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.
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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.
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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.
Despite the setback, owner and operator James Wright, a former accountant who became a franchisee of Dickey’s Barbecue Pit in 2015, has continued to pay his employees throughout the closure. Wright’s dedication to his team, whom he refers to as his family, highlights his deep commitment to his employees and the local community.
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FredericksburgFreePress.com: “The historic downtown Fredericksburg Square property has a new owner. Luigi Castiglia, the longtime owner of the William Street restaurant that still bears his name, bought the 19,000-square-foot building at 525 Caroline St. last week. The sales price for the 0.45-acre property was $1.9 million, according to Fitzhugh Johnson III, whose Johnson Realty Advisors firm had the listing.”
Nestled in downtown Fredericksburg, Bella Manzo brings a blend of authentic Italian flavors and American comfort to the local dining scene. Owned and operated by husband-and-wife team Ruth and Jose Matus, the restaurant represents over 25 years of combined experience in the restaurant industry. After working in corporate dining since 1995, the duo made the leap to open their own establishment in July 2023 at 715 Caroline Street, crafting a warm, inviting space for family and friends.
Ruth said the restaurant stands as a tribute to the excellence of American beef, known as "Good Beef", or Bello Manzo. The menu, designed with the help of a Chicago-based Executive Chef, features food ranging from "Manzo Traditionals" (Italian Beef sandwiches), creamy and tomato-based pastas, soups and salads, fish and chicken sandwiches, and desserts.Â
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Stafford County Economic Development is set to launch an innovative program called the “Strategic Pop-Up Advisory & Resource Knowledge” (SPARK) program.
This program aims to provide business owners and entrepreneurs with direct access to county resources and personalized advice. The SPARK program will serve as a form of "office hours," where community members can meet with members of the Economic Development office to discuss business matters and ask questions.
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Welcome to our latest recap of Potomac Local News. We’re excited to share some of the top stories that are gaining attention on our site. From political color controversies to rave reviews for a local BBQ joint, here’s what’s making headlines.
Political Color Controversy in Manassas:
One of the most talked-about stories involves a heated debate over campaign colors in the Manassas mayoral election. GOP candidate Xiao Yin “Tang” Byrom is challenging incumbent Michelle Davis Younger. A Facebook post showing Tang wearing pink and green, colors associated with Vice President Kamala Harris’s sorority, sparked criticism from the Manassas and Manassas Park Cities Democratic Committee. This story has become our most-read article of the day, highlighting the unexpected turns in local politics.
Wild Wayland’s BBQ:
More delicious news: Wild Wayland’s BBQ in Stafford is receiving rave reviews for its generous portions and tasty offerings, from brisket to smoked turkey. Posted by our Fredericksburg Regional Editor, Kelly Sienkowski, this story has garnered over 100 likes and shares on Facebook. If you’ve visited Wild Wayland’s BBQ, we encourage you to share your experiences.
Animal Shelter Overcrowding:
We also reported on the overcrowding issues at regional animal shelters. Captain Bice from the Stafford Animal Shelter discussed the challenges they face, including the financial strain on pet owners, which leads to more surrenders. The shelter is urgently seeking volunteers and new homes for the animals.
We value our local businesses and communities. If you have a news story or see news happening, please get in touch with us at [email protected] or text us at 571-989-1695. Your contributions help us continue covering the news that matters to you.
Thank you for staying informed with Potomac Local News. We appreciate your support and look forward to bringing you more stories that impact our community.
SweetFrog Frozen Yogurt, located at 10077 Market Circle in Manassas, is now open for business. The grand opening was marked with a ribbon-cutting ceremony by the Prince William Chamber of Commerce, welcoming the community to enjoy a variety of frozen yogurt options.
Lulu Trotter, the owner of SweetFrog, shared her journey to opening the new location. "My husband and I initially were going to buy the Ashburn location, but we ended up driving down to see the Manassas one and just fell in love. So we bought it."
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Nestled in the corner of a Stafford shopping center, a new restaurant has arrived off White Oak Road: Wild Waylon’s BBQ, a family-owned restaurant that has quickly made a name for itself with its scratch-made barbecue and weekend specials.
Founded by the Murphy family—David and Molly, and David’s parents Tom and Linda—Wild Waylon’s BBQ is the culmination of a lifelong passion for cooking and a deep love for barbecue. David Murphy said he grew up smoking pork for family events alongside his father, Tom. He followed his mother’s footsteps, working in restaurants after college. In 2023, David and his mom Linda worked in the same restaurant and decided it was time to launch their own family spot. Waylon is David’s son, and the restaurant’s namesake.
