The mall makeover continues, and developer Forest City has announced the next round of restaurants and food purveyors signing on to its new Ballston Quarter development, bringing the total to 22. In keeping with its focus on local and regional dining concepts, many are indigenous to the D.C. area. Among them:
- Compass Coffee, founded in D.C. by two former Marines, which now has seven area locations. This will be its first outside of the District.
- French Exit, which began as an Ivy City pop-up sandwich shop by chef Matt Baker. Ballston will welcome the shop’s first brick-and-mortar venture, serving customer-approved faves such as a crocque-madame; a Korean braised short-rib hoagie with kimchi and fried egg; and a fried chicken sandwich with pimento cheese.
- Maizal, a South American street food counter that’s all about arepas.
- Sloppy Mama’s, a DMV-born barbecue joint created by a husband and wife duo, which also has a storefront at Union Market. Think pork, brisket, chicken…and chana, a chickpea option for vegans.
- South Block, the homegrown micro juicery (it also has locations in Clarendon, East Falls Church and Del Ray, among others) caters to the healthy set with fresh cold-pressed juices, smoothies and acai bowls.
- Ted’s Bulletin, a modern American diner offering comfort foods, a full bar and decadent treats (housemade pop tarts, boozy milkshakes, towering layer cakes), with six locations in the D.C. region, including one in the Mosaic District.
- The Local Oyster, an oyster bar founded in Baltimore that specializes in the bivalves, plus other regionally inspired seafood dishes.
- Union Kitchen Grocery, a D.C. startup stocking locally made gourmet foods, from house-cured meats and artisanal condiments to handmade pies.
- All About Burger, a District-based burger chain serving milkshakes, burgers, hot dogs and cheesesteaks.
The latest round of confirmed tenants also includes Mezeh, a Mediterranean fast-casual concept; Slapfish, a casual seafood place (fish tacos, sandwiches) that started as a food truck in Huntington Beach, California; and a Chick-Fil-A. Collectively they add to a growing smorgasbord of dining choices, including previously announced eateries such as Punch Bowl Social, Bartaco, and Timber Pizza Co.
On the shopping front, Forest City last month announced the first group of retail tenants that have committed to Ballston Quarter. They include the D.C.-based design collective Steadfast Supply, and Arlington women’s boutique Gossip, which is relocating from its original location in Crystal City.
“Our overall mission for Ballston Quarter is to feature some of the most unique, trendsetting restaurants and reimagined brands possible, with a strong focus on best-in-class regional favorites,” Forest City senior vice president of development Will Voegele said in a release.
Slated for completion this fall, Ballston Quarter will feature 360,000 square feet of retail; the 18-concept Quarter Market food hall; a 22-story, 406-unit residential building; 176,000 square feet of office space and a completely renovated Ballston Common Mall.