Fredericksburg

“Guided by the belief that fitness should be accessible and enjoyable for everyone—from first-time gym-goers to seasoned athletes—Crunch Fitness offers a high-energy, welcoming environment rooted in its ‘No Judgments’ philosophy,” Crunch Fitness Fredericksburg shared. “With memberships starting at just $9.99 per month, the gym provides flexible options to fit every budget and fitness goal.”

Part of the JF Fitness franchise network founded in 2014 by CEO John Freeland and headquartered in Richmond, Crunch Fitness Fredericksburg is the sixth Virginia location among more than 30 gyms across eight southeastern states. Members have access to strength and cardio equipment, Olympic platforms, personal training, and group classes including yoga, HIIT, and ride—plus amenities such as saunas, tanning, and recovery zones.


Newslinks

Visit Occoquan (Facebook) – Congratulations to Thai Ghang Waan Occoquan on their grand opening in Occoquan! While they have been open for a few months here (and have a location in Springfield!), we were excited to celebrate them officially today with a ribbon-cutting.

Savor the fusion of vintage ambiance, bold Thai flavors, and effortless cool. Open 7 days a week at 416 Mill Street in Occoquan.


Fredericksburg

Fredericksburg’s Planning Commission has given the green light to a plan that will bring a new coffee shop with a drive-through to the Cowan Station development along U.S. Route 1.

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Stafford

A new Books-A-Million store is coming to Stafford Marketplace, marking the return of a major bookstore to the busy Garrisonville Road shopping center.

The new store will open in the former Party City space, covering about 13,000 square feet, next to where a larger Borders Books & Music once operated before the chain closed its doors nationwide more than a decade ago.


Fredericksburg

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – Centennial Broadcasting II, LLC, the parent company of WBQB-FM (B101.5) and WFVA-AM, announced it has reached an agreement to acquire WGRQ-FM (SuperHits 95.9) and WGRX-FM (Thunder 104.5) from Telemedia Broadcasting and longtime station owner Carl Hurlebaus. The deal, announced August 13, is expected to close later this year pending Federal Communications Commission approval.

WGRQ, licensed to Fairview Beach, plays classic hits from the 1970s through the 1990s and has been a staple in the Fredericksburg market since 1990. WGRX, licensed to Falmouth, has offered a country music format since 2001. Both have established loyal listener bases and a strong community presence.


Features

GAINESVILLE, Va. – Shotted Coffee, a Saudi-inspired café concept, has opened at Virginia Gateway, offering more than just a caffeine boost at the busy intersection of Route 29 and Linton Hall Road.

Founded by a team inspired by Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 initiative, Shotted blends cultural tradition with modern coffeehouse style. The café’s owners say they aim to take the typical coffee shop experience “to the next level” in the U.S. market, while keeping the atmosphere family-friendly, smoke-free, and alcohol-free — an alternative to the nightlife scene.


Business

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – A popular local pizza spot known for its mission-driven dining has officially closed its doors. The owners of Malawi’s Pizza in Spotsylvania Towne Center near Fredericksburg shared the news, saying the decision was made for personal reasons.

Malawi’s Pizza first opened in Fredericksburg in 2016 and quickly became more than just a restaurant—it was a place where the community gathered. In 2021, Potomac Local News covered the launch of their food truck, which took their “Pizza With a Purpose” mission on the road, expanding their reach while continuing to support meals for children in Malawi, Africa.


Prince William

BRISTOW, Va. – The folks at Celebree School of Bristow just told Potomac Local News they’re giving away free backpacks to help local families gear up for the school year.

On Saturday, August 16, from 10 a.m. to noon, you can stop by their campus at 10368 Bristow Center Drive to pick up a brand-new backpack—no registration, no cost, and no strings attached. It’s first-come, first-served, and one backpack per child while supplies last.


Manassas

PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, Va. – The At Home retail store on Sudley Road near Manassas will permanently close its doors this fall, following a Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing by the Texas-based home décor chain.

Located at Manassas Mall, 8300 Sudley Road, the Manassas store is among 26 underperforming locations across the U.S. that will shutter as part of a corporate reorganization plan. According to court documents and multiple news reports, the company aims to close the affected stores by September 30, 2025.


Prince William

DUMFRIES, Va. – The Dumfries Town Council reversed course and voted unanimously to approve a conditional use permit (CUP) that will allow a local business to host cultural, entertainment, and community events on its property along Washington Street.

The business, Outdoor Showplace, is located at 17715 Washington Street, directly across from Dumfries Town Hall. Known as the region’s largest fully custom landscape showroom, the two-acre property displays outdoor kitchens, fire pits, patios, water features, and more—giving customers the chance to walk through and experience sample backyard designs in a real-life setting.


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