Restaurants

Stafford

Chipotle Drive-Through Approved in Cardinal Forest

By Potomac Local News

The Stafford County Board of Supervisors approved a conditional use permit (CUP) on April 21, 2026, for a drive-through restaurant and retail space in the Cardinal Forest subdivision, despite objections from nearby residents over traffic, child safety, and proximity to neighborhood amenities.

The 1.2-acre undeveloped site is located at the intersection of Warrenton Road and Cardinal Forest Drive in the Hartwood Election District. Plans call for a one-story building with a Chipotle restaurant featuring a pickup window, additional retail space, 43 parking spaces, sidewalks along Warrenton Road and Cardinal Forest Drive, and an interparcel connection to the future Tractor Supply store on the adjacent parcel. The project is projected to generate 1,534 daily vehicle trips.

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Stafford

Stafford County Approves New Checkers Drive-Thru on Warrenton Road

By Potomac Local News

The Stafford County Board of Supervisors approved a conditional use permit Tuesday night for a new Checkers fast-food restaurant with drive-through service on Warrenton Road, clearing the way for redevelopment of a long-vacant commercial pad site in the George Washington District.

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Prince William

Bahama Breeze Future Unclear In Woodbridge

By Uriah Kiser
Bahama Breeze Potomac Mills opened in 2013.

Darden Restaurants is winding down its Bahama Breeze brand nationwide while moving forward with taxpayer-backed expansion of Olive Garden and LongHorn Steakhouse in neighboring Stafford County.

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Features

Tommy’s American Coming to Gainesville

By Uriah Kiser
Sweet Water Tavern in Centreville features a lodge-style dining room with wood booths, exposed beams, and warm lighting, one of the signature looks familiar to Great American Restaurants diners across Northern Virginia.

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.

Key Takeaways

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Stafford

Stafford Backs Olive Garden, LongHorn Deals

By Uriah Kiser

The Stafford County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved meals tax incentive agreements for two Darden Restaurants brands planned for the Courthouse West area during its January 20 meeting.

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Stafford

Stafford Poised to Subsidize Olive Garden, LongHorn With Up to $500K in Tax Rebates

By Uriah Kiser

Stafford County leaders are expected to approve incentive agreements that would return up to $500,000 in meals tax revenue to two national restaurant chains seeking to open new locations in the county.

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Prince William

Gainesville Wants to Know: Sweetwater or Coastal Flats?

By Potomac Local News

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.

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Fredericksburg

Chef Cody DeRosett to Fredericksburg’s Publisher Hotel

By Potomac Local News

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.

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