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IMPOSSIBLE TO IGNORE CONCERNS MOUNTING ABOUT WHERE DATA CENTERS ARE BEING BUILT IN ASHBURN

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Ashburn

VOLUME 8, ISSUE 4 PUBLISHER Bruce Potter publisher@ashburnmagazine.com 571-333-1538

FROM THE PUBLISHER

EDITOR Chris Wadsworth editor@ashburnmagazine.com ADVERTISING Sales Leader: Connie Fields cfields@insidenova.com Account Executives: Judy Harbin jharbin@ashburnmagazine.com Steve Dennen steve@ashburnmagazine.com ART DIRECTOR Kara Thorpe CONTRIBUTORS Denise Scott • Astri Wee PUBLISHED BY Rappahannock Media LLC • InsideNoVa 9319 Grant Ave. Manassas, VA 20110 ( 703) 318-1386 PRESIDENT Dennis Brack BUSINESS OFFICE Carina Richard-Wheat cwheat@insidenova.com ON THE WEB www.ashburnmagazine.com Facebook and Twitter : @ashburnmagazine Ashburn Magazine is published ever y other month and distributed to about 13,000 selected addresses. While reasonable care is taken with all material submitted to Ashburn Magazine, the publisher cannot accept responsibilit y for loss or damage to any such material. Opinions expressed in articles are strictly those of the authors. While ensuring that all published information is accurate, the publisher cannot be held responsible for any mistakes or omissions. Reproduction in whole or part of any of the text, illustrations or photographs is strictly forbidden. ©2026 Rappahannock Media LLC.

Data Debate

just returned from a national conference for local media organizations, and one of the breakout groups was titled, “Want to Build Audience and Trust? Cover Data Centers.” As someone who has watched the data center industry explode in my 12-plus years of living in Ashburn, I think I could have led that discussion. Of course, we didn’t decide to feature the local data center debate as our cover story this issue because we need to build an audience or trust. Hopefully, we already have both. We featured it because no other issue has coalesced our community in such a dramatic way – and because Ashburn is now being spotlighted in national news media coverage as the data center debate expands to other communities. Just last month, both CNN and The New York Times reported on the impacts of data centers right here in our backyard. And none of us is immune to those impacts. The Gold’s Gym where I was a member when I first moved to Ashburn? It’s now the data center in the background of our cover photo. The beautiful view of Leesburg from the top of the hill in my neighborhood? It’s now obscured by two enormous data centers under construction, complete with tall cranes, dust that covers our cars and blasting that shakes our house and sends the dog diving under the bed.

At the same time, we recognize the benefits: Our taxes are lower, we have one of the country’s best public school systems and our parks have too many amenities to enumerate. Beginning on Page 18, editor Chris Wadsworth explores the debate through the eyes of some of the advocates and experts – and in particular the issue of whether data centers are being built too close to homes and what can be done about it. On a lighter note, starting on Page 26, you can learn all about mahjong, the Chinese tile game that’s taking the area by storm. Just wander into any Wegmans café and you’re likely to hear the clicking of tiles. And on Page 32, you’ll meet a local woman who has a unique way of selling books – and, no, it’s not through Amazon. So as the heat and humidity of summer give way to the clear, crisp days of fall, joining a game with friends or settling in with a good book are just a couple of ways to enjoy life without using any data.

BRUCE POTTER, PUBLISHER PUBLISHER@ASHBURNMAGAZINE.COM

CLARIFICATION: In our July 2026 issue, we inadvertently left out photo credits for several photos. In the cover story about NASCAR driver Ryan Ellis, the Ellis family photo was taken by Kellie Sams of Sams Photography. In our story on Irish dancing, the photos from the 2026 World Championships were taken by FeisAction-Irish Dance Photography. Ashburn Magazine regrets these omissions.

ASHBURN MAGAZINE

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SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026

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Contents

FEATURE STORIES 18

COVER STORY

Impossible to Ignore

AROUND ASHBURN

Concerns mounting about where data centers are being built in Ashburn

Seeing Through Smoke Ashburn teens develop potentially life-saving fire equipment BY DENISE SCOTT

Virginia’s Top Cat A fabulous feline from Ashburn finds fame, fortune and fans BY DENISE SCOTT

BY C H R I S WA D SWO R T H

Shorts

Running for Wyatt, Cultural Diplomat, Inova Leader

Mahjong Madness The Chinese tile game has a foothold in Ashburn

BY DENISE SCOTT

Record Setter

Ashburn man is a high-jumping champ

Roving Reads Ashburn woman creates mobile mini-bookstore

BY DENISE SCOTT

BY C H R I S WA D SWO R T H

Calendar

Daniel Golding, Supervisor Sylvia Glass and Patricia Gallardo gather in front of an Ashburn data center in this photo illustration by Astri Wee of Astri Wee Photography. ON THE COVER

A lineup of local events

38 REAL ESTATE ROUNDUP The latest facts and figures about home sales in Ashburn

Dish 40

DISH INTERVIEW

No Regrets

Ashburn’s Christian Puccio on his journey to opening Oak & Ember BY CHRIS WA D SWO R T H

DISH TRY

The Humble Spud

DISH NEWS FROM THE BURN

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SHE GAVE ME MY LIFE BACK Local clinic has a modern, medical solution to treat your Peripheral Neuropathy and is seeing incredible results! “It started out as a normal outing. My wife and I had to run to the grocery store. We were driving down the road casually going over our shopping list when the car ahead of me started to slow down anticipating the yellow light. I started to move my foot from the gas to the brake as any normal person would do when they see brake lights in front of them but I couldn’t. I couldn’t feel my foot. The car kept moving forward and I just couldn’t get my foot on the brake. And CRUNCH! I finally came to a stop when I hit the car in front of me.” This tragic story was shared with us by Dan S., an Ashburn resident, who has peripheral neuropathy. And while no one was hurt in this accident, Dan S. had suffered almost every day of his life with tingling and burning in his feet until numbness set in and he could no longer feel even the brake pedal beneath his foot.

other host of problems.” This was the case with Dan. “I said I wasn’t going to drive again. What if that had been a pedestrian?”

“I can’t lie,” confides Dan. “I was skeptical at first. The folks down at my pain center told me there was nothing that could be done, and then there’s a doctor right here in Loudoun who tells me she can help. Turns out she was right! About three months after treatment I was able to confidently drive myself to my appointments!

It is terribly common that peripheral neuropathy and its debilitating symptoms interfere with a person’s ability to live their life. Dan was now reliant on his wife to drive him around; My wife and I celebrated by buying even the simple pleasure of cruising ourselves a new car! It’s hard to put down to play golf or taking her out to into words how incredible this is, quite frankly, [Rachal] gave me dinner was outside his capabilities. my life back.” And even more common, Dan’s general practitioner and several specialists told While FIREFLY specializes in acupuncture him there was nothing they could do and it’s definitely part of their protocols other than prescribe him pills that in treating neuropathy, the real secret is would ease the pain of his neuropathy. in a more modern medical solution called ATP Resonance BioTherapy™. “This That’s where Rachal Lohr, L.Ac., technology was originally developed by and her staff at FIREFLY comes in. NASA to expedite healing and recovery,” “About 70% of our current patients shares Amanda, a Senior Patient Care come to us suffering from the same Coordinator at the clinic. condition as Mr. Dan,” tells Rachal. “They’re in constant pain from neuropathy, and it prevents them from not only living their lives but also more importantly, it prevents them from enjoying it.

“The first stage is pain.” shares Rachal Lohr, Acupuncturist of FIREFLY Acupuncture & Wellness. “ You feel Depending on the severity of their burning, tingling, sharp pains, or you nerve damage, we typically see feel like you’re walking on tacks or tremendous progress in 3-4 months marbles. This pain eventually subsides of treatment. I like to say we’re in the and the numbness sets in. Unfortunately business of making your golden the numbness brings with it a whole years golden.”

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“It’s like watering a plant. ATP Resonance BioTherapy™ stimulates the blood vessels to grow back around the peripheral nerve and provides them with the proper nutrients to heal and repair.” You can learn more about Rachal Lohr, L.Ac., at FIREFLYAcuAndWellness.com. If you’re ready to schedule a consultation call, (703)263-2142, and do so quickly. FIREFLY is a very intimate clinic, and the staff takes pride in their ability to take their time with each patient, so they are very limited in their ability to take on new patients.

AROUND ASHBURN

Seeing Through Smoke Ashburn teens develop potentially life-saving fire equipment

fter a home where his family had previously lived burned to the ground during his junior year at Rock Ridge High School, Aarnav Trivedi started reflecting. “It definitely opened my eyes a bit to the possibility of things that could actually happen to you,” said the 17-year-old senior. “It definitely made me consider more about my environment and think more about trying to look more deeply into my community and helping out other people.”

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That awakening compelled Aarnav, who now lives in Loudoun Valley II, to brainstorm ideas related to fires and firefighter safety, eventually leading to his developing a prototype helmet attachment he called Aegis. The invention’s goal is to eliminate the need for a hand-held thermal camera for seeing through dense smoke, and to boost usefulness with new AI capabilities. After deciding on the basic idea late last year, Aarnav recruited his classmate and friend, Abhinav Jammula,

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026

16, who lives in Loudoun Valley Estates, to help work on it during their spare time. Aarnav focused on hardware while Abhinav focused on software. “The idea itself – I felt like it had real initiative and could change the world actually,” Abhinav said. “So, I was definitely interested from the start. I’ve had interest in firefighters since I was little and helping them out was definitely a passion for me.” Not only does Aegis use thermal cameras, but its AI technologies give the firefight-

BY DENISE SCOTT

er multiple views of their environment. The “edge detection mode” shows the edges of objects in the environment. The “object detection mode” identifies everything from a couch to a person. “We’re also adding connectivity with the incident commander, so they can see what the firefighter is seeing in real time, what is their location, and a bunch of other features that add more support,” Aarnav said. The duo spent over $1,000 of their own money on various electronic parts to build

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Far left: Aarnav Trivedi models a fire helmet with the Aegis device attached. Left top: Trivedi and his project partner, Abhinav Jammula, stand in front of the burned home that inspired the project. Above (l to r): Aarnav Trivedi, Loudoun County Fire Rescue Deputy Chief Josh Cooper and Battalion Chief Brian Sullivan, and Abhinav Jammula.

the prototype. “Money was never the issue for us,” Abhinav said. “If you have a passion for a project, you never care about the money you’re putting in.” They completed the first version of Aegis in early March and continued improving it with two friends from Texas for submission to the international Blue Ocean Student Entrepreneur Competition earlier this year. Among the thousands of teams, the Ashburn duo placed third in North America and in the top 10 overall. “It was definitely like shocking, but I was glad,” Aarnav said. The next step? Getting approval from Loudoun County Fire & Rescue to test Aegis in the department’s burn building. “So, then we can test it in real environments and make it something that they can actually use,” Aarnav said. “Like adding fireproof material to help make it stable.”

He said Loudoun County fire officials have been supportive, such as letting them borrow an extra training helmet and other materials for the project, as well as providing advice. “We got some more feedback in person. They’re helping us make sure we know what we’re doing when we’re building this.” Abhinav said their top 10 ranking at Blue Ocean gives Aegis the credibility needed for a future business model. While the end goal has evolved into bringing Aegis to market, Aarnav said they are thinking strategically. “The first step is making it usable in our local department and other departments in the DMV region,” Aarnav said. “And then from there, we’ll have enough momentum to be able to talk to venture capitalists and get some additional funding to scale it nationally.” A

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AROUND ASHBURN

Virginia’s Top Cat A fabulous feline from Ashburn finds fame, fortune and fans BY DENISE SCOTT

ith blue eyes and lilac-colored skin soft as peach fuzz, a hairless Peterbald cat from Ashburn with the fancy name Grencia Mars Park worked not one miracle, but two – she healed her human’s broken heart and then won the hearts of animal lovers far and wide. Six years ago, Lisa Park of The Grant at Willowsford was gifted “Gren” – her feline child – by her human child, Mason. This was right after the sudden death of Park’s cat, Toby, who had served as her emotional support animal for many years. Left bereft, Park nevertheless found room in her heart for a new cat. “[Gren] is my emotional support companion whose motorboat purrs release a calming presence that soothes my soul, improves my mood and eases my pain,” said Park, who suffers from rheumatoid arthritis and several medical issues. “Her most important job in the house is being there for me, and it’s absolutely magical.” The high opinion of Gren doesn’t start and stop with Park. She entered her feline friend in the recent inaugural Pet Lovers Choice Awards, a nationwide online contest – and Gren apparently proved exceedingly likable. She garnered thousands of votes and won “Best in State” for Virginia. “It is an extreme honor for Gren to win Best in State, as most competitors were canines and the competition – as a whole – was fierce,” Park said. “Not to mention the stereotype behind a hairless cat being known as a mad, wrinkly looking alien.” The inaugural pet awards drew more than 56,000 entries and more than 20 million votes for state winners. Park said Gren has supporters from across the country as well as the UK and Canada. The contest celebrates extraordinary pets and raises funds and awareness

ASHBURN MAGAZINE

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SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026

for the Best Friends Animal Society, an organization aimed at saving the lives of dogs and cats that wind up in animal shelters. More than $300,000 raised from the contest will directly support 117 shelters nationwide, including Daisy’s Legacy in Arlington. The Peterbald breed is friendly, loyal, social, affectionate, curious and fun, according to The International Cat Association. You couldn’t write a better description for Gren, who loves to kayak in the summer, go snow tubing in the winter and, of course, wear her fabulous custom-made outfits while riding in a stroller. “I try to always challenge her with various enrichment activities such as treat puzzles, various agility courses, hide and seek, fetch and taking her out to locations that are pet-friendly, either on a leash or stroller,” said Park, noting Gren is well trained and comfortable on her adventures. At home, she enjoys an indoor play-

ground and an outdoor “catio” (cat patio) for safe bird watching. “Commands she knows are ‘high five,’ ‘sit,’ ‘no,’ ‘get down,’ and ‘stay.’ Although ‘no’ doesn’t always work when she jumps on the counter,” Park said. As a result of winning, Park and Gren receive a trophy and a $3,500 cash prize, which they plan to put to good use. They are going to divvy up the funds, giving some to Kiki’s Kitty Kloset in Falls Church, a pop-up shop that helps families in need with pet supplies. They will make donations to various rescue organizations around the country. “Helping shelter animals was the main reason we entered this competition,” she said. “We also plan to order some of Gren’s favorite treats and maybe the new dinosaur cat tree we have been eyeing on social media if any funds remain.” To keep up with Gren’s adventures, follow her account on Instagram at @grenthepeterbald.

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SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026

AROUND ASHBURN S H O R T S

Local Resident Selected for Cultural Diplomacy Fellowship

Ashburn Students Run for a Good Cause A n Ashburn elementary school recently held a very special fun run. The students at Steuart W. Weller Elementary honored the memory of their classmate Wyatt Triplett by dedicating the proceeds raised to one of Wyatt’s favorite places. In May, the “Wild Cat Dash” – as the event was called – pulled in $25,000, which was donated to the Sunrise Day Camp of Greater Washington. The camp offers a six-week summer day camp to children who are fighting cancer as well as their siblings – all at no cost to the families.

At age 7, Wyatt was diagnosed with an aggressive brain tumor. He attended second grade at Steuart Weller and was able to enjoy one magical summer at Sunrise Day Camp before he passed away in September 2024. Wyatt’s siblings have continued to attend the camp. “Seeing our school community come together in Wyatt’s memory was overwhelming in the best possible way,” said Lauren Triplett, Wyatt’s mom. “The generosity, love and enthusiasm shown by the students, families, teachers, and staff reminded us that Wyatt’s impact continues to be felt throughout our community.”

Ashburn’s Susan Carroll Takes New Leadership Position with Inova

riffin Cook, who attended Seldens Landing Elementary School, Belmont Ridge Middle School and Riverside High School, has been chosen to participate in the Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange for Young Professionals. A recent graduate of American University, Cook was one of just 65 applicants nationwide to receive the honor this year. A joint program of the German Bundestag and U.S. Congress, the program gives 65 American and 65 German young leaders the opportunity to spend up to a year in each other’s countries studying, interning and living with host families. Cook is currently in Frankfurt where he is studying German as part of the program. He hopes to become fluent. “First, becoming fluent in the German language will enable me to deeply integrate myself into German life,” Cook said. “Second, achieving fluency would be a fitting conclusion of my journey of learning the German language, which began about nine years ago when I was an eighth-grade student at Belmont Ridge Middle School.”

usan Carroll, a resident of Ashburn’s Belmont Glen neighborhood and – until recently – the president of Inova Loudoun Hospital, has been appointed to a new position with Inova. She is now the new chief of clinical enterprise operations. This means Carroll will lead the clinical operations for the Inova health system, which includes operational leadership of all hospitals and clinical service lines, supply chain safety and security. She will also use her operational experience to help shape the health system’s strategy and guide its future direction. “Susan is an exceptional leader whose vision, operational expertise and unwavering commitment to our mission have made a lasting impact across Inova,” said Dr. John J. Moynihan, president and chief of clinical enterprise at Inova. “Throughout her career, she has consistently demonstrated the ability inspire high-performing teams and improve the care we provide to our patients.” With Carroll’s transition to her new role, Dr. Raj Chand, president of Inova Fair Oaks Hospital, will serve as interim president of the Loudoun hospital while Inova conducts a national search for the hospital’s next permanent president.

ASHBURN MAGAZINE

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SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026

A profile of Carroll was the cover story in the September/ October 2024 issue of Ashburn Magazine.

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e know all too well that comfort will determine whether or not we wear a certain fashion piece. Unfortunately for women, the way something feels can change day to day or even moment by moment, and certainly throughout our lives. Luckily there is one little accessory that, no matter how we feel or how our bodies change, it will always fit. Rings, bracelets, and even necklaces require a certain level of sizing, but earrings (as long as your ears are pierced) are a faceframing fashion statement that you can wear any and every day. To quote Jennifer Lopez, “Women should never go without earrings. Passing on them is an opportunity missed." We couldn’t agree more and we recommend at least four different styles for every woman’s jewelry wardrobe. The Hoop A classic going back to ancient times is a style statement fit for the runway or the grocery aisle. Keep it simple or playful with different shapes and textures, and we suggest at least one pair in silver and one in gold. Pictured: 14K yellow wide front and back 4-diamond hoop, 14K white gold long oval diamond cut twist hoop, 14K yellow gold chain link hoop.

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AROUND ASHBURN

Record Setter Ashburn man is a high-jumping champ BY DENISE SCOTT

emember the famous scene in “When Harry Met Sally” where actress Meg Ryan makes some NSFW sounds in a diner. That’s how Bernie Stamm describes his wife’s reaction after he matched the world record in the high jump. “I had never – in the 30 years I’ve known her – heard her that excited and expressive,” Stamm said with a laugh. If you’re wondering why you didn’t hear about Stamm – who lives in the Potomac Green neighborhood with Carol, the aforementioned wife – equaling the record, it may be because he’s 87 years old and he was competing in the Maryland Senior Olympics. The big day came this August. Stamm’s first jump was 1.24 meters, beating the American record in the 85-89 age group. His next jump was even higher – 1.28 me-

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Below: Bernie Stamm competes in a high jump in Switzerland in 1958. Right: 56 years later, Stamm performs a high jump in 2014.

ters – equaling the world record height for the age group. “You may have heard athletes talk about being in the zone,” he said. “I stood there. All of a sudden, the world literally seemed to fade away from my vision. The silence became eerie. All there was, was the bar [and] myself, and then I took off. And it happened twice that day. I mean, you cannot really … describe it. Yeah, that

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026

was magic.” Stamm was an athlete as a teen in his native Switzerland, even winning a heptathlon championship in 1958. But he gave it up at 19 and didn’t return to the sport until he was 71. After raising a family and reaching retirement (him from the HVAC industry, her from high school counseling), Bernie and Carol moved from Ohio to Virginia in 2009. Bernie became a volunteer board member for the Northern Virginia Senior Olympics. “I noticed they didn’t have any high jump, for some reason,” he said. “So, first thing I did, I made sure they had high jump the following year. And I redesigned their medals, which looked crummy.” “I’m probably the only athlete in the world who designed his own gold medals,” he added. Stamm has now been competing for more than a decade – and he believes he’s getting better with age. “Truly, I got better starting at age 85,” Stamm said. “I have improved by 8 centimeters. It’s that simple. But it’s all because of my wife. She’s my driving force.” Carol Stamm travels with Bernie to all his meets and is his biggest – and loudest

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– fan. But otherwise, she downplays her role in her husband’s success. “He thinks I’m indispensable,” she said. “I think I’m totally dispensable because he is the most disciplined, organized person I’ve ever met. But I’m really conscious about what he puts in his body. I am a stickler for non-processed foods. I mean – he insists on eating crappy cereal every morning, but that’s all he gets. The rest, I determine.” Bernie Stamm urges everyone to stay active as they age. “There are three things in life to stay healthy,” he opined. “One is to exercise at whatever level you can do it. There’s never any excuse. Even people in wheelchairs can exercise. Second is good nutrition, and the third one is the mental aspect of it. I … have a damn good sense of humor, which is something a lot of old people neglect. You got to have fun [and] laugh at yourself first.” And Stamm might just be laughing all the way to a future winner’s podium if he’s able to hit 1.30 meters the next time he high jumps – a height he hasn’t achieved since he was a young whippersnapper of 80. A

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IMP OS TO

IGN

C O N C E R N S M O U N T I N G A B O U T W H E R E D ATA C E N T E R S A R E B E I N G B U I LT I N A S H B U R N BY C H R I S WA D SWO R T H

BY ASTRI WEE OF ASTRI WEE PHOTOGRAPHY

Daniel Golding, Supervisor Sylvia Glass and Patricia Gallardo stand outside a data center off Red Rum Drive in Ashburn.

atricia Gallardo admits she wasn’t really focused on data centers over the past 15 years or so. She and her husband, Chris, moved into the Broadlands neighborhood in 2011 and thoroughly enjoyed the community and the Loudoun County lifestyle. “I think most residents were busy living their lives, raising their children and trusting that our elected officials were making decisions in the community’s best interest – me included,” Gallardo said. “Then, almost without realizing it, [data centers] became impossible to ignore.” Gallardo is not alone. Across Ashburn and the wider Loudoun community, it feels as though a switch has suddenly been thrown. For years, data centers were tolerated and even celebrated for the tax revenues they generated. The main complaint seemed to be about their aesthetics. But now an increasing number of residents are expressing concerns about noise PATR I CI A from cooling systems, pollution from G ALL A R D O

BLE SSI

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backup generators, increases in energy demands and – most visibly – their proximity to residential neighborhoods. “We’re seeing industrial-scale development immediately adjacent to neighborhoods, schools, parks and walking trails,” Gallardo said. “That’s a very different situation than what people originally expected.” In July, a town hall meeting on data centers called by Loudoun Board of Supervisors Chair Phyllis Randall attracted so many people – close to 200 – that every seat in the room was taken and the crowd spilled into a nearby overflow room. Over the past year or so, data centers and community concerns about them have become front page news across the country. A lot of it is full-throated NIMBYism – “not in my backyard.”

Neighbors and residents are pushing back against data centers being built near them. “It’s basically part of a multi-county, statewide and national reaction to unchecked and unregulated data center growth,” said Juli Briskman, who represents the Algonkian District on the Loudoun board. Briskman has become a leading voice on the data center issue – so much so that she recently announced she is J UL I running for the chair of the Loudoun B R ISKMA N board based heavily on fighting against data center expansion. “We are finding that Loudon did not get its arms around [data center growth] early enough. And they are now encroaching on communities,” Briskman added. Indeed, a motion to make some data centers a special exception – meaning county supervisors would have to approve them and have some control over where and how they were built – was shut down in 2019 by then-members of the board. The move to make data centers special exceptions was finally approved four years later – in 2023. ENCROACHMENT As Patricia Gallardo said, at one time, it seemed as though data centers were mostly in remote industrial areas along vacant stretches of Old Ox Road or Loudoun County Parkway, far from the hubbub of daily life. But that has changed. Take the entrance to Discovery Elementary School off Ashburn Village Boulevard. There

NIMBY Daniel Golding knows a thing or two about data centers. He’s been an engineering executive in the data center industry for 25 years and is currently DANIEL chief technology officer for ASG, an GOL DING Ashburn-based advisory firm focused on global data center development. He’s also an Ashburn homeowner, living in the Loudoun Valley Estates 2 neighborhood with his wife, Lauren, and their two children. He understands the concerns about data centers getting too close to residential areas and believes both county officials and local homeowners are – in part – to blame. “These are two issues which run together – zoning and the incredible resistance of the county and residents to allow housing to be built,” Golding said. “It’s impossible to get a [housing] site plan approved through the county because the neighbors protest. Some of these processes drag on for years before the developers give up and build data centers. The other issue was a series of zoning problems where people would buy land and believe they could legally build data centers there ‘by right.’ If the zoning had been done properly, that never would have happened.” A perfect example of that might be the CyrusOne data center project proposed for roughly 58 acres at the intersection of Belmont Ridge Road and Broadlands Boulevard. Originally, there was a proposal to build a hospital facility at the site. However, neighbors in the area voiced concern – too much traffic, potential noise – and the plan was nixed.

BY VANTAGE POINT DRONE

you’ll find the Chick Ford & Ryan Bickel Fields. Kids swinging bats and running bases on the park’s two diamonds literally do so in the shadow of the Databank data center no more than a foul ball away. A few miles south, the developers of Brambleton built The Barn at Brambleton, a bucolic event center with immaculately groomed grounds for weddings and special events. But looming on the horizon to the south is a massive Amazon Web Services “hyperscale” data center under construction. And then there is The Regency, a neighborhood of grand homes tucked between Waxpool Road and Shellhorn Road that seems to have data centers approaching from several sides. Residents Ashburn Magazine spoke with say they can hear a steady hum from the data centers all day and all night. According to media reports, the 143 homeowners have been offered a massive buyout to purchase the entire neighborhood and turn it into a data center campus. However, that proposal is reportedly stalled because it requires the support of 100% of the community.

The ball fields near the entrance to Discovery Elementary School off Ashburn Village Boulevard.

Then a plan was put together to build a townhome community on the land. That also prompted protests from residents in the area – impact on schools, not enough infrastructure for that many new people, etc. So now, the developers are seeking to put up a data center because the land is technically already zoned for that – they don’t have to obtain anyone’s permission to build it. “Many people – when they purchase a home and see that there is a beautiful, wooded area right across from them – they don’t want to see that change,” said Loudoun County Supervisor Sylvia Glass, whose district includes the CyrusOne property. “Unfortunately, it is someone else’s property. If residents come out saying they don’t want something to happen, the [property owners] may pull back on that application and just decide to build something they know they can build without any issues.” THE VANGUARD Ashburn is often referred to as the “data center capital of the world” – and it has received a lot of attention in the national media as a result, especially recently as the general mood around data centers changes. In mid-August, the Gray Lady herself – The New York Times – published a report about Loudoun and Ashburn with the headline: “A County Got Rich From Data Centers. Some Question ‘At What Cost?’” This reputation and the “data center capital” moniker – the very fact that Ashburn was so far ahead of the curve – may very well have contributed to the

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current situation. There weren’t other data center-centric communities to learn from. “There are certainly places where, looking at them today, the Board of Supervisors might make different land-use decisions than were made years ago,” said Buddy Rizer, the executive director of Loudoun County Economic Development. “Loudoun was one of the first communities in the country to experience data center development at this scale. The industry changed, the buildings changed, the community grew, and our understanding of appropriate land-use BUD DY relationships evolved as well.” RIZE R Another factor that has raised ire is the infrastructure to support data centers. Multiple electrical substations have been built in the county, and huge towers supporting electrical lines now pepper Ashburn’s horizon. According to county data, more than 53 million square feet worth of data centers are in operation or being built. There are more than 200 data centers in the county so far, with scores more in the pipeline. “Data center capital of the world” isn’t just lip service. But will that title last? There are plenty of signs that

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A data center near the intersection of Loudoun County Parkway and Shellhorn Road.

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026

the tide may be turning. “Loudoun is entering a different chapter,” Rizer said. “Our department has not been actively trying to attract data centers for many years now. We are entirely focused on continuing to diversify the economy, developing our Metro-connected opportunities, attracting new industries and investment, supporting entrepreneurs and existing businesses, and preserving the qualities that make Loudoun a great place

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The Barn at Brambleton sits near a massive hyperscale data center under construction to its south.

to live and work.” Nevertheless, discussions are afoot about a temporary moratorium on additional data center construction – despite many arguing that it would be illegal. Another option being explored is undoing the so-called “grandfather clause” that allowed landowners and developers to file paperwork ensuring they would have the option to build a data center in the future even while Loudoun leaders tightened restrictions. The proposal, from Briskman and fellow Supervisor Laura A. TeKrony, would probably face legal challenges if enacted. “This isn’t about being anti-technology,” said Gallardo, who is advocating for a pause in new data center construction. “It’s about responsible planning, transparency and making sure economic development never comes at the expense of the health, safety and quality of life of the people who call Loudoun County home.” A

Back in 2019, Ashburn Magazine took readers inside a data center to learn more about what happens behind the gates and high walls. You can follow this QR code to see that report and the images from inside one Ashburn data center.

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MA H J O N G MA D N E S

TH E CH INE SE

TILE GAME

HA S A FO OT HO LD

IN AS HB UR N

BY DENISE SCOTT

ike many parents in Ashburn, life changed for Leigh Schoener after her children grew up and flew the coop. She missed the fun get-togethers with her Brambleton neighbors in evenings and on weekends while the kids ran around and played. “Every Friday night, when the kids were little, you’re outside having cocktails, giggling around, ordering pizza, all that kind of good stuff,” said Schoener, 53. “As the kids got older, of course, it just kind of fizzled. And I really just craved neighbors getting back together now that a lot of us are empty-nesters.” So, when she returned from a recent vacation with her mother and aunt where she learned how to play mahjong, an idea took shape. In February, Schoener enlisted one of her mother’s friends to teach mahjong to half a dozen of her neighborhood friends, and she launched a weekly game in her basement. “We’re not very serious. We just really have a good time, and it’s really bonded us,” she said. “A neighbor right across the street from me who I adore, I could go months – I mean, literally months – without seeing her. And we have seen each other every single Thursday since I started this. It’s just – it’s been so great.” That sentiment is clearly spreading. You’d have to have been hibernating under one of the intricately carved mahjong tiles to have missed the game’s surge in popularity. Leigh Schoener, standing at the back with a red mahjong booklet in her hand, brings together her Brambleton neighbors each week for games.

Tori Rittinger, owner of Talk Tiles to Me, holds mahjong events across Northern Virginia, including in Loudoun County.

The National Mah Jongg League of New York City describes the game, which originated in China in the 1800s and came to the United States in 1920, as a “fascinating, rummy-like game played with tiles rather than cards.” It has millions of dedicated players around the world, and the numbers are growing. Earlier this year, Yelp reported that searches for “mahjong clubs” had skyrocketed by nearly 4,500% between 2024 and 2025. Searches for “mahjong lessons”

were up 819%. And lessons are definitely advised for newbies. “You want your tiles to match a line that is on your playing card,” said mahjong instructor Tori Rittinger, founder and owner of Talk Tiles to Me, based in Falls Church. “But there are rules that come with it, and it can be a very complicated game to understand if you are not taught the right way.” Talk Tiles to Me offers private lessons

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SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026

and group classes across the region, as well as leagues, pop-up events, private parties and even mahjong-themed winery tours. Rittinger’s studio, which opened in 2024, has rooms themed to match each of the three mahjong tile suits – bams (short for bamboo), cracks (Chinese symbols) and dots. “We have to be careful when we say ‘crack room’ to people if they don’t know mahjong because then they wonder, ‘What exactly are you doing over there?’” she joked. Locally, the Mon Amie Amy gift shop in Ashburn’s Goose Creek Village shopping center has become a major hub for the mahjong craze. “I carry everything mahjong,” said shop owner Amy Weisberg. “I have mahjong sets. I have the tiles. I have the racks and pushers. I have a variety of mats. I have mahjong notepads, mahjong jewelry, mahjong candles, mahjong serving trays, mahjong bags. Anything and

Amy Weisberg, the owner of the Mon Amie Amy gift shop in Ashburn, has seen a surge in interest in mahjong merch.

everything mahjong.” Weisberg holds mahjong events at her store, including “Mahjong 101” classes with an instructor and mahjong “sip and shop” evenings with drinks and munchies and all things mahjong. “It’s just gotten so huge right now and it’s so much fun,” said Weisberg, who admits to being a heavy mahjong player herself. “Usually, all I do is work, so now I feel like I finally have a hobby that I love.” Reports say much of the interest in mahjong is being driven by Gen Z – primarily young people in their teens and 20s – seeking to reduce screen time and participate in more face-to-face activities. This has even led to something called the “granny core” movement – which includes taking up old-fashioned hobbies like crochet, knitting, pie baking and –

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Three generations of the Monton family from Ashburn enjoy playing mahjong.

yes – mahjong. Karen Monton, 43, lives in the Village of Waxpool neighborhood and sees the interest firsthand. Three generations of her family members play regularly. “Mainly, the fun is winning,” she said of the family competition. “A lot of strategy

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goes into it. When you win, it’s because you did something right … or because of the luck of the draw.” Monton’s mother-in-law is the family’s reigning champion. She is so skilled that she can almost magically feel which tile she has drawn. “Everyone tells her she’s

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026

a cheater because she’s always winning,” Monton joked. Meanwhile, her oldest daughter, Jada, 16, is teaching friends from Briar Woods High School how to play. “I’m just laughing … because in our [Filipino] culture, it’s typically seen as an older adult type of game, so to see the younger folks wanting to play is kind of funny.” And that’s the magic of mahjong – that it brings people together from all different stages of life. “It’s such a wonderful thing to see,” Rittinger said. “I think it just checks all the boxes that people want – health and community and relationships and being social.” A

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Ashburn woman creates mobile mini-bookstore BY C H R I S WA D SWO R T H

eople usually head to a coffee shop for coffee, a winery for wine and a farmers’ market for fresh food. Finding a miniature mobile bookstore at these locales would be a surprise – or at least it would have been before the arrival of The Blushing Page. “I think there is something really special about stumbling across a bookstore where you least expect it,” said owner Nicole Connelly. By day, Connelly is a nurse practitioner, living in Ashburn Farm with her husband, Tim, daughter, Paige, and son, Landon. But on a spring

Nicole Connelly

break vacation to Florida earlier this year, Connelly spotted a mobile bookstore – literally books for sale on the back of a cute truck – and she had an epiphany. “I immediately thought, ‘Wow, I would love to have one of those in Northern Virginia,’” she said. With the support of her family, Connelly pursued her dream. She bought a small 1999 Subaru Sambar and had a local contractor help her retrofit it with shelves and storage on the back. She worked with a book distributor to curate a selection of romance and romance fantasy titles and by the end of May, she was ready to launch The Blushing Page. “Romance and ‘romantasy’ are my favorite genres,” said the lifelong reader. “They’re the books I naturally reach for, so it made sense to build the bookstore around something I am genuinely passionate about.” Connelly is also proud to stock some books from independently published authors – making her offerings more unique. “I love being able to support indie authors while also offering readers a mix of bestselling titles and books they may not discover anywhere else,” she said. Connelly and her family aren’t alone in thinking a mobile bookstore sounded like a great idea. Here in Northern Virginia, she is joined by The Wandering Shelf, a mobile bookstore out of Arlington, The Littlest Bookshop

Lesson Learned Starting her mobile book truck hasn’t been completely smooth sailing for Nicole Connelly. She originally launched the business with a different name. However, she soon discovered that a bookstore in another state was using the same moniker. This convinced Connelly it was best to quickly rebrand. “It was a stressful situation, but it ultimately led me to The Blushing Page, which feels like a much better fit for the business and the community I’m building,” she said.

based in Leesburg, and the new Owl & Ink from Prince William County. According to statistics from Circana BookScan, more than 762 million print books were sold in 2025. Sales in the romance category increased by 3.9% over the previous year with 44 million sold. A big driver of that was the success of the “romantasy” bestseller “Onyx Storm” by Rebecca Yarros – surely music to Connelly’s ears. Since first rolling out The Blushing Page, Connelly has taken her mobile bookstore to places like the Blend Coffee Bar in Ashburn and Baked Bagels and Stone Tower Winery in Leesburg. The goal is to go to wineries, breweries, coffee shops, farmers’ markets and more, and she continues to look for more venues to add to her rounds. While the book truck may be Nicole Connelly’s dream, she’s not doing it alone. Husband Tim is a steadfast supporter. Nicole calls him “her muscle.” “If I’m not at work or getting my kids to one of their sporting events, I’m going to be here to support my wife,” said Tim Connelly, who admits romance books are not his usual reads. “I drive the truck, help lug inventory around and chat with the husbands that show up.” On a recent summer Saturday,

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Nicole Connelly with her husband, Tim, and their kids.

Meredyth Davis of Ashburn Village stopped at Blend for a jolt of java and a chance to check out Connelly’s truck. “Ashburn doesn’t really have any independent bookstores. We have Barnes & Noble and there’s really nothing else,” said Davis who follows The Blushing Page on Instagram. “Most people order their books from Amazon, and I just feel like independent bookstores support other people – like artists who do stickers and bookmarks. It’s more of a community so I love it.” And so far, the community has been supportive. “One of my favorite parts has been watching people’s reactions when they first spot the truck,” Connelly said. “They’ll do a double take … and then make a beeline over to see what’s inside. It’s so much fun seeing that excitement.” A To learn more about The Blushing Page, visit the-blushing-page.com.

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More Than the Game Meet Wakefield's New Assistant Athletic Director for Women’s Sports "I want every athlete to leave knowing their voice matters and that they have the confidence to succeed wherever life takes them."

t Wakefield School, athletics are about more than wins and losses. They are another place where students develop the character, curiosity, and clear voices the world will always need. That's a philosophy Coach Sarah Bockarie has embraced throughout her coaching career and will continue to champion in her role as Wakefield's Assistant Athletic Director for Women's Sports. "We are very excited to have her serve in this role," says Director of Athletics Tee Summers. "She will bring competitiveness, energy, and excitement both as an administrator, mentor, and coach." For Coach Bockarie, success has never been measured solely by wins and losses. "What excites me most is the chance to help lead an environment where female student-athletes feel confident and empowered to reach their full potential, both on and off the field," she says. "Sports have a unique way of building confidence, resilience, and leadership, and I'm excited to help every athlete believe in what they're capable of achieving." It's a philosophy her players already recognize. "Coach Bockarie has made Wakefield volleyball such a welcoming environment," says junior Margot S.-G. "From having so much faith in me my freshman year to helping me

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improve drastically my sophomore season, she's always pushing us to be better. I can't wait to see what next season has in store with her amazing leadership and kindness." Senior Finley S. agrees. "I enjoy having Coach Sarah as my coach because she is always able to make fun out of situations that may be tense. She is a great coach who is very aware of her players' needs." As participation in girls' athletics continues to grow nationwide, Coach Bockarie hopes to develop young women who see themselves as leaders in competition, the classroom, and their communities. "I hope every student-athlete leaves with

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026

BY ELISE SCALISE

confidence in who they are, the courage to lead, and the resilience to handle life's challenges," she says. "Winning is exciting, but the ability to communicate, work with others, persevere, and stand up for themselves and those around them will stay with them long after their playing days are over. I want every athlete to leave knowing their voice matters." That perspective was shaped by the coaches who invested in her long before she recognized her own potential. "They believed in me before I fully believed in myself," she says. "They showed me that coaching is about more than the game. It's about building relationships, helping people grow, and giving others the confidence to see their own potential." Now, she hopes to be that mentor for the next generation of Wakefield athletes. When asked what advice she'd give young girls just beginning their athletic journeys, Coach Bockarie's answer is simple. "Have fun, enjoy the journey, and don't be afraid to make mistakes. Never let anyone tell you that you don't belong," she says. "Sports will challenge you, but they'll also teach you confidence, perseverance, teamwork, and courage. Celebrate your progress, support your teammates, and remember that your value isn't defined by the scoreboard." As she steps into her new leadership role, Coach Bockarie hopes her athletes leave Wakefield with far more than memories of games and championships. "I want them to remember feeling supported, challenged, and truly valued," she says. "I hope they leave knowing they were part of something bigger than themselves, that they discovered strengths they didn't know they had, and that they have the confidence to lead, serve, and make a positive impact wherever life takes them." At Wakefield, Coach Bockarie isn't just preparing athletes for the next season. She's helping shape confident leaders who will make an impact long after the final whistle. LEARN MORE:

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REAL ESTATE ROUNDUP

ASHBURN'S TOP 10 20147

The five highest-priced homes that sold in each of Ashburn’s two ZIP codes between mid-June and mid-August. Data and photos from Realtor.com.

20148 19746 Willowdale Place

41239 Traminette Court

20014 Belmont Station Drive

20883 Axminster Place

$2,499,900 Sold: June 30 6 bedrooms 6½ bathrooms 9,107 square feet

$2,150,000 Sold: June 17 5 bedrooms 5½ bathrooms 6,628 square feet

$2,950,000 Sold: July 1 5 bedrooms 6½ bathrooms 7,961 square feet

NO PHOTO AVAILABLE

19770 Willowdale Place

23023 Lavender Valley Court

20364 Northpark Drive

41960 Barnsdale View Court

44645 Danvers Terrace

22461 Terra Rosa Place

$2,100,000 Sold: June 26 5 bedrooms 6½ bathrooms 8,064 square feet

$2,750,000 Sold: July 27 5 bedrooms 3½+ bathrooms 8,897 square feet

$1,735,000 Sold: June 25 5 bedrooms 4½ bathrooms 4,326 square feet

$1,700,000 Sold: Aug. 10 4 bedrooms 3½ bathrooms 4,230 square feet

THE BIG PICTURE:

MIXED SIGNALS:

New listings in July were up slightly in 20148 but down slightly in 20147, and pending sales were down in both ZIP codes, according to the latest data from the Dulles Area Association of Realtors. Countywide, listings were up 3.3%. Median sales prices were up slightly in both Ashburn ZIPs. Homes continue to sell quickly – in about three weeks on average.

The local real estate market slowed in July, with home sales down 7.8% in the two Ashburn ZIP codes combined, compared with July 2025. That was the second straight monthly decline after four months of increases. Countywide in July, home sales were down 2.1% compared with the prior year.

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$2,769,882 Sold: June 25 5 bedrooms 6½ bathrooms 7,693 square feet

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026

$2,085,000 Sold: June 18 6 bedrooms 6½ bathrooms 6,794 square feet

NO PHOTO AVAILABLE

$1,735,000 Sold: Aug. 14 6 bedrooms 5½ bathrooms 6,882 square feet

THE JULY DETAILS CLOSED SALES: Down 11.4% in 20147 ZIP code to 78 units Down 4.4% in 20148 ZIP code to 87 units Combined sales totaled 165, down 7.8% from the previous year.

PENDING SALES:

Down 6.9% in 20147 / Down 1.8% in 20148

MEDIAN SALES PRICE: Up 1.4% to $686,750 in 20147 Up 3% to $860,000 in 20148

AVERAGE DAYS ON MARKET (HOMES SOLD IN JULY): 22 in 20147 / 22 in 20148

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DISH

interview

No Regrets As h b u r n ’s C h r i st i a n P u c c i o o n h i s j o u r n ey t o o p e n i n g O a k & E m b e r BY C H R I S WA D SWO R T H

hances are many of you know Christian Puccio – he’s a bit of a celebrity around Ashburn, at least among the community’s foodies. For more than seven years, he was general manager of the much-loved Ahso Restaurant in Brambleton Town Center. He greeted guests, trained staff, “touched tables” and helped make for memorable dining each night. So, there was some shock and awe when Puccio, who lives in Brambleton with his wife, Alison, and their three children, announced in 2025 that he was leaving Ahso to open his own restaurant – the buzzy Oak & Ember Tasting Room & Market on Little River Turnpike in Aldie. It wasn’t Puccio’s first time at the helm of a restaurant. In 2003, when he was in his mid-20s, he opened Puccio’s New York Deli in Leesburg. He sold it six years later but is proud that it’s still going strong today under the new owner. After the deli, he took his career upscale by working for

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SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026

the Metropolitan Hospitality Group (MHG), operators of well-known Washington-area establishments like Circa, Open Road and Salt. Then came his years at Ahso. So, when Puccio opened Oak & Ember in January, it was just the latest step on a career path he’s been crafting his whole adult life. Roughly eight months into the tasting room’s run, Ashburn Magazine checked in with Puccio on the trials and tribulations of taking this big career leap.

What does the name Oak & Ember mean? “We are wine and bourbon forward here. Oak is where wine and bourbon develop their character. Ember represents the fire, the warmth and the food that bring people together.” After all those years at Ahso, why did you want to launch your own venture?

Tell us about Oak & Ember. “We consider ourselves ‘Modern American Appalachian’ Cuisine. The menu is intentionally focused and tight, allowing us to source exceptional local ingredients. We’d rather do a smaller number of things exceptionally well. That approach allows us to maintain quality, minimize waste and be more efficient. We do sandwiches, salads and flatbreads for lunch, and fresh pastas, dry-aged steaks and seafood for dinner.”

Your restaurant is “out in the country” – roughly a 20- to 30-minute drive from Ashburn, but that puts you right in the heart of Loudoun’s farmland. “I knew I wanted to work with as many local farms and purveyors as we could. I’m always shocked at how many restaurants around here do not take advantage of all there is to offer in this area. My Chef de Cuisine – Tarek Kipry – has built some very strong relationships with many of the farms in the area. When you come in, we have a chalkboard that lists every [farm] we use.”

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“Once you own your own business, it’s quite humbling to go work for someone else. I knew I wanted to have my own place again, but I also knew I had a lot to learn. Working for MHG and Ahso helped me grow both personally and professionally. Matt Carlin, who is the president of MHG, was my neighbor and great friend. We would have weekly ‘debrief’ sessions over some beers and

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026

Golden Tee. Jason and Tiffany Maddens at Ahso hired me and gave me a great opportunity to help grow and build their brand. I’m very grateful for those opportunities as they paved the way for Oak & Ember.” What has been the biggest surprise about owning your own restaurant again? “The biggest surprise is how personal it becomes. You think you’re opening a restaurant to serve great food and wine, but you end up becoming a part of people’s lives. Some of my guests I’ve known for the better part of eight or nine years – dating back to early Ahso days. I’ve literally seen first dates turn into anniversaries, children graduating college, parents becoming grandparents, staff growing up and getting married. It’s pretty wild.” What has been the hardest lesson learned?

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“Clearly the hardest part is the strain it can put on my family. We all knew I’d be working a lot. I know running a successful business means long hours, sacrifices and constant pressure. Knowing that still doesn’t make the hardest part any easier – and for me that’s missing time with the family and the dogs.”

What is one thing you would do differently if you could go back in time? “I try to live by the motto of ‘No Regrets.’ I've made plenty of mistakes along the way, but I believe every one of them taught me something and helped lead me to where I am today. Even the wrong turns have been part of this journey.”

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What’s been the best part about owning a restaurant? “Definitely the friendships. I love what this place is all about. It's a vibe! I’ve seen so many new friendships made here and have also been a part of many of them. I’m super proud of what this place has become in such a short time.” What advice would you have for anyone reading this who is interested in opening a restaurant?

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“I think some people think I spend my days tasting wine or trying new dishes. In reality, I’m spending more time thinking about broken equipment, plumbing, AC/heating, staff schedules, payroll, etc. Nothing humbles you faster than owning a restaurant.”

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But you must be able to stop and savor what you’ve accomplished? “I’m a numbers guy. I tend to measure success by the numbers. I’m constantly crunching them and using them as a barometer for how we’re doing. I often get lost in that – and it takes a guest or two each evening, [who] come find me just to tell me how special this place feels. One of my guests told me, ‘Success isn’t always something you can measure on a spreadsheet.’ Maybe that should be my next tattoo.” A

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20350 Minot Drive, Ashburn eddiemerlots.com Who doesn’t love a good helping of mashed potatoes? Potatoes – good. Cream – good. Butter – gooood! And the creamy roasted garlic mashed potatoes served at Eddie Merlot’s steakhouse at One Loudoun are great as is, but even better when topped with lobster.

The Humble Spud September is National Potato Month and what better time to celebrate the glory that is the Idaho spud. Ashburn restaurants serve up potatoes in a variety of different styles. Here are some of our favorites.

Curry Pizza House 22114 Gramercy Park Drive, Suite F110, Ashburn currypizzahouse.com Potatoes on pizza is perfect for anyone jonesing for a carb overload. For something different, try the vegetarian Aloo Gobhi pizza at Curry Pizza House. It features a curry sauce, marinated potatoes and cauliflower, red onions, cheese and fresh cilantro.

Santini’s New York Style Deli 44640 Waxpool Road, No. 125, Ashburn mysantinis.com An old-fashioned potato salad to take you back to summer days and childhood picnics. Soft wedges of skin-on potatoes mixed with hardboiled eggs and just a bit of creamy mustard and mayo to make it smooth, but not too tangy.

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SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026

The Lost Fox Hideaway 20374 Exchange Street, Ashburn lostfoxhideaway.com Who doesn’t love a good hash brimming with potatoes – and One Loudoun’s Lost Fox Hideaway has a good one tucked away on its brunch menu. Check out the Country Ham Hash & Eggs, which features Edwards Virginia Smokehouse ham and potato hash served with sunny side up eggs and a dollop of spicy ketchup.

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IHOP 44030 Pipeline Plaza, Ashburn ihop.com This may be a controversial choice, but somewhere deep inside most of you will admit – if IHOP’s hash browns are done just right – if the julienned potatoes are crispy and brown on the outside and tender and flaky inside – you’re not going to leave a drop on the plate.

Parallel Wine & Whiskey Bar 43135 Broadlands Center Plaza, No. 121, Ashburn parallelwinebistro.com No list of Ashburn area potato dishes would be complete without a mention of the Parmesan Duck Fat Fries at Parallel in the Broadlands Village Center. The thick potato wedges receive a dusting of chives and parm and then are served with a parmesan ranch for dipping. A

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SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026

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SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026

Dish N E WS FROM TH E B URN

The latest news from the local restaurant and food scene – powered by The Burn. Fo r m o r e d e t a i l s , c h e c k o u t a t T h e B u r n . c o m a n d f o l l o w T h e B u r n o n Fa c e b o o k a n d I n s t a g r a m .

opened

Ashburn’s new Tous Les Jours bakery and restaurant officially opened in August. It’s in the Ashbrook Marketplace shopping center, in the former Café Rio restaurant space. TLJ, as it’s called, is a French-Asian bakery with more than 1,000 locations overseas. It’s expanding rapidly in the United States and features pastries, cakes, sandwiches, coffee drinks and more in a model akin to a Panera or a Paris Baguette.

Loudoun County’s latest Sheetz gas station and convenience store opened in July off Belmont Ridge Road at Portsmouth Boulevard. We mention this in the Dish section because as most customers know, Sheetz stores have a full fast-food restaurant inside with burgers, hot dogs, fries, pizzas and more on the menu.

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coming

A new upscale sports bar and restaurant is in the works for the Loudoun Station center off Shellhorn Road. It’s called Backspin and it will feature a full bar and restaurant as well as golf simulators, a putting green and billiards tables. There will also be plenty of TV screens for watching the latest games. Backspin is taking the space that was formerly home to The Zone, a kids amusement center.

Also coming to Loudoun Station is a new bagel shop, Bobby’s Bagel Cafe, expected to open later this year. Bobby’s has three locations so far, including one that opened in August in Sterling. It features a variety of traditional, specialty and gluten-free bagels as well as bagel breakfast and lunch sandwiches.

A new pizza place is in the works for Ashburn. It’s called Pie-Tanza and will be the second outlet for the burgeoning brand after an original store in Arlington. Pie-Tanza is moving into the former Farm & Fork Kitchen spot in the Goose Creek Village retail center off Belmont Ridge Road at Sycolin Road. The menu focuses on wood-fired pizzas but also offers pastas, sandwiches, salads and more.

Seven years after the fondly remembered Zinga frozen yogurt shop closed in the Ashburn Farm Market Center shopping plaza, a new froyo purveyor is moving in. The Burn has learned that a Sweet Frog shop is in the works near the Honey Pig Korean BBQ restaurant. The national brand features selfserve frozen yogurt stations as well as a bevy of toppings.

Also at press time, we were waiting for the announcement of an opening date for One Loudoun’s new Bartaco restaurant. In July, the signage went up on the front of the building – in the new section of the center still under construction. Hiring has been underway for several months and opening day should be anytime now.

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026

When you need pizza in a pinch, Domino’s is always handy, and a new location for the ubiquitous chain is tentatively scheduled to go into the Brambleton Corner Plaza shopping center. That’s near Evergreen Mill Road and Northstar Boulevard. It will join a Tropical Smoothie Café, a Bkd Bagels shop and the Amrut Indian restaurant in the plaza.

Embrace Wellness this Spring with Stream Valley Vet! We managed to dig up a few more details on a new restaurant coming to Ashburn’s Belmont Chase shopping center. Initially, all we knew was that a restaurant called Adda was moving in. We guessed it would serve Indian food because “adda” is a word that means “a place to hang out” in Hindi. Now, temporary signage on the window confirms the restaurant’s specialty will indeed be “classic Indian cuisine.” It’s taking over the space that was previously the Baker’s Crust restaurant. The sign was recently installed at a new ice cream and sweets shop coming to Ashburn. We’re talking about YouMin Delights, expected to open soon in the Cameron Chase Village Center off Farmwell Road. That’s near the Ashburn Ice House. At press time, details of the precise menu at YouMin hadn’t been released, but a peek inside showed a service counter designed to look as though it was covered in dripping ice cream.

closed It was shocking news for many Ashburn residents when the much-loved All-American Steakhouse shut down at the Broadlands Village Center. The move came amidst a dispute between the landlord and the restaurant’s operators. The same thing happened earlier in the year, but the steakhouse quickly reopened. This time it appears the closure is for good, and at press time the landlord was seeking a new tenant for the 7,600 square-foot space. The Farm & Fork Kitchen restaurant at the Goose Creek Village shopping center closed this summer after nearly four years in business. Owner Jorge Chicas told The Burn that 2025 had been a rough year for the Spanish cuisine restaurant and it struggled to find enough qualified staff to operate. As reported elsewhere in the Dish section, a new pizza restaurant called Pie-Tanza is already slated to take over the vacant Farm & Fork space.

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“This photograph was taken in Middleburg, Virginia. It was a beautiful, clear day with an endless blue sky – one of those peaceful moments that naturally invites you to slow down and notice the little things around you. As I walked around after lunch, I noticed five birds quietly perched on a single utility wire. Their spacing immediately caught my attention – it almost looked as if they had intentionally lined themselves up, each patiently waiting for something. Just as I framed the shot, a jet passed high in the distance, leaving a faint contrail across the sky. I imagine the birds had been sitting there all morning waiting for ‘the big silver bird’ that visits every afternoon.” “Here it comes!” “Do you think they’ll wave this time?” “Nah... they're always in a hurry.” “One day they'll figure out how to land on a wire.” “Until then... poor creatures.”

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