You’ve likely heard of a bar crawl. But what about a “brunch crawl?”

Six independent restaurants are teaming up to host the first-ever Falls Church Brunch Crawl in the City of Falls Church on Sunday, March 29 from 10:00a.m.-3:00p.m. The participating restaurants include Cafe Kindred, Harvey’s, Ireland’s 4 Provinces, Borek-G Cafe and Market, Preservation Biscuit Company, and The Falls.

The one-day event is the brainchild of Cafe Kindred Co-Owner Jennifer Demetrio.

“It grew as something I wanted to do a few years ago, but kind of fizzled out,” Demetrio said. “This year, talking with some other small business owners, small restaurant owners in the area, we’ve been talking about how Falls Church has really boomed as far as restaurants in the area and it’s really growing. We just wanted to have something to get people together and remind them of the local places that are in the area.”

Each restaurant will include a unique brunch offering — a “mini meal” and a drink — at an approachable $10 per location. Participants can also grab a “passport” from any restaurant and get stamped after each visit to enter to win prizes if they visit all six locations.

“Everyone will get a specialty brunch item that isn’t offered typically, or if it is offered, it’s kind of like one of their favorite things but in a smaller portion,” Demetrio said.

Tricia Barba was among the business owners who Demetrio spoke with as she pitched the Brunch Crawl. Barba, who owns Preservation Biscuit Company, has experienced firsthand the restaurant boom in City of Falls Church. Preservation marks its fifth anniversary this month.

“The Falls Church restaurant community is very special. People are always helping each other out,” Barba said. “Lots of restaurants and lots of support, people go crazy about supporting local.”

At just two square miles, Falls Church is known as “The Little City.” But the city is developing a big reputation among foodies around town and across the region. The new mixed-use Founders Row is home to several new fast-casual restaurants and a cheese shop; the McLean-based Sweet Leaf Cafe is opening its first new location in five years in Falls Church later this year; and, the fast-growing Wonder Food Hall chain is set to open a location in the city this April.

The rapid growth in the restaurant scene, both with regional and national chains, makes highlighting local, independent restaurants is a key part of the Brunch Crawl.

“It’s always good to work with all the other restaurants in Falls Church and come together to show the cool community we have. It will be neat to showcase the town and everybody’s brunch offerings and give people something fun to do over a weekend day,” said Thomas Harvey, Chef Owner of “Harvey’s.”

While these restaurant owners are technically competitors, they don’t see it that way.

In fact, it’s quite the opposite.

“You see a bunch of different places, a bunch of different styles. It makes everyone raise their game,” Harvey said. “There’s a lot more competition, so it drives us all to be better and find creative things like this to make your place stand out.”

“We don’t really look at ourselves as competitors, but just trying to amplify each other,” added Barba.

The collective effort by these restaurateurs is also cooking up a little something for the community (besides the food). 10 percent of sales from the Brunch Crawl will benefit Homestretch of Falls Church.

“There’s something special about people participating in an event that’s so hyperlocal that is led by local small businesses that then goes back and helps our neighbors that are underserved,” Demetrio said.

Harvey's:
Stack of Silver Dollar Pancakes with a regular, or NA Mimosa

Ireland's 4 Provinces:
Irish Eggs Benedict with an OJ Mimosa

Borek-G:
Choice of Mini Turkish Breakfast plate with bagel & tea
Borek Pastry with Mini Breakfast & Tea
Turkish Flatbread& Tea

Preservation Biscuit Company:
Flight of Sweet Biscuits- Strawberry Shortie, Apple of our Eyes, and You're a Peach

The Falls:
Chicken & Waffle with Grapefruit Mimosa

Cafe Kindred:
Taste of Yogurt & Homemade Granola, Mini Brunch Poutine, with choice of Iced Latte, Pomegranate Mimosa, or Lemon Spritz (NA)

Find more event details here.

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