In this week’s update:

👀 Is IKEA quietly setting up shop in Chantilly? New clues — from withdrawn restaurant plans to designer portfolios — suggest something big could be coming to the Dulles Expo Center.

😋 One of Manassas’ favorite food trucks just made a big move, and locals are already buzzing. A popular spot for bold street food is trading wheels for walls, bringing late-night eats and indoor seating to the Balls Ford area.

✨ Northern Virginia just got its first JW Marriott, and it’s nothing like you’d expect. From yoga-ready hotel rooms to the region’s largest luxury event space, this new destination is rewriting what upscale hospitality looks like in Reston.

Driving the news: IKEA may be expanding in Northern Virginia with a potential small-format store in Chantilly. And while it’s not confirmed, the signs are stacking up.

Details:

• In July, IKEA filed — and quickly withdrew — paperwork for a 142-seat restaurant at the Dulles Expo Center site.

• An internal IKEA U.S. document now lists “IKEA Chantilly” among its future store locations.

• Freelance designers from Europe to the U.S. have cited “IKEA Chantilly” in recent work, hinting at behind-the-scenes planning.

• If approved, the store would likely follow the small-format model:

  • Pharr, TX: 44,000 sq. ft., 1,600 products

  • Syracuse, NY: 70,000 sq. ft., 3,000 items

  • Dallas, TX: 63,000 sq. ft., 3,200 products
    Chantilly’s store would likely land somewhere in that range, and could still include an in-house restaurant.

Why it matters: A Chantilly store would offer much-needed convenience for local residents who currently drive long distances to IKEA in Woodbridge or College Park.

It would also bring new foot traffic and jobs to a busy retail area near the Dulles Expo Center, helping revitalize a corridor already primed for growth.

Between the lines: Despite growing hints — and the name “IKEA Chantilly” showing up in design portfolios and planning documents — the company remains tight-lipped. No official announcement or permits have been made public.

What’s next: Real estate listings for the Dulles Expo Shopping Center still show available space, keeping the door open for IKEA or another major tenant.

Locals and IKEA fans like Chantilly resident Mike Walker are watching closely, and hoping they’ll soon be shopping for flat-packed furniture closer to home.

KEEP READING→

Driving the news: One of Northern Virginia’s favorite food trucks is putting down roots. Flavor Hive Truck announced they’re opening a permanent restaurant at 10831 Promenade Lane in Manassas — the former Arby’s near the Promenade shopping center.

Details:

• First official hours:
  • Sept. 13–14: 2 p.m.–10 p.m.
  • Mon–Thurs: 11 a.m.–11 p.m.
  • Fri–Sat: 11 a.m.–12 a.m.
  • Sun: 12 p.m.–10 p.m.

• I confirmed with one of the owners by text that construction at the site will begin soon.

• While the space is being built out, the truck will keep serving customers.

Why it matters: Flavor Hive has built a loyal following with bold flavors and creative street food. Their move to a permanent space means locals can count on longer hours, indoor seating, and a consistent menu. For the Balls Ford area, it’s a boost, bringing energy to the corridor and giving commuters a reliable late-night stop.

Businesses nearby, like Stage Door Dance School, told me they’re “super pumped” about having new dining options close by.

What’s next: With construction starting, locals should expect the space to take shape quickly. For now, Flavor Hive fans can keep lining up at the truck.

And judging by the 3,000+ likes on their announcement, there’s no shortage of excitement.

READ MORE→

In this video, we're covering a few suburbs in Northern Virginia that will
explode in growth in 2026, and why you must get in early!

💬 Let’s Connect: Buying, Selling, or Growing Your Brand in Northern Virginia?

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Driving the news: Reston is officially on the luxury hospitality map with the debut of JW Marriott Reston Station — the brand’s first in Virginia — bringing elevated stays, upscale dining, and major event space to the heart of Fairfax County.

Details:

• The 247-room hotel rises above the Wiehle-Reston East Metro station.

• It anchors Reston Station, a growing 90-acre hub home to major names like Google and Rolls-Royce.

• First-of-its-kind “Mindful Rooms” feature yoga nooks, circadian lighting, and personalized tea service.

• Three food and drink spots — The Simon, Schar Bar, and JW Market — spotlight seasonal ingredients and chef-led menus.

• A 40,000 sq. ft. event space includes an 11,700 sq. ft. ballroom — the largest of its kind in Northern Virginia.

Why it matters: This hotel Reston’s reputation as a business and lifestyle destination, expands hospitality job opportunities, and gives residents and companies a high-end space for celebrations and corporate events, all without crossing the Potomac.

The big picture: The launch affirms Reston Station’s role as a regional powerhouse, blending luxury living, transit access, and commercial growth.

It also reflects Northern Virginia’s broader transformation, moving beyond its “D.C. suburb” label and growing into a standalone magnet for tech, culture, and now, top-tier hospitality.

What’s next: Expect the JW Marriott to become a go-to for business conferences, luxury weddings, and Metro-accessible staycations. It also adds momentum to Reston’s residential real estate boom, especially for those wanting to live where the energy is.

READ MORE→

Washington, DC’s housing market is holding steady—but don’t get too comfy. Median sale prices slipped 1.1% to around $703K, and homes linger about 56 days—14 days longer than last year. Buyers still make roughly two offers per listing, with a 98.2% sale-to-list ratio and just 20% selling above list.

For Buyers: More time to negotiate and less competition mean better leverage—if you’re ready to move when the right home pops up.

For Sellers: Pricing strategically is key. With fewer bidding wars, standout marketing and presentation will help you attract motivated buyers fast.

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