Alexandria: The Unlikely Republican
Hernick
Republican candidate Charles Hernick meets at Commonwealth Joe’s, a coffee shop in Pentagon City so new it hasn’t even had its official opening. It’s populated almost exclusively by millennials, and Hernick fits right in. When asked about the political issues that matter to them, the students and baristas at Commonwealth Joe’s all answer that climate change and combating student debt are their key voting issues. It’s a liberal atmosphere, but that doesn’t stop Hernick from trying to win them over.
Alexandria: Money Talks
Citizens unite over city budget priorities.
Above all else, Alexandrians want a healthier and more transit accessible city, and they’re willing to pay for it. At a meeting on Oct. 13 at Patrick Henry Elementary School, the city’s FY2018 budget process kicked off with an opportunity for the 50 citizens present to voice their thoughts on what parts of the budget merited further investment.
Alexandria Appetite: Food and Drink Events Abound
Some snippets from the Alexandria restaurant scene over the coming month.
Autumn is in full swing, and with the season comes a passel of activities in the food and beverage scene across the city (and beyond). Here are some items to put on your docket in the coming weeks.
Alexandria People at Work: Neighborhood Pharmacy Cares for Its Community
Over 1,000 look-alike white bottles line the shelves, cram the nooks and crannies and sit in the refrigerator at Neighborhood Pharmacy on Mt. Vernon Street in Del Ray. Stacey Swartz, pharmacist and co-owner, has operated the independent pharmacy for eight years since she bought the space from Show of Hands. "Monday is the busiest day of the week," she says, "with all of the things piled up from the weekend."
Alexandria Letter: Statue’s Stewards
Letter to the Editor
An open letter to the public regarding the Appomattox Statue from the Mary Custis Lee-17th Virginia Regiment Chapter #7 United Daughters of the Confederacy.
Alexandria Letter: Thank You to Trader Joe's
Letter to the Editor
T.C. Williams High School takes this opportunity to thank Trader Joe's in Old Town for its donation of 400 handled bags to help us with one of our start-of-school classroom distribution projects. This is just another example of the wonderful community that we call Alexandria City.
Alexandria Letter: Lacking Accountability
Letter to the Editor
I am sure you are aware of the discord related to the development at the Patrick Henry School and Rec Center. The ACPS and School Board chose Option A1 over the advisory committee's recommendation of C1 claiming it was cheaper.
Alexandria: Helping Hands
Donley, volunteers to be honored Oct. 26.
Former Mayor Kerry Donley will be among those honored for their service to the community at the 22nd annual Volunteers are the Heart of Alexandria awards ceremony Oct. 26 at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
Alexandria: Frank Fannon III Dies
Fourth generation Alexandrian dies at 82.
Since 1846, the Fannon name has been virtually synonymous with Alexandria and no one was prouder of that than Frank Fannon III.
Friday, October 14
Free Halloween Car Rides Offered in Area
As a means of making the Washington-metropolitan area’s roadways a little less frightening this Halloween, free cab rides will be offered to would-be drunk drivers throughout the Washington-metropolitan area on the evening of Saturday, Oct. 29.
Oak Hill Remodeled Home Tour Set for Nov. 5
Gourmet kitchen, spa master bath among spotlight features in makeover.
A circa 1980's center hall Colonial enhanced by a gourmet kitchen, a spacious spa bath and a lower-level guest suite will be featured in a “Remodeled Home Tour” sponsored by Sun Design Remodeling on Saturday, Nov. 5.
Showcase Home Offers Design Inspiration
DC Design House was transformed by local designers to raise money for charity.
Those in search of interior design ideas now have a source of new inspirations, at least temporarily. The 2016 DC Design House is now open to the public and runs through Oct. 30.
Home Improvements for the Holidays
Local contractors say there is time to spruce up your house and yard.
Changing temperatures and falling leaves are a signal the holidays are near. From Thanksgiving through the New Year, homes are filled with guests and schedules are stacked with parties. Getting one’s home guest ready by the holidays may be daunting, but it’s doable with proper planning and realistic expectations, say local contractors.
Alexandria Home Sales: September, 2016
In September, 2016, 196 Alexandria homes sold between $4,685,000-$102,990.
Alexandria Home Sales: September, 2016
Alexandria: ODBC Men Win Occoquan Challenge
Stiff breezes from the remnants of Hurricane Matthew did not deter the men from the Old Dominion Boat Club (ODBC) first 8 crew team as they swept a field of 12 upper class boats to win the 2016 Occoquan Challenge Regatta on Sunday, Oct. 9.
Alexandria: Carson, Napoli Wed
Carl E. “Forthe” Carson IV and Megan Marjan Napoli were married at St. Michael’s Catholic Church by Father Tom Donaldson on Sept. 16, 2016 in Chicago, Ill. A wedding reception and dinner followed at the History Museum of Chicago.
Alexandria: School Redistricting Forums Begin
Reading between the lines.
After 17 years of static school lines, Alexandria City Public Schools is making motions to begin the process of redistricting. By the start of the 2018 school year, new school lines that incorporate two new schools and other expansion projects will cause shifts in school populations across the city.
Alexandria: Domestic Homicide on Duke Street
In the middle of October, as police were attending events to commemorate and raise awareness for domestic violence month, Alexandria experienced its first domestic homicide of 2016.
Alexandria: National Award for Police Officer
After tragedy, Evans works to transform his community.
Alexandria Police Officer Bennie Evans was one of 12 police officers from across the country to receive the Attorney General’s Award for Distinguished Services in Community Policing. Evans, a regular at any event where the community interacts with the city or police, was noted for his voluntary participation in police and local non-profit projects and for his successful de-escalation of numerous calls about violence and attempted suicide.
Alexandria People at Work: Shaping Her Life, Her Art
Renee Altman wedges off a large chunk of high-fired stoneware clay and puts it on the workbench. "It's like kneading dough. I usually do this 100 times." Altman owns The Clay Queen Pottery on Mt. Vernon Avenue.
Alexandria Snapshot: Pink Badges For Awareness
Sheriff Dana Lawhorne has authorized deputies to wear pink badges to show their support in the fight against breast cancer.
Alexandria Snapshot: Innovation Award
Port City Brewing Company founder Bill Butcher, center, accepts the Brewer Partner Marketing Innovation Award from National Beer and Wine Association president and CEO Craig Purser and NBWA Chairman of the Board Travis Markstein Sept. 27 at the NBWA convention in Chicago. Butcher founded Port City Brewing in 2011. The company employs 45 people and has grown to produce 15,000 barrels of beer annually. www.portcitybrewing.com
Alexandria Snapshot: Ethiopian New Year
Grammy-nominated, Ethiopian-born singer and songwriter Wayna served as mistress of ceremonies.
Alexandria Obituary: Service Scheduled for Charles Parran
The funeral service for Charles Somerset Parran will be held Saturday, Oct. 15 at 10 a.m. St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Prince Frederick, Md. Interment to follow.
Alexandria Letter: New Names For Highway
Letter to the Editor
The decision has been taken to rename the Jefferson Davis Highway.
Alexandria Letter: Lose More Parking?
Letter to the Editor
Over the past several years the City of Alexandria and the Washington Area Metro system have been planning to alter the current configuration of the “bus loop” at the King Street Metro Station.
Alexandria Letter: Celebrate Yorktown Victory
Letter to the Editor
Gen. Charles Cornwallis’ surrender to Gen. George Washington at Yorktown, Va., Oct. 19, 1781, ended serious fighting during the American Revolution and paved the way for the Treaty of Paris which recognized American independence. It was signed on Sept. 3, 1783 by representatives of King George III and John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, John Jay, and David Hartley.
Alexandria Letter: Inspiring Experience
Letter to the Editor
I had the enormous honor to serve in the (first) Clinton Administration in 1993-2001.
Alexandria Letter: Man-made Traffic Disaster
Letter to the Editor
In the spring the Transportation Planning Division in the city disregarded widespread public opposition and decided to suppress one lane in each direction of King Street between the T.C. Williams High School and Janney's Lane in favor of creating bike lanes.
Alexandria Poem: "Mixture of Colors"
Black, White and Indian that I am ... Crab in a barrel that I'm not ...
Alexandria Appetite: Mystery and History Mix in Port City-Gadsby’s Event
Port City Brewing, Gadsby’s Tavern, and St. Paul’s Episcopal Church commemorate 200 years since Female Stranger’s death.
Long before Alexandria’s current heyday, when the Port City was in the middle of becoming a port city, a mystery woman came to Gadsby’s Tavern with her gentleman caller, became ill, and died, her final resting place the St. Paul’s Cemetery. “To the memory of a Female Stranger,” the gravestone reads in part, launching two centuries’ worth of lore and theory about her identity, her companion, and her presence in Alexandria in the first place.
Thursday, October 13
Alexandria Letter: Architectural Possibilities
Letter to the Editor
Now that the northern waterfront location and the old Mirant coal plant site are now open for discussion, I feel the need to reiterate this sentiment:
Alexandria Letter: Misbegotten Gambit
Letter to the Editor
Once again, City Council has overruled its own appointed committee of task force.
Alexandria Snapshot: It’s Official
Led by Mayor Allison Silberberg, dignitaries gathered Sept. 7 for the official ribbon-cutting at Vola’s Dockside Grill and Hi-Tide Lounge, located at the Alexandria waterfront. From left are Scott Shaw of Alexandria Restaurant Partners, Councilman Tim Lovain, McArthur Myers, Mayor Silberberg, Peter Lawson, Janet Barnett, Michele Evans, Councilwoman Del Pepper, Jim Moran and Sheriff Dana Lawhorne.
Alexandria: Burke Named Business Leader of the Year
Chamber to honor local organizations Oct. 19.
When E. Hunt Burke walks the streets of Old Town, he commands attention sporting the same iconic mustache that was the trademark of his father, the late Taylor Burke Jr. As chairman and CEO of Burke and Herbert Bank, Burke has spent his career in the family business and on Oct. 19 will again follow in his father’s footsteps when he is honored as the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce Business Leader of the Year.
Alexandria Snapshot: Supporting MDA
The Fraternal Order of Eagles ALVA Auxiliary 871 of Alexandria presented a $3,000 grant to Tiffany Tillotsos on Sept. 28 to benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association of Greater Washington summer camp program. Above are Tillotsos, Auxiliary President Bonnie Rathbone and Auxiliary Secretary Jean Oliver. See www.FOE871.com
Alexandria: Bragg To Highlight Redskins Night
Sportsman’s Club to honor Athletes of the Month Oct. 18.
Former Washington Redskins punter Mike Bragg will be the featured speaker at the Alexandria Sportsman’s Club annual Redskins Night Oct. 18 at the Old Dominion Boat Club.
Alexandria: Art on the Avenue 2016
Rainy skies did not deter tens of thousands from flocking to Mount Vernon Avenue Oct. 1 for the 21st annual Art on the Avenue festival in Del Ray.
Alexandria Column: Building a System for Early Education
Commentary
This past month marked a return to school for elementary and secondary students. At the same time, more than 700 of our city’s youngest students started the school year in publicly supported early childhood classrooms.
Alexandria Column: Bike Patrols Take Shelter’s Officers Closer to Animals
Commentary-AWLA
That bicyclist riding in front of you on the bike trail in Alexandria might be an Animal Services Officer on duty.
Wednesday, October 12
Classified Advertising October 12, 2016
Read the latest ads here!
Friday, October 7
From the Beginning to the End
982 participants signed up for 2016 Northern Virginia Senior Olympics.
The Northern Virginia Senior Olympics (NVSO) opened Sept. 10 and ran through Sept. 21 with another record registration of 918 participants.
Park Authority Offers 50+ Web Portal
The Fairfax County Park Authority has launched a website specifically for residents age 50 or older.
Seminars on Downsizing
The Retiree Real Estate Education Association announces free public service seminars for October on Decluttering, Aging in Place, and Downsizing, given at McLean, Falls Church, and Marshall High schools. These are part of a series of eight free seminars on real estate issues unique to retirees.
Debating Pro & Con on Meals Tax
League of Women Voters hosts forum on Meals Tax issue.
The League of Women Voters of the Fairfax Area sponsored a debate-style panel discussion on the Meals Tax issue which will go before county voters in the Nov. 8 General Election.
Fall Driving: Be Alert for Deer
Autumn is approaching and white-tailed deer will be on the move. Fall is the breeding season for deer.
Bike Sharing Stations Open up Transportation Options
Capital Bikeshare expands to Reston, Tysons area.
Near the corner of Union Street and Prince Street in Old Town, Alexandria, there is a row of red Capital Bikeshare bikes for commuters, tourists and locals to rent, to offer biking as a transportation option without the hassle of congestion or parking that plagues the area.
Interfaith Partners for Justice Address Needs of Returning Citizens
Interfaith Partners for Justice (IPJ), a cooperative effort of members of ten Northern Virginia faith communities, invites returning citizens (ex-offenders), people of faith and justice advocates to come together for a come-when-you-can afternoon of opportunities for voter registration and photo IDs, as well as a series of workshops, advocacy tables and conversations on the needs of returning citizens (often less hopefully and permanently called “ex-offenders”) on Saturday, Oct. 8, 2016, 2 to 5 p.m. at Lake Anne Community Center, 1609 A Washington Plaza in Reston.
Thursday, October 6
Editorial: Voting Never Mattered More
Consider voting absentee in person since more than 500,000 other voters are likely to turnout on Election Day.
With more than 655,000 active voters in Fairfax County, and as many as 500,000 voters turning out on Election Day, it’s a good time to consider voting early, and preparing for a longer-than-usual process if voting on Election Day.
Senior Living: Planning for Multigenerational Living
Making room for older family members.
Planning for multigenerational living has been on the rise in recent years. With life expectancies increasing and early baby boomers entering their golden years, this trend is expected to continue. As with any remodeling project, there are a number of factors to consider when planning a renovation for a growing household.
Senior Living: Regaining Mobility
Local orthopedic surgeons offer keys for successful joint replacement surgery.
Tired of the limited mobility and pain that have thwarted her love of foreign travel and fall hiking, Lynda S. Johnson, 72, scheduled a knee replacement surgery for later this month. She chose a doctor, found a pet sitter to watch her Cairn terrier, and enlisted her sister to live with her while she recovers. “I had been debating for months about whether to have it,” she said. “I was in so much pain, though, that I don’t really think I have anything to lose.”
Medicare Open Enrollment Nears
Tips to help Medicare beneficiaries get ready.
Medicare beneficiaries preparing for open enrollment this month may want to consider their current health needs and the many preventive services covered by Medicare.
Senior Living: Life at Vinson Hall — Living the Difference
Mary DeMaris is headed down on the elevator at Vinson Hall with her black case of art supplies, an artist headed to a still life class out of the building. “There is a club here for everything — poetry, art, choral group, photography, book, gardening,” she said.
Wednesday, October 5
Alexandria: Who Should Steer Torpedo Factory?
Artists Association proposes new management structure.
Starting in October, the City of Alexandria has taken over management of the Torpedo Factory. But even as the city starts its temporary control, the Torpedo Factory Artists Association (TFAA) has presented some different ideas for how the property should be run in the future.
Alexandria Lawyer Saves Innocent Man from Death Row
“It took a team of people hundreds of hours to save one life. If we hadn’t taken this case, he’d be dead.”
Alfred Dewayne Brown loves the Alexandria Waterfront. He enjoys visiting the shops and restaurants in Old Town and meeting the family of his Alexandrian lawyer, Brian Stolarz. Brown is closer with Stolarz than most clients are with their attorneys. The two are good friends and even have matching tattoos: scales of justice. Brown has the number “154” written above his, because Brown is the 154th inmate on death row to be exonerated. If it weren’t for Stolarz, Brown would be dead.
Alexandria People At Work: New Boutique Opens in City
Elizabeth Todd picks up the phone. "Hey, we just got in this great Veronica Beard classic jacket with a zip-in dickey — just your style. Do you want me to hold it for you?" Todd says she has a loyal client base and she calls to let them know what has just arrived. "I get to know who needs comfortable shoes to walk in on the Hill." Todd has just opened the Hive, described as a luxury lifestyle and clothing boutique, at 301 Cameron St.
Alexandria: Historic Christ Church Welcomes New Rector
From Atlanta to Alexandria.
Alexandria welcomed the Rev. Noelle York-Simmons, the 28th rector of the 243-year-old Christ Church, in September. She’s the first female rector, and among the youngest at 40 or under, in the church’s history of attending to the spiritual needs of U.S. presidents to the very poor and everyone in between.
Alexandria Letter: Time to Stop Talking about Talking
Letter to the Editor
“Well, it was a lot of talking about talking,” was T.C. Williams junior Sam Wingfield’s reaction after attending a town hall meeting on the overcrowding at TC’s King Street and Minnie Howard campuses with Vice Mayor Justin Wilson on a beautiful Sunday, Sept. 25. More than 100 Alexandrians, including TC students and teachers, and members of City Council and School Board, came to Beatley Library to discuss what to do about our crowded high school.
Alexandria Letter: Historical Fabric
Letter to the Editor
The Alexandria Archealogical Commission (AAC) strongly opposes the recent vote by City Council to seek authorization from the Virginia legislature to move the Appomattox statue from its current location at the center of Washington and Prince streets. Both the statue and its placement at the site Alexandrians left for war, a context with which it is intertwined as a piece of art, are important elements of Alexandria’s history — and our nation’s. We view moving the statue as destruction of our vanishing local historical fabric, and in effect obscuring important truths about our city and community.
Alexandria Living Legends: Making a Difference One Child at a Time
Steve Nearman began his volunteering at Child & Family Network Centers.
Many read news stories or hear about young people doing something dangerous or illegal and then wonder why in the world they did that. Then they move on. Steve Nearman did the same thing until 20 years ago when he decided he couldn’t change things for every young person, but he might make a difference for one child; help them see a different option and take the better fork in the road.
Alexandria Living Legends: Their Leadership Preserved Gadsby’s Tavern
Foley and McNamara ensured Post 24’s historic gift to the city.
In the early 20th century, Gadsby’s Tavern and the adjoining City Hotel were in such a dilapidated condition that the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City made an offer to purchase some of the woodwork, including the ballroom, to preserve its history because the destruction of these buildings seemed imminent. The buildings were prominent in the 18th century as a meeting place for patriots of the revolution, including George Washington and Thomas Jefferson. Each of the first five presidents of the United States was entertained there.
Alexandria: Remembering H. Stewart Dunn, Jr.
Civil liberties advocate dies at 87.
Stew Dunn was known for many things, primarily his commitment to civil liberties and a passion for the City of Alexandria. But not long ago he made a revelation that took even his son Chris by surprise.
Alexandria: Raise the Roof
$50,000 raised for low-income residents.
More than 160 people turned out Sept. 22 for Rebuilding Together Alexandria’s Raise the Roof fundraiser at Port City Brewery, raising more than $50,000 to help low-income residents in the city.
Alexandria: Fire Department Celebrates 150 Years
Gala to raise funds for antique equipment restoration.
In 1774, the Friendship Fire Company was established as the first volunteer fire company in Alexandria. George Washington was a member of the company and purchased the city its first fire engine in 1775. But it wasn’t until 1866 when Joseph Young, at a rate of $70 per month, became the city’s first paid firefighter thus marking the birth of the Alexandria Fire Department.
Alexandria: Free Health Fair for Uninsured Returns Nov. 5
Number of partners joining the Health Fair effort soars.
This year, with many more sponsors, Arlene Hewitt, Richard Merritt, Dan Hawkins, Bill Euille, Mary Anne Weber, Dr. John Klousia, Canek Aguirre, Eduardo Mantilla-Torres, and Jamie Conrad have cobbled together another free health fair for the uninsured. Some of them are part of the Alliance for Alexandria’s Uninsured, a lead partner and staffer of the Planning Committee for the fair. They see a difference between last year’s fair and this year’s: last year, there were five or six sponsors: this year there are 54 ... and counting.
Alexandria Column: Blancato to Keynote Senior Law Day Event
Commentary–Senior Services of Alexandria
As the trees on the Potomac once again start to change color and the end of the year approaches, most people take stock of things they meant to do this year, but never started. We often postpone tackling situations that we feel are unpleasant or out of our control.
Alexandria Appetite: BurgerFi Sets Up Shop in Old Town
With its opening last week, local co-owners celebrate a homecoming.
Peer down the 100 block of North Pitt Street and it’s easy to spot a new neighbor. The erstwhile Pat Troy’s Ireland’s Own, shuttered for several years, now has new life in the form of the city’s first BurgerFi. Open since Sept. 26, the locally owned franchise has begun to generate quite a bit of foot traffic — and prelaunch interest, too, with would-be customers peeking in the front door in anticipation. But you haven’t missed a grand opening event, franchise co-owner David Landry says.