VIRGINA - While January is often a month of "coming soon" signs, February 2026 is when the ribbons actually get cut. This month, Virginia welcomes a major West Coast grocery player entering the state for the very first time, along with exciting new dining concepts in Northern Virginia and continued expansion in the Richmond metro area.
Here are the four major openings to watch in Virginia this month.
1. Grocery Outlet Bargain Market
A West Coast favorite makes its Virginia debut.
The most significant retail arrival of the month is happening in Falls Church. Grocery Outlet, the "extreme value" retailer known for its cult following on the West Coast, is officially opening its first-ever Virginia location on February 12, 2026.
- The Location: The store is opening at the Crossroads Center in Falls Church, taking over a space that will serve as its beachhead for Mid-Atlantic expansion.
- The Vibe: Think of it as T.J. Maxx for groceries. They offer name-brand products at 40-70% off by sourcing overstock and packaging changes. This opening introduces Northern Virginia shoppers to the "treasure hunt" style of grocery shopping.
2. Bombay Canteen
Alexandria gets a Mumbai-inspired culinary hub.
Foodies in Eisenhower East have a new destination to mark on their calendars. Bombay Canteen has confirmed its official grand opening for February 1, 2026, bringing a modern, high-energy Indian concept to the neighborhood.
- The Experience: Moving beyond standard curry-house fare, this spot focuses on the vibrant, eclectic street-food culture of Mumbai (Bombay).
- The Details: Located on Eisenhower Avenue, the restaurant is positioned to be a major lunch and dinner draw for the growing residential and office corridor, offering everything from spicy street snacks to complex regional curries.
3. Wawa
The "Iron Bridge" expansion hits Richmond.
The Wawa vs. Sheetz battle continues to heat up in Central Virginia. Wawa is executing its 2026 growth strategy with a confirmed opening in the Richmond/Chesterfield area this month.
- The Details: The new superstore at 7351 Iron Bridge Road is scheduled to open its doors on February 5, 2026.
- The Impact: This location fills a key gap in the Chesterfield corridor, offering commuters and locals the full "Flyer" experience—including the latest digital ordering kiosks and the chain's expanding dinner menu—just in time for the late-winter travel season.
4. Finn & Fire
Old Town awaits a "Late Winter" arrival.
While exact dates can be fluid in the restaurant world, Finn & Fire is targeting a "late winter" debut, with anticipation building for a February soft opening in Old Town Alexandria.
- The Concept: This new venue is set to bring a polished, fire-focused cooking style to the historic district, joining a wave of new openings revitalizing the local dining scene.
- The Vibe: Expect a menu that leans heavily on wood-fired preparations and seafood, catering to both the tourist crowd and local Old Town residents seeking a sophisticated new date-night spot.
February 2026 is a landmark month for Virginia's commercial landscape, highlighted by the State first Grocery Outlet in Falls Church, which brings a new "discount treasure hunt" model to local grocery shoppers. The dining scene in Northern Virginia is simultaneously expanding with the arrival of Bombay Canteen in Alexandria and the anticipated debut of Finn & Fire in Old Town. Meanwhile, in Central Virginia, Wawa continues its aggressive saturation of the Richmond market, ensuring that the competition for commuter loyalty remains as fierce as ever.
