It’s hard to miss the bright pink and teal exterior of Call Your Mother. No matter which location — from DC to Maryland and soon, Virginia and Colorado — co-founders Andrew Dana and James Beard–nominated chef Daniela Moreira welcome guests with vibrant colors and creative bagels, sandwiches, and snacks.
The new McLean outpost will be the ninth location and the first in Virginia. Why McLean? Dana heard from his college roommate, a McLean native, that the town needed more bagel options. “McLean is a beautiful neighborhood with a close-knit community and immaculate vibes … we’ve gotta give the people what they want!” he says.
CYM started in the summer of 2018 at the Silver Spring, Maryland, farmers market. A “crazy flattering” turnout with “lines of people” and daily sellouts made the duo realize “we may have something bigger on our hands,” says Dana. They opened their first brick-and-mortar location in Park View, Maryland, in October 2018.
Similar to the Bethesda location — a trolley — McLean’s outpost (affectionately referred to as the “Lil Deli”) will be a “mobile house–inspired walkup shop” stationed at the renovated Chesterbrook Center. Measuring in at just 187 square feet, this new location will feature the deli’s full menu except for espresso drinks — but rest assured, drip coffee and cold brew will still be available. It will also have patio seating.
As for their unusual real estate, “We care about two things: carbs and vibes … it’s all about how it feels,” says Dana. These location choices “immediately grab your attention when you drive past; they’re fun, vibrant, and match the energy we like to bring to the table.”
Although the Bethesda Trolley and “Lil Deli” are on wheels, providing CYM with location flexibility, Dana reassures “we’re here to stay.”
Check out the bestselling “The Sun City” featuring local bacon, bodega-style local eggs, American and cheddar cheeses, and spicy honey on an everything bagel; sweets like the banana dulce de leche babka muffins; and deli classics including black-and-white cookies and bagel chips. The bagels are described as “somewhere between a classic NY-style bagel and the sweeter, Montreal-style bagels.”
In addition to the Virginia expansion, CYM plans to open a new Denver outpost in May or June. Looking ahead to later this year, they hope to open another Virginia location, potentially in Alexandria, says Dana.
The new McLean location is slated to open in April or May. Online ordering will be available, and it be open daily from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. 6216 Old Dominion Dr., McLean
Feature image courtesy Call Your Mother
For more local openings, subscribe to Northern Virginia Magazine’s Food newsletter.
