One of Virginia’s most celebrated and well-established chains is bringing the flavors of New Mexico to Arlington later this year. Anita’s is opening a slightly modified version of its beloved formula in the area this summer, reports local media outlet ARLNow.
The restaurant will be serving up its signature cuisine at 3444 Fairfax Avenue, in the old home of Extreme Pizza. Anita’s vice president, Tommy Tellez, spoke with What Now DC about bringing the concept to Arlington. “The opportunity came to us.” he says, explaining that Anita’s has built up a considerable fanbase in the region, even without a brick and mortar in the area. “We had been looking in the Arlington/DC area for a while. We’ve done a lot of catering-75 percent is going to the DC/Arlington area, Arlington more so. We have a heavy following out there.”
The Arlington location will deviate a bit from many of Anita’s other locations, choosing instead to emulate a fast-casual model it established in Manassas. Tellez states: “Post-pandemic we opened this new fast-casual concept in Manassas and it did very well. The opportunity kind of fell right after.”
Tellez explains that these new restaurants have experienced some resistance, but that customers will find that none of Anita’s charm or quality is sacrificed. He says “This was a huge shift. We had some push back-you come in, you order at the counter-the menu is mostly the same as our full-service restaurants. We’ll walk you to a table with complimentary chips and salsa. We give you a number. The decor is similar to our full service restaurant. We’ll bring your food out to you. You’ll still be able to grab the same menu at the fast casual. We’re a little more up-and-go.”
Anita’s is currently completing the permitting necessary to open. Tellez states that the restaurant will need a bit of cosmetic work before it begins greeting customers. Anita’s is hoping to open its Arlington location by the end of the summer.
Arlington foodies can look forward to delectable and distinctive New Mexico style cuisine. Anita’s will also cater to hungry commuters looking for a filling breakfast on their way to the office; the concept is known for its breakfast burritos. “We open from 5 am to 11 pm at this location.” Tellez state. “Breakfast is actually what we’re known for. We bring our chili from Hatch, New Mexico on a monthly basis. This red and green chili, we splash it on everything.”
Anita’s has had an immeasurable impact on the DMV dining scene, and Tellez and his family intend to honor that with cautious but steady growth. He states: “My grandmother was Anita and she opened up back in ’74 with my father. There was very little Mexican cuisine in the suburbs of DC. We want to grow cautiously. We’re not franchising-it’s just us. We want to make these two perfect. Our main focus is perfecting these and then see where it goes in a couple of years.”
