Gainesville residents will soon be able to enjoy the warm aroma of freshly baked pretzels at Atlas Walk. Auntie Anne’s, the popular pretzel chain, is set to open a new location in Virginia Gateway as part of the shopping center’s ongoing refresh. The store will share a 1,203 square foot space with Cinnabon, creating a convenient stop for shoppers craving sweet and savory snacks. Community members say the addiction will make the shopping center an even more appealing destination.
The addition comes as Virginia Gateway undergoes a major remerchandising effort under Federal Realty, which bought the retail hub in 2024. Alongside Auntie Anne’s and Cinnabon, other new tenants include Sephora, Warby Parker, Call Your Mother Deli, and South Block. Together these openings mark a new chapter for Atlas Walk, which continues to attract both national brands and local favorites. Local leaders hope the changes will also draw more visitors from surrounding Prince William County.
Shoppers will not have to wait too long; Auntie Anne’s is expected to open its doors by the summer of 2026. With its signature hand-rolled pretzels, dipping sauces, and refreshing beverages, the new shop is likely to become a go-to spot for quick bites and family treats. Combined with Cinnabon’s famous cinnamon rolls, the opening will bring even more variety to the heart of Gainesville’s retail scene. Residents say they are especially excited for the pairing of sweet and salty options in one convenient spot.
