In this week’s update:

🐔 Slim Chickens is coming to Manassas as part of a 12-store expansion: Slim Chickens is bringing its chicken tenders and Southern sides to Manassas in 2026, kicking off a 12-location expansion across the DMV.

🛠️ Tysons Corner Center is getting a $100M makeover: Macerich is investing over $100M to redevelop the west wing of Tysons Corner Center, adding luxury retail, major upgrades, and Apple’s boldest store design yet.

🤖 Robotics firm RobotLAB opens new Fairfax location to help local businesses automate: RobotLAB has launched a new location in Fairfax to help Northern Virginia businesses automate with AI-powered robotics. Led by Sam Idossa, the new office will serve industries from healthcare to hospitality.

Driving the news: A new name in the fast-casual chicken game is headed to Northern Virginia. Slim Chickens, a growing chain known for chicken tenders and Southern-style sides, is launching its first local location in Manassas.

Details: The Arkansas-based brand has signed a 12-store franchise agreement with Vigario Management Corp., a local Dunkin’ operator. The plan includes openings across Virginia, Maryland, and Delaware, with Manassas as the debut location, expected in 2026.

• Slim Chickens was founded in 2003 and now operates over 200 locations.

• Its menu includes chicken tenders, chicken sandwiches, mac and cheese bowls, fried mushrooms, fried pickles, and more.

• The chain has a growing international footprint, including stores in the UK.

Why it matters: Northern Virginia’s appetite for chicken-centric chains keeps expanding. With brands like Raising Cane’s and Zaxby’s already established in the market, Slim Chickens is entering an already competitive but popular category.

The big picture: Fast-casual dining continues to grow in the suburbs, especially in high-traffic commuter areas like Prince William County. This move signals confidence in continued consumer demand for comfort food with quick service.

What’s next: Keep an eye on Manassas in 2026. If this first location performs well, the rest of the 12-store rollout won’t be far behind.

Driving the news: Macerich is planning a major $100 million redevelopment of the west end of Tysons Corner Center, transforming Northern Virginia’s largest mall into a walkable luxury district packed with dining, flagship retail, and bold new concepts.

Details: The reimagined wing, anchored by Bloomingdale’s and Macy’s, will feature:

• A first-of-its-kind Apple store design

• Flagship expansions from Zara and Uniqlo

• The likely departure of the 23,000 sq. ft. American Girl store

• New luxury boutiques, high-end food offerings, and an open market-style space

• $45M in common area upgrades

This redevelopment is part of Macerich’s strategy to refocus on profitability following a $194 million net loss in 2024.

Why it matters: Tysons is one of Northern Virginia’s fastest-growing mixed-use hubs — and this project reinforces its position as the region’s commercial core. With walkability, transit access, and dense residential growth nearby, this investment adds serious momentum to the area’s transformation.

The big picture: This isn’t just about shopping. It’s about reshaping Tysons as an experience-first urban district, attracting top-tier tenants and raising the bar for local real estate, tourism, and business development.

What’s next: Construction timelines haven’t been announced, but the scale of this upgrade suggests changes could roll out in phases over the next several years.

In this video, we're diving deep into something that will change Loudoun County, VA, forever in 2025! I present to you Rivana at Innovation Station!

Driving the news: RobotLAB, a leading robotics integration company, has officially opened a new location in Fairfax, Virginia, bringing smart automation tools and AI-powered solutions to local businesses across Northern Virginia.

Details: Led by industrial engineering expert Sam Idossa, the new RobotLAB hub will support a wide range of industries, including:

• Hospitality

• Healthcare

• Education

• Logistics

• Commercial services

The Fairfax team will offer consulting, integration, training, and on-site tech support to help companies address rising labor costs and boost productivity.

Why it matters: Automation isn’t just a buzzword anymore — it’s a real solution to workforce gaps and operational inefficiencies. For Northern Virginia’s fast-growing business sector, this new resource can streamline everything from customer service to inventory handling.

The big picture: RobotLAB has expanded to over 35 U.S. locations since its founding in 2007. Fairfax now joins this growing network, positioning itself as a regional hub for robotics-driven innovation and operational optimization.

What’s next: Local business owners can connect directly with the Fairfax team to explore automation options and schedule consultations. Sam’s goal? Build long-term partnerships that fuel growth and efficiency.

We’re hosting a huge client appreciation party on June 14th at The Roost at Farm Brewery — and NFL stars Austin Ekeler and Santana Moss will be joining us! We’re currently looking for amazing local businesses to sponsor the event and get some great exposure.

 Interested? DM us on Instagram @chriscolganteam or reply to this email, and we’ll send you the sponsorship tiers!

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🐴 Terra Bella – Exceptional Horse Boarding in Haymarket, VA

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📍 Follow @terrabella_va on IG, and let them know the Colgan Team sent you! Thanks again!

🏡 D.R. Horton – America's Builder

From our first home in 1978 to over 1,000,000 homes in 2025, our mission remains the same — to deliver quality and affordability across the country. Since 2002, more people have chosen D.R. Horton than any other builder. Whether you're looking for your first home or a lifestyle upgrade, we have a home for you.

📍 Follow @drhorton_northernvirginia on IG, D.R. Horton Northern Virginia on Facebook, and visit drhorton.com. Let them know the Colgan Team sent you!

🎤 Paul Simon: A Quiet Celebration

Grammy award–winning American singer and songwriter Paul Simon is performing this weekend at Wolf Trap on his Quiet Celebration tour. This is the first tour he’s been on since his retirement seven years ago.
📍Location: Wolf Trap: 1551 Trap Rd., Vienna
🗓️ Date & Time: June 6-7 | 6:30 pm
🎟️ Tickets: $77
🔗 More Info

🛤️ Manassas Railway Festival

Celebrate Manassas’ rich railroad history at this family-friendly festival featuring train memorabilia, model train displays, and specialty vendors. You can even experience rail travel on a scenic train ride from Manassas to Clifton and back on the Virginia Railway Express.
📍Location: Manassas Railroad Depot: 9431 West St., Manassas
🗓️ Date & Time: June 7th | 9am to 3pm
🎟️ Tickets: $8 with train ticket, free without
🔗 More Info

🎶 DMV Summer Kickoff Festival

End the weekend on a high note by going to the DMV Summer Kickoff Music Festival. This charity event includes live music, food, drinks, artisan crafts, prizes, and a 360-photo booth.
📍 Location: Lerner Town Square, Tysons II Galleria: 8025 Galleria Dr., Tysons
🗓️ Date & Time: June 8th | 12pm to 8pm
🎟️ Tickets: $12.51
🔗 More Info

The Northern Virginia real estate market continues to thrive across Arlington, Alexandria, Reston, Gainesville, and Fairfax Counties. Whether buying or selling, having an experienced guide by your side is crucial in today's dynamic market.

Selling your home? I'll create a targeted marketing strategy and help you set the right price to attract serious buyers and maximize your return.

Looking to buy? With current interest rates, this could be your ideal time to purchase. Let me help you find and secure the perfect home.

• Three teams participating in FIFA Club World Cup will have base camps in Greater Washington

• Commanders conducting preliminary search for D.C. stadium architect

• Museum of U.S. Army Debuts New Exhibit for Army’s 250th Anniversary

Chris Colgan - EXP Realty Powered by Place

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