An expanding chain is bringing an exciting new option to Arlington residents hungry for an alternative to the standard burgers and fries. Local couple Khanh and Thao Nguyen are opening a T-Swirl Crepes at the Ballston Quarter Mall later this year.
The restaurant will begin serving Japanese crepes at 4238 Wilson Boulevard this spring. Franchisee Khanh Nguyen spoke with What Now DC about bringing the unique concept to the region. “Ballston is a vibrant and thriving community and the Ballston mall has increasingly become a place of gathering for many families after a long day of work and over the weekend.” Nguyen explains, adding “We feel like Ballston could really benefit from the addition of a new popular dessert/light-snack place that one can enjoy after dinner, a movie, or ice-skating session.”
The Nguyens discovered the T-Swirl brand while living in New York. Khanh states that a shared love for Japanese crepes drew the couple to the restaurant. “T-swirl was our go-to spot for satisfying our cravings. We were consistently impressed by the unique recipe of T-swirl Crepe’s batter, which creates a delightful combination of crispiness on the outside and softness on the inside, unlike any other crepes we’ve tasted. Additionally, we appreciated T-swirl’s commitment to using fresh and healthy ingredients, which aligned perfectly with our preference for both delicious and nutritious food.”
T-swirl’s flavorful cuisine is enhanced by a warm and inviting setting. “The vibrant and welcoming atmosphere of T-swirl shops, which fully showcase the elegant processes during which the crepes are made, added an extra layer of enjoyment to our dining experiences, making each visit memorable beyond just the delicious food.” Nguyen says.
Arlington foodies unsure of what to expect from a T-swirl visit can look forward to tasty treats and helpful staff. Nguyen describes the experience, stating “From our signature Japanese-inspired crepes made with gluten-free rice flour to our wide variety of sweet and savory fillings, they can anticipate a culinary adventure that tantalizes the taste buds. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff will guide them through our menu options, ensuring they find the perfect crepe tailored to their preferences. Additionally, they’ll enjoy the vibrant and welcoming atmosphere of our shop, making their visit not only a culinary delight but also a memorable experience.”
The Nguyens are currently renovating the space for the new storefront. Ballston diners can look forward to sampling T-swirl’s cuisine in the first or second week of May.
While Nguyen is currently focused on ensuring the successful launch of Virginia’s first T-swirl, more locations may be in his future. “In terms of future plans for the area, our primary focus is on expanding our presence in Northern VA after the launch of our first store in Quaterball Mall. We recognize the importance of being accessible to more neighbors and communities in various cities across this region.”
Nguyen hopes to provide a pleasant experience through tasty cuisine. He states “Our goal is to continue spreading the joy of our delicious crepes made with love and passion to as many customers as possible. By planning to open more stores in the future we aim to bring the T-swirl experience closer to even more people, offering them the opportunity to indulge in our unique and delightful creations.”
