Photo courtesy of FWR
Bradlee Shopping Center
For those lamenting the loss of Unwined at Bradlee Shopping Center, get ready to welcome a new wine and sandwich shop at the same location.
Chord Bread & Bottle is expected to open this spring at 3690-J King St., offering up wine, a salad and sandwich menu (a variety of 12 cold sandwiches and six hot sandwiches are on the menu), and will also offer catering and a wine club. Hours will be Sunday - Wednesday: 9 a.m. - 8 p.m. and Thursday - Saturday: 9 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Chord describes itself as a place that "elevates every day provisions. Thoughtfully made sandwiches, good bread, simple ingredients, and wines perfect for any day of the week. Warm, laid-back, and welcoming—simple things done right."
The owners plan to bring some harmony to their new business, noting: "On King Street in Alexandria, CHORD Bread & Bottle brings hints of rock n roll and toppings of rhythm and blues to the everyday. We make sandwiches with care — good bread, simple ingredients, nothing overdone — and sell wines meant to be enjoyed just as easily on a Tuesday afternoon as they are on a special night out. Our approach is simple: start with quality ingredients, respect the process, and let balance lead the way. Every sandwich is made with intention, and every bottle is chosen for its character and drinkability — wines that pair naturally with food or stand easily on their own. At CHORD Bread & Bottle, it’s never about excess — just simple things done right, everyday provisions elevated with ease, and always hitting the right note."
The owners aren't new to the business; Scott Shirley has a restaurant background and during the pandemic, connected with Alexandria's Slater's Market at 1552 Potomac Greens Dr. and next, Union Sandwich Co., located at 101 N. Union St. Here's how Scott Shirley describes his family's involvement in the businesses, he mentions on the Union Sandwich Co. website:
I have a story. I’m not quite sure why, but for some reason after college, I had the fortunate opportunity of attempting to be a young manager at a local Old Town Deli, called Bruscatos in 1995. I worked for two wonderful owners, and learned the basics of customer service and a great sandwich. A few years later, I embarked on a fantastic career as a general manager with 2 companies in Northern VA and Washington D.C. for the next two decades.
OK, that’s mildly boring. Who cares about that. Long story short, I returned to where I started in the summer of 2020 purchasing Slaters Market, making sandwiches.
I’d like to make something noted. We believe in the LOST ART OF HOSPITALITY. A welcome, a hello, an employee who enjoys helping you create your sandwich.
A few years later, we had an opportunity and an idea to bring our concept to the heart of Old Town Alexandria. The foundation of Union Sandwich Co. is based on fresh bread, quality ingredients, what we find to be everyday tasty sandwiches, and a welcoming environment.
We think our basic principles are simple, and we look forward to serving you in our little shop.
Thanks for your patronage,
Scott, Karla, Mathis, Amina, & Iyla
The previous business at the Bradlee location, for 20 years, was Unwined, which closed at the end of 2024. The wine store continues its business at its Belle View location along with its related restaurant, Revel.
