A new market and tasting room called Oak & Ember is taking over The Black Market’s Aldie storefront, which closed in September. The market at 39285 Little River Tpk. will focus on locally sourced goods, along with farm-to-table sharable plates and recommended wine pairings.
Oak & Ember’s owner, Christian Puccio, hopes to open the market in time for the December 2025 holiday season. Puccio is a level one sommelier and restaurant industry veteran of over 20 years.
“What you will see is something that is built from more than plans and passion. It was built from shortfalls, second chances, and the strength to keep moving forward. This place represents every late night, every setback, and every ounce of belief I refused to lose. Seeing it come to life will be something truly special to me and my family,” Puccio says.
The market will feature a robust retail bottle and by-the-glass wine list, bourbon and tequila tasting flights, and some signature cocktails. The food menu will focus on locally sourced produce, fresh pastas, local cheeses, charcuterie meats dry aged in-house, and more. Puccio also plans to have ready-made New York–style deli sandwiches in grab-and-go refrigerators.
The market’s monthly wine box subscription, the Ember Collective, will give guests the chance to experience the Oak & Ember experience from home. The box will include a bottle of wine, housemade pasta, local herbs, olive oil or a sauce, and a recipe card.
Christian Puccio’s Industry History
Puccio got his start in the Loudoun County restaurant industry after noticing the need for a local sandwich spot. He opened Puccio’s New York Deli in Leesburg in 2002 at the age of 25.
When he eventually sold the deli in 2009, Puccio went on to work in leadership positions with the Metropolitan Hospitality Group, Creighton Farms, and Ahso Restaurant.
In 2023, he teamed up with Ahso chef and owner Jason Maddens to open an Italian steakhouse in Brambleton. But when contract negotiations fell through, Puccio was back to searching for potential business opportunities.
Before Miami restaurateur Carlos Miranda purchased the building and turned it into The Black Market, Puccio had his sights set on the location. So when the time came for Miranda to sell it years later, Puccio was ready and eager to take over.
“I’ve definitely kept my eyes open and ear to the ground as far as any new spots or any opportunities. Some were not the right fit, and for some the timing was poor, but this one is special. I feel like this is a home run. It’s crazy how it came circling back to me,” Puccio said.
Puccio hopes to build a trustworthy service team with the people he’s met in the restaurant industry over the years.
“Being in the business for the better part of 24 years in Loudoun County, I’ve met a lot of people along the way that appreciate the same things I appreciate and I think it’s going to be really cool once we get open and running. I think people will see a lot of familiar faces from other restaurants,” Puccio said.
Feature image by Melanie Jensen
