Restaurants
A new restaurant concept from Great American Restaurants is coming to Gainesville, bringing a brand unfamiliar to many local diners to a highly visible intersection.
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New restaurant owner Muhammad Ali Sufi has been unable to open Dubai Shawarma & Café in downtown Fredericksburg after months of navigating the city’s permitting and inspection requirements.
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The debate has already begun in Gainesville: which Great American Restaurants brand will open when the company launches its first Prince William County location in 2027?
On a recent episode of the Potomac Local Podcast, host Uriah Kiser and Del. Ian Lovejoy discussed the long-awaited announcement, reacting to news first reported by the Prince William Times. Great American Restaurants — the regional dining group behind Sweetwater Tavern, Mike’s American, Coastal Flats, and other popular Northern Virginia concepts — plans to open a new restaurant at 14100 Whitney Road.
The Publisher Hotel in Fredericksburg has named Cody DeRosett as its new executive chef, just in time for the holidays. DeRosett joins the Marriott Tribute Portfolio property with more than 10 years of culinary leadership at top restaurants and hotels nationwide.
Chef DeRosett will oversee the hotel’s signature restaurant, Five Chophouse, where he’s introducing seasonal menus inspired by local ingredients and personal stories. One standout dish, a Jerk Hen entrée, originated from a recipe he learned from a friend in Jamaica. His style blends creativity, comfort, and guest-centered hospitality.
“We were thrilled to welcome the Stafford community to our newly remodeled Next Generation Dunkin’ and Baskin-Robbins combo restaurant,” local franchisee Pravina Bhalani stated. “This celebration was our way of saying thank you to our loyal guests and sharing the excitement of our refreshed, modern space.”
During the November 8 event, guests enjoyed free medium coffees, merchandise giveaways, music, and face painting. The grand reopening included a ribbon-cutting ceremony and a $500 donation to the Stafford County Fire and Rescue Charitable Foundation. That evening, the Baskin-Robbins location hosted a “Baskin Family Night,” offering $1.99 single scoops.
“It’s Pastry Stout Party time!” Always Flavored announced. “This amazing beer is brewed by our friends at 6 Bears & A Goat in collaboration with the legends at Paul’s Bakery.”
The brewery will tap one of the rare kegs of Paul’s Bakery Pastry Stout on Friday, November 14, at 3 p.m. The beer, described as “dessert in a glass,” is made with chocolate-custard donuts and homemade custard, featuring notes of cocoa and vanilla.
“This week’s community dinner is full,” Always Flavored announced. “Thank you to everyone who signed up and to our generous partners for making this possible.”
The free meal event—sponsored by Obedience Kings Dog Training, Billikens Smokehouse, and Always Flavored—was organized to serve 200 people affected by the ongoing government shutdown. Meals are scheduled for pickup Monday, November 10, at Billikens Smokehouse in Fredericksburg.