Life Alive Cafe Brings Plant-Based Dining to Old Town Alexandria This Summer

Life Alive Cafe, a veggie-focused restaurant chain, is set to open in Old Town Alexandria this summer. The new location will take over a former real estate office at 400 King Street. Known for its plant-based dishes and scratch-made meals, the cafe has been expanding since its founding in Massachusetts two decades ago.

The business first launched in 2004 in Massachusetts and has since grown to 13 locations across the state, plus two in the D.C. area. In 2015, it was acquired by Act 3 Holdings, an investment firm led by Panera Bread founder Ron Shaich and hospitality entrepreneur Keith Pascal.

The Alexandria branch will seat 70 guests indoors and another 30 on an outdoor patio. The design aims to blend modern touches with the neighbourhood's existing charm. On the menu, customers can expect grain bowls, salads, sandwiches, noodles, smoothies, cold-pressed juices, and coffee—all centred around plant-based ingredients.

The new cafe will bring Life Alive's veggie-forward offerings to Old Town Alexandria. With a mix of indoor and outdoor seating, the location is planned to open in the coming months. The brand continues to focus on fresh, plant-based meals made from scratch.