Founding Farmers, the DMV-wide mini- chain of American restaurants since 2008, gets into the barbecue game for the first time. Its newest Alexandria, Virginia location will roll out a Central Texas-styled menu full of ribs, brisket, wings, house-made sauces, and sides, served in two- or four-person portions, in early 2026. The newly announced venture — dubbed Founding Farmers BBQ — makes its debut as part of its Thanksgiving and Christmas takeout menus. Co-owner Michael Vucurevich and chef Joe Goetze, who has lived in Texas for decades, spent the past year studying equipment, experimenting with different woods, and sourcing the right meats to bring the longtime passion project to fruition. Some of the partners’ slow-smoked muses in the Lone Star State include Salt Lick, Terry Black’s, Kruez Market, and Franklin Barbecue. Founding Farmers, which is already in the distillery and coffee arenas, could grow its fledgling barbecue business elsewhere. This months-old Alexandria location (461 Swann Avenue) — a testing ground of sorts for Founding Farmers BBQ — is joined by six others around the area and one in Pennsylvania.
Celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson just completed his trifecta takeover of the Noma hotel, which includes rooftop bar Sly and marquee restaurant Marcus DC. The newest, Goodie Lounge, located on the eleventh floor of the Morrow, is open for private parties, but not to the public — just yet. The intimate bar with plush seating plans to focus on experiential cocktails, small bites, and pop-up events (222 M Street NE).
A lot is hanging on today’s elections, and Spanish tapas bar El Mercat invites voters to show their “I Voted” sticker at either location (Rockville and Pentagon City) to receive an order of free churros after lunch or dinner, for dine-in only. And Shaw’s Tavern will host an Election Day watch party with tacos and margarita specials all night…