Talkin’ Tacos. Courtesy: Federal Realty
Federal Realty Investment Trust announced Monday that nine new merchants are coming to Virginia Gateway, the shopping center off Route 29 at Linton Hall Road in Gainesville. Three are expected to open before the end of 2026, with the rest following in early and spring 2027, though exact opening dates have not been announced.
The news adds to a busy year. Eight businesses have already opened at the center since March, so once the new ones arrive, 2026 will have brought 17 new merchants to Virginia Gateway.
“The caliber and diversity of businesses choosing Virginia Gateway speaks to the strength of the center and its continued appeal to leading retail and restaurant operators,” said Mike Ennes, Senior Vice President of Asset Management at Federal Realty. He cited the arrival of local restaurateur Chef Mike Cordero, alongside national and international brands such as Sephora, MINISO and Paris Baguette, as proof of the center’s ability to draw operators across many categories.
What’s coming
Food and drink
Frye’s Famous Crab Cakes (before the end of 2026). The restaurant serves Maryland-style crab cakes that highlight lump crab meat and traditional Chesapeake Bay flavors, with other freshly prepared seafood and classic sides.
Talkin’ Tacos (before the end of 2026). This Mexican street food spot is known for birria tacos served with consommé for dipping, along with quesadillas, burritos, rice bowls and Mexican street corn.
The Baked Bear (early 2027). The shop makes custom ice cream sandwiches to order, pairing freshly baked cookies or brownies with premium ice cream. Guests mix and match cookie flavors, ice cream varieties and toppings. Sundaes and ice cream bowls are on the menu too.
The Baked Bear. Courtesy: Federal Realty
Dumont Creamery & Cafe (early 2027). Dumont offers more than 40 flavors of handcrafted ice cream and sorbet, from traditional favorites to globally inspired creations, plus specialty coffees, espresso drinks, bubble teas, milkshakes and freshly baked treats.
Paris Baguette (spring 2027). The international bakery café, which originated in South Korea according to the center’s website, serves breads, pastries, cakes and desserts inspired by French and Asian baking traditions, along with savory pastries, sandwiches and specialty coffee.
Wellness and fitness
LaserAway (before the end of 2026). The national medical aesthetics provider is known for laser hair removal, tattoo removal and advanced skin treatments. It also offers Botox, dermal fillers and body contouring, performed by licensed medical professionals.
Ignite + Immerse (spring 2027). The studio offers private contrast therapy sessions meant to support physical recovery, mental resilience and everyday wellness. Each suite combines a full-spectrum infrared sauna, red light therapy, cold plunge immersion and a vitamin C shower.
Orangetheory Fitness (spring 2027). The fitness brand is returning to Virginia Gateway under new ownership. Its coach-led classes run 60 minutes and combine treadmill intervals, rowing and strength exercises, with heart rate monitoring that tracks progress in real time.
Shopping
MINISO (spring 2027). The global lifestyle retailer sells affordable beauty products, home accessories, electronics, toys, stationery and gifts, and is known for playful designs and collaborations with popular entertainment franchises.
Already open
The eight businesses that have opened since March are Warby Parker (March), Sephora (April), Auntie Anne’s / Cinnabon and Call Your Mother (May), McAlister’s Deli (June), honeygrow (July), South Block (August) and Carbonara (September 9). According to the center’s website, Warby Parker’s location is 1,259 square feet at The Promenade, and Sephora’s store is 5,379 square feet.
Carbonara is the Italian restaurant from Washington, D.C.-area chef and restaurateur Mike Cordero, who has more than 40 years of culinary experience and restaurants throughout the region. Styled after a classic Italian supper club, it brings New York-style Italian dining to Gainesville, with handmade pastas, generations-old family recipes, theatrical tableside preparations and live weekend entertainment.
Virginia Gateway this fall
His Creations Pumpkin Patch is open near Giant through November 1, having started September 17. It offers fall flowers, pumpkins, pie pumpkins, gourds, corn stalks, hay bales and accessories.
His Creations Pumpkin Patch. Courtesy: Federal Realty
The center’s Saturday farm market runs 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. from May 2 through November 21. According to the center’s website, it features local pork, chicken, fish, cheeses, produce, dairy, baked goods, prepared foods, eggs and flowers, along with table seating, live music each week, kids club activities and chef demos.
The Virginia Gateway Holiday Market takes place Saturday, November 21, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Promenade becomes an open-air marketplace featuring local makers, artisans and small businesses offering unique gifts. The center’s website invites visitors to RSVP for event updates.
Virginia Gateway is owned by Federal Realty, which acquired the center in 2024.
The Woodbridge Gazette will share opening dates as they are announced.
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