Chantilly foodies, prepare for the next great sweet experience. Rice Culture, one of Vienna’s favorite dessert shops, is bringing its unique and innovative treats to the Loudoun neighborhood, reports local media outlet The Burn.
The concept will be occupying a 1,600 square foot space in the Chantilly Crossing shopping center. Owner MikkiJo Bayawa tells What Now DC that the new location will be a homecoming of sorts for Rice Culture. “We actually started out as a commissary out of Chantilly. Before the brick and mortar, we were primarily pop ups. One that we loved was at One Loudoun. We built a really big community there and we wanted to be somewhat closer to our roots.”
Rice Culture, which notably features adorable, fish-shaped waffles called Taiyaki stuffed with delicious fillings, will offer the area something unique, that many diners may have never experienced. Bayawa states: “Being in the commissary located in the Chantilly area, we saw lots of development in the Loudoun area, and a dessert shop like this is something missing. You have to venture more towards DC to find something like this. We felt there was a need for it here.”
Bayawa explains that expansion wa always part of the Rice Culture plan, but the success of the Vienna store gave her the confidence to move into Chantilly. “We’ve been so blessed with our first store in Vienna-it’s doing very well and we built up a management team there that handles the day to day operation, and I’m not needed there as much.” she says. “I saw an opportunity to open in the Chantilly shopping center-we saw a space that would work for us in a location we loved and we knew we could pull the trigger to open the next store.”
Rice Culture gives customers the opportunity to enjoy new treats, while broadening their horizons to cultures and heritages they may not yet be familiar with. Bayawa explains: “Rice Culture is a truly unique dessert experience where you get to taste some of the flavors I grew up with-Philipino and Japanese flavors. Flavors that may look a little bit different-we think it’s something everyone can enjoy.”
The building, which previously housed a Tutti Frutti Frozen Yogurt shop, requires a bit of renovation before it can open to customers. Bayawa states: “We’re still in design. It’s going to be a more significant project, but it will be pretty quick. We’re hoping to open next spring.”
Rice Culture’s sweet approach to tasty treats is certain to make it a Chantilly favorite. Bayawa says: “We like to create human connection through something sweet, something you haven’t tried before. Something fun and unique you can experience with friends and family while learning about a new culture.”
