Alexandria has a sweet reason to celebrate this week: two beloved local institutions, Fish Market and Pop’s Old Fashioned Ice Cream Co., are marking their 50th anniversaries — and the city is honoring the milestone in a big way by declaring an official city holiday in their honor.

For half a century, Fish Market has been a cornerstone of Alexandria’s dining scene, drawing locals and visitors alike with its seafood-forward menu and warm, neighborhood atmosphere. Right alongside it, Pop’s Old Fashioned Ice Cream Co. has been scooping up smiles for just as long, becoming the kind of place that generations of Alexandria families return to year after year for a taste of something classic and comforting.

Reaching 50 years in the restaurant and small-business world is no small feat — it takes consistency, community loyalty, and a genuine love for the people you serve. That both establishments have thrived side by side for five full decades speaks volumes about the character of Alexandria’s Old Town community and the entrepreneurs who have poured their hearts into these businesses.

The city’s decision to declare a holiday in recognition of the anniversary is a testament to just how deeply Fish Market and Pop’s are woven into the fabric of Alexandria life. It’s the kind of civic gesture that reminds residents why local businesses matter — not just as places to eat and gather, but as anchors of neighborhood identity and shared memory.

Whether you’re a longtime regular who remembers your first cone from Pop’s as a child, or a newcomer who has only recently discovered the charm of these Alexandria staples, this golden anniversary is a moment worth savoring. Here’s to 50 years — and to many more scoops, seafood platters, and city holidays to come.

Sources: The Alexandria Brief