The wait is over—Call Your Mother Deli, the cult-favorite “Jew-ish” bagel shop born in Washington, D.C., is heading west and opening its first location in Prince William County. The beloved brand, known for its colorful vibe and wood-fired bagels, has filed permits to move into Virginia Gateway in Gainesville, taking over the old Cold Stone Creamery space at 7372 Atlas Walk Way.
This expansion is more than just another restaurant opening. It represents a major step for Gainesville’s dining scene, a boost for Atlas Walk, and another sign that Prince William County is quickly becoming a destination for big-name D.C. brands.
Permit Status and Filing Details
According to public filings in Prince William County, Call Your Mother has already submitted multiple permits for its Virginia Gateway storefront:
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Building Permit (Tenant Layout)
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Permit Number: BLD2026-00734
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Application Date: August 8, 2025
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Type: Commercial Tenant Layout (TLO)
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Status: Pending
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Square Footage: 1,353
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Address Validation Permit
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Permit Number: ADR2026-00326
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Application Date: August 20, 2025
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Type: Address Validation – New Tenant
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Status: Approved
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These filings confirm Call Your Mother as the incoming tenant for the Cold Stone Creamery space, which Yelp and TripAdvisor listings suggest has already closed. With one permit approved and another pending, the new deli is moving closer to construction.
Federal Realty’s $215 Million Bet on Gainesville
The new deli isn’t just a win for foodies—it’s part of a bigger story about Gainesville real estate. Federal Realty Investment Trust, a major national retail landlord, acquired Virginia Gateway in June 2024 for $215 million.
Here’s what that means for the area:
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665,000 square feet of retail space across 110 acres
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Five retail components, including the Atlas Walk town center where Call Your Mother will open
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95% occupancy rate at acquisition, showing strong tenant demand
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Demographics: Average household income within 3 miles is over $184,000
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Traffic drivers: Anchors include Target, Lowe’s, Giant, and dozens of national retailers
For Federal Realty, adding Call Your Mother strengthens Atlas Walk’s restaurant lineup, keeping the property competitive in an affluent and fast-growing suburban market.
Store Concept and Design
The Gainesville location will be 1,353 square feet and set up as a grab-and-go deli, without dedicated seating. This format is consistent with many of Call Your Mother’s smaller shops across the D.C. metro.
Expect the familiar:
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Bright pink and teal décor
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Wood-fired bagels that blend New York and Montreal styles
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Breakfast and lunch sandwiches like the Sun City and Royal Palm
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Pastries, coffee, and quick counter service
The design team includes HapstakDemetriou (architecture) and Hospitality Construction Services Inc. (general contractor).
Why Gainesville, Why Now?
This opening matters because it’s Call Your Mother’s first deli in Prince William County and furthest push west so far. The chain already has locations in Arlington, Reston, McLean, and Alexandria, plus Annapolis and Denver. For now, Loudoun County remains the one major suburban market they haven’t entered.
For Atlas Walk, the deli is a major refresh. The retail mix has been steady but in need of new energy. Adding one of the region’s most recognizable food brands not only draws locals but also creates a destination stop for commuters off I-66 and Route 29.
As someone who grew up in western Prince William County, I see this as a milestone. It shows Gainesville isn’t just catching up to places like Reston or Arlington—it’s becoming a place where high-profile restaurants want to plant roots.
Timeline and Next Steps
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Current Status: One permit approved, one pending
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Next Phase: Construction expected to begin after final permit approval
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Projected Opening: Late 2025 or early 2026, based on similar timelines for other CYM shops
No official opening date has been announced, but given the speed of past projects, locals could be grabbing bagels sooner than they think.
Local Market Impact
The addition of Call Your Mother will enhance dining options in Atlas Walk’s town center, home to restaurants like IHOP and chains like Paisano’s Pizza and Qdoba.
More importantly, it signals that Gainesville—and Prince William County more broadly—is maturing into a destination market for retailers and restaurateurs. With rising incomes, new housing developments, and proximity to D.C. job hubs, this corridor is primed for continued growth.
Gainesville Homes for Sale
Thinking about moving closer to the action? Explore the latest homes on the market in Gainesville:
Gainesville
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- Under $100,000
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Location: Virginia Gateway, 7372 Atlas Walk Way, Gainesville, VA
Opening Date: TBD (permits in progress)
Brand Vibe: Colorful, playful, grab-and-go
Source: Washington Business Journal
Posted by Chris Colgan on
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