East Coast Wings + Grill, known for its wide variety of wing flavors, has opened its newest location in Manassas. The restaurant, at 9805 Liberia Ave., Suite 121, celebrated its grand opening on Tuesday, March 18.

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Updated 9:25 p.m. – The Prince William County Planning Commission has voted to approve the development of two new restaurants at Sudley Manor Square near Manassas -- a Panera Bread with a drive-through and a Dave's Hot Chicken. The proposal, listed as a Special Use Permit, will now move to the Prince William Board of County Supervisors for a final decision.

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Maria Martin’s journey from catering her sister's wedding to opening Juan More Taco in Fredericksburg began with a small food truck in 2016.  Juan More Taco visited community events and local businesses, serving Latin American food with a twist - the dishes incorporate Honduran flavors.

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A taste of New York City mixed with a little Prohibition inspiration: Galvin's Deli will open soon at 216 William Street.

Owners Paul and Emma Stoddard are combining family history with culinary experience to offer a new Fredericksburg dining experience. Paul was a co-owner of Sunken Well Tavern for almost 20 years until he recently sold his stake in 2024. Emma grew up in New York City, raised on Jewish deli foods and worked in restaurants and bakeries. In the early 1900s, her great-grandfather owned Martin Galvin's Cafe in New Jersey. Emma said, "We married those ideas together to bring Galvin’s to life again."

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Historic Downtown Manassas is set to host Restaurant Week from Wednesday, February 26, through Tuesday, March 4, allowing locals and visitors to explore the town’s diverse culinary scene. With 16 participating restaurants, food enthusiasts can enjoy a variety of promotions, special menus, and discounts tailored to showcase each restaurant’s unique offerings.

"It’s been a while since we’ve had Restaurant Week here in Historic Downtown," said Kristen Kiefer, Executive Director of Historic Manassas Inc. "Given that February is a slow month for restaurants, we saw this as a great opportunity to bring people downtown, support our local eateries, and introduce the community to new dining experiences."

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Fredericksburg’s Riverside Center for the Performing Arts has welcomed a new force in its kitchen: Chef Stefan Boutchyard. With a rich culinary background spanning Fredericksburg, Culpeper, and high-profile catering events—including the inauguration of President Donald Trump—Boutchyard is breathing new life into the dinner theater’s menu.

A Culinary Journey to Riverside

Boutchyard’s journey to Riverside was as unexpected as it was serendipitous. “I was a chef in Culpeper working at a bistro, and I wasn’t making a whole lot, but I was sustaining myself,” he said. Then, a call from a friend, local restaurateur Daniel Orofino, founder of Fredericksburg’s Orofino Restaurant, set the stage for a major career shift. “Daniel told me, ‘I don’t know if it’ll be a job, but I want you to call my friend Patrick,’” referring to Riverside’s CEO, Patrick A’Hearn.

After meeting with Ahern, the opportunity became clear. “They wanted to move forward, felt a little stagnant where they were at,” Boutchyard explained. “So they offered me a position, and here I am. I really jumped headfirst into the deep end—on purpose.”

Reinventing the Menu

Boutchyard wasted no time infusing his personal touch into Riverside’s offerings, beginning with the menu for Heartbreak Hotel, an Elvis Presley-inspired musical on stage now. “I know a little about Elvis, so I said, ‘Let’s look at his early years—Tupelo, Nashville, and Vegas.’ That’s how the Viva Las Vegas shrimp cocktail made its way onto the menu.”

Southern flavors took center stage. “I wanted to do a nod to his roots, so we brought in shrimp and grits and fried chicken. But I thought, ‘Let’s do chicken and waffles—with cornbread waffles.’ Then we added a smoked maple syrup with Tabasco to give it a little different flavor.”

Boutchyard’s creativity doesn’t stop at entrées. Even a simple veggie pastry has meaning: “I had a dream about it. The marinara sauce I make for it is my little homage to Danilo Orofino—it’s not his recipe, but it’s a thank-you to him for introducing me to Riverside.”

The Future of Food at Riverside

With Riverside’s transition to a nonprofit, discussions about reimagining the theater space have been ongoing. Some plans suggest shifting to a more traditional theater seating arrangement and moving food service to a separate banquet area.

But Boutchyard is clear on one thing: “Food is not leaving Riverside. Food will always be a part of Riverside in some form.” Whether through a restaurant model or an event-style format, he insists, “There will always be some kind of culinary experience here.”

He’s already looking ahead to Jesus Christ Superstar, featuring Mediterranean-inspired dishes starting March 12, 2025. “We’re doing a saffron yogurt chicken kebab, roasted garlic Israeli couscous, and grilled curried zucchini with sun-dried tomatoes,” he revealed. “And we’re partnering with Sweet Reasons in Spotsylvania for a pistachio chocolate cheesecake that is absolutely amazing.”

“Super Fun Time” Sushi Class

Beyond the dinner theater experience, Boutchyard is launching an interactive culinary event: Super Fun Time Sushi Class. “It’s part cooking lesson, part comedy act,” he said. Drawing from his experience teaching sushi classes in Atlanta, he aims to offer a relaxed, entertaining introduction to sushi-making. “It’s a great way to introduce new people to Riverside. Maybe they’re not ready to commit to a full show, but they can come for a fun night, learn something, and have a great time.”

The hour-long class will show foodies how to make and and eat three types of sushi rolls. The class starts at 6 p.m. Monday, February 17, 2025. Tickets are $40 each.

As Riverside enters its next chapter, Boutchyard is determined to keep the flavors fresh and the experience unforgettable. “I want my food to complement the show,” he said. “I’m here to make Riverside something really special.”

Giorgio’s Family Restaurant is mourning the loss of its founder, Chef George Lampros, whose passion for food and community built the establishment into a local institution. Chef Lampros passed away this week, leaving behind a legacy of culinary excellence and community connection that has spanned more than two decades.

Chef Lampros, a proud Greek immigrant who fulfilled the American dream, opened Giorgio’s in 1999. Starting as a small 12-seat deli, the restaurant expanded over the years into a bustling 130-seat full-service establishment, complete with banquet and catering services. In 2008, Lampros further enhanced the dining experience by integrating WineStyles of Montclair, a wine shop and bar offering an extensive selection of wines from around the globe.

“Giorgio’s Family Restaurant has announced the passing of its founder, Chef George Lampros,” the restaurant shared in a Facebook post. “Known for his deep care for his customers and community, Lampros was a proud Greek immigrant who achieved the American dream by becoming a U.S. citizen. The restaurant will continue to honor Lampros’s legacy by keeping his vision alive for future generations.”

Chef Lampros was known not only for his culinary expertise but also for his deep connection to the community. Giorgio’s became a favorite gathering place for Prince William County residents, offering Greek Nights, wine tastings, and fundraisers that brought neighbors together and strengthened the local bond. Customers have long appreciated the restaurant’s focus on personalized service and a welcoming family atmosphere, setting it apart from corporate chains.

For more than two decades, Giorgio’s has been a testament to Lampros’s dedication, growing into a cornerstone of Montclair’s dining scene. With over 70 years of combined experience in the restaurant industry, the Lampros family built a reputation for serving gourmet meals with a personal touch, keeping local diners returning time and again.

“To those of you who have been with us before, we thank you for your business and look forward to serving you. To those of you who are here for the first time, we welcome you and hope that you have a great experience,” the restaurant’s statement concludes.

Out of the Blue Seafood restaurant in Gainesville has closed its doors after seven years of serving the community. The restaurant announced its closure on its Facebook page on Wednesday, October 23, 2024. Shortly after the announcement, the restaurant’s phone line was disconnected, and its Facebook page was removed.

Since opening in 2017, Out of the Blue has been a popular gathering place in Prince William County, hosting numerous community events, including several organized by the Prince William Chamber of Commerce. The restaurant quickly became known for its fresh seafood and welcoming atmosphere, drawing in regulars and new patrons alike.

The closure of the restaurant marks the end of an era for locals who enjoyed its seafood offerings. Out of the Blue played a significant role in the Gainesville dining scene, creating a space for people to gather, celebrate, and connect.

When the restaurant first opened in 2017, Potomac Local News covered the story, highlighting its unique offerings and its owner’s vision for the establishment. You can revisit the opening story here.

As of now, there has been no further information regarding the reason behind the closure or any plans for the property.

Dickey’s Barbecue Pit is preparing to reopen after a fire temporarily forced the restaurant to close in August 2024. The fire, which originated at a neighboring tanning salon on August 23, caused an estimated $85,000 in damages to the Fredericksburg-area eatery.

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