This week marked two major developments on the Falls Church development front. First, Thomas Harvey announced on social media that he’s sold his pioneering restaurant, Harvey’s, on W.  Broad after only four years in business. Second, three new eateries are opening. Wonder Food Hall is now at 100 W. Broad Street in the former Brown’s Hardware location, bringing multiple restaurant concepts together for dine-in, takeout and delivery. Lil’ Cakes and Creamery joined Modera Founders Row at 120 Founders Avenue with gourmet cupcakes, ice cream, milkshakes, cookies, cake jars and more, and Best Buns Bakery and Burgers is opening this week at Commons Park in West Falls, combining a from-scratch bakery with breakfast, sandwiches, salads and burgers.

Thomas Harvey’s move to sell his restaurant is huge news, because few in the restaurant community in F.C. have done more to stoke a community spirit in the Little City to promote local businesses than he has. He told the News-Press that all the factors that have impinged on his small business contributed to the difficult decision he had to make. 

Here’s what he wrote this week on social media:

“Well the cats out of the bag I guess. I had to make a difficult decision recently and have sold Harveys to an amazing group of people. Andy, Parul and Sam share the same goals that I have had for Harvey’s. I believe I have left my dream in some good hands. Since starting the build out in April of 2021 I have been lucky enough to watch something I always dreamed of doing become reality.

“When Harvey’s opened its doors March 2022 I remember sitting up all night not being able to sleep because I was worried people would not like what we had built. Man was I wrong. Thank you to everyone who has come in and supported us at Harvey’s. Right off the bat I met so many of you amazing people. Other restaurant owners came in and introduced themselves and offered help and guidance. In the beginning it never felt like competition between us but a bond of brother/sisterhood. Even when the chains started showing up we pulled together.

“Harvey’s will stay Harvey’s and my amazing staff will be staying on. To all staff past and present I cannot thank you enough for all you have done. I might have dreamed up Harvey’s but you all made it what it is. I cannot be more proud of all of you. I cannot thank you enough. I will miss working beside all of you but I know you will continue to make Harvey’s home to good food and friends.

“To all of you who have come to dine at Harvey’s thank you for your support. I have gotten to know a lot of you and even become close friends with a lot of you. Thank you for making my vision become truth. Thank you for coming in and supporting.

“To my wife Inna, Family and Business Partners. You all have stood beside me in the good and bad times. The last few months have been some of the hardest of my life and you all lifted me up at every point.

“Please continue to support all small businesses. Falls Church gave my dream a home and it continues to live on. I will not be a stranger to Falls Church, the little city means to much to me.

“For now it’s on to the next adventure. Not sure what that is yet. I’m excited to see what the next path is. Come by and see me before I go. I’ll be there through the end of September. Thank you for everything.”