Alexandria Courts Food Carts
Posted by The Editorial Desk / Wednesday, February 9th, 2011
The Alexandria government wants to bring mobile dining to Market Square this spring.
But they need a few more restaurants to take the leap with them.
The zoning commission green-lit plans to welcome up to eight food vendors to the prominent plaza last fall.
First round selections include: Bread & Chocolate, Columbia Firehouse, Fontaine Caffe & Creperie, Grape & Bean and Union Street Public House.
“Each Old Town restaurant was given notice of the program and a deadline for applications. We had five applications, and all were strong, acceptable proposals, so all five were selected,” a zoning administrator said of the early inductees. The government aide confirmed that Alexandria has extended the application deadline (original cut-off was January 10) in the hopes of filling the final three spots.
No word yet on what type of grab-and-go cuisine the participating restaurants expect to hawk from their mobile perches. But they’ll have from April through October to work out the kinks.
Each cart will be allowed to peddle their wares from 11 a.m.- 5 p.m., Sunday through Friday, and from 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. on Saturdays (so as not to encroach upon the historic farmers market).
Any restaurants interested can apply here.
Just know: your restaurant has to reside in Old Town Alexandria proper. And securing a spot will set you back $100 each week.
–Warren
NoVA’s Winter Farmers Markets
Old Town Alexandria Farmers Market • 301 King St., Alexandria – Sat, 5:30-11 a.m.
Arlington Farmers Market • N. 14th St. & N. Courthouse Road, Arlington – Sat, 8-noon
Clarendon Farmers Market • 3100 Wilson Blvd., Arlington – Wed, 3-7 p.m.
Columbia Pike Farmers Market • S. Walter Reed Drive & Columbia Pike – Sun, 9-1 p.m., (summer); Sun, 10-1 p.m. (winter).
Del Ray Farmers Market • E. Oxford & Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria – Sat, 8-noon
Falls Church Farmers Market • 300 Park Ave., Falls Church – Sat, 9-noon (Jan-Mar); Sat, 8-noon (Apr-Dec)
Farmer Girls • 8769 Old Dumfries Road, Catlett; 540-272-7839
Fredericksburg Farmers Market • George and Prince Edward Streets, Fredericksburg – Mon-Sat, 7-6 p.m.; Sun, 12:30-4 p.m.
Leesburg Farmers Market • 20 Catoctin Circle S.E., Leesburg – Sat, 8-noon (May-Oct); Sat, 9-noon (Nov-Apr)
Loudoun Flavor • 39363 Stevens Road, Lovettsville; 703-350-2790
Old Town Manassas Farmers Market •9431 West St., Manassas – Sat, 10-2 p.m.
Smart Markets • 2854 Hunter Mill Road, Oakton – Sat, 10-2 p.m.
Smart Markets • 13297 Gateway Center Drive, Gainesville – Sun, 10:30-1:30 p.m.
Winchester Freight Station Farmers Market • 315 W. Boscawen St., Winchester; Tue, Sat, 10-2 p.m. (Jan-Apr); Tue, Fri, Sat, 8-1 p.m. (May-Dec)
Or click here for our full list of local farmers markets.
Tags: food carts, Gut Check, Market Square, Northern Virginia Magazine, Old Town Alexandria, Warren Rojas