The Majestic, a longtime Old Town Alexandria landmark, is entering an exciting chapter with a refreshed menu, updated interior, and a new owner.
At the center of the evolution is Santiago Lopez, a veteran Alexandria Restaurant Partners (ARP) executive chef. He purchased ownership control of the American cuisine restaurant he helped shape from ARP.
“I’ve been working for ARP for the past 16 years,” Lopez says. “They currently have nine restaurants, and I basically have been the executive chef partner in pretty much all of them. I opened all of them from scratch.”
The Majestic has been a King Street fixture since 1932, long known as a warm, neighborhood dining room, jazz lounge, and art deco gathering spot. An official kickoff of Lopez’s new menu and refreshed interiors will take place April 10.
A Career Turn
Lopez didn’t always plan to become a chef.
Born and raised in Bogota, Colombia, he came to the U.S. to study engineering at the University of Central Florida. But while working nights in restaurants, he discovered a deeper passion for cooking. In 2001, he left his engineering studies to pursue a culinary career. Early stints at restaurants across the country helped sharpen his skills and shape his style. Today, his culinary expertise spans multiple traditions, including Asian, Spanish, and Italian cuisines. Lopez thrives at the intersection of classic dishes and modern twists.
“The common and uncommon — taking these things that people are familiar with, but just elevating it that little bit that you get that little bit of surprise,” he says.
Lopez’s path eventually brought him to Northern Virginia, where he helped lead operations across multiple ARP restaurants. He has served as executive chef at Virtue Feed & Grain, Palette 22, Vola’s, and The Majestic, where he now will set down permanent roots.
“I truly love The Majestic. It’s an institution in Old Town,” the married Alexandria resident says. “I think I can make a difference at The Majestic with the food, with the ambience and service.”
New Fresh and Bold Flavors
Now officially The Majestic’s owner, Lopez says he has full creative control and plans to elevate the menu, beverage program, and interiors.
In the kitchen, Lopez is steering the menu toward freshness and bold flavor. Known for bright citrus, fresh herbs, and layered profiles, he’s reshaping The Majestic’s dishes to reflect his culinary point of view. Signature dishes like Prime NY strip au poivre, lobster pot pie, pan roasted dorade, and smoked Gouda potatoes come alive with vibrant, modern accents.
A simple Prime French dip proves the point.
“Accidentally, by mistake, I ordered the wrong bread,” Lopez says. “So then I tried the French dip on the wrong bread that I ordered, and it was absolutely perfect. French dip is something simple that you can find everywhere, but I think this one’s fantastic. People will come back.”
Despite the changes, Lopez is adamant about preserving what diners love.
“I want to make awesome food, awesome dishes, but it’s still The Majestic and still that Old Town institution,” he says.
The refreshed interior leans into an elegant, vintage vibe, pairing classic art-deco character with subtle modern updates that make the space feel timeless and inviting. Lopez wants you to feel right at home.
“When you open the door, right then and there, you’re going to be transported,” he says. “If you’re coming here, you’re coming to our house, and I’m going to treat you like you’re in my house.”
Feature image courtesy Cultivate Hospitality
