When we step inside 1799 Prime, there’s a framed poster of a book about the Quander Family on the wall behind the host stand. I immediately note its significance and placement and am so happy when Jay Quander later shares its significance and his incredible family history. When Jay first joins us, his presence is commanding, and it’s quite clear to anyone that he is most definitely the man of the house. He’s impeccably dressed, as Katelin Moomau who nominated him for Street Style, said he would be. He’s warm, friendly and is also playing a killer mix of old school R&B, as he gives us a tour of his vision come to life.

“I grew up in Virginia, not far from Old Town Alexandria, on Quander Road…with the majority of my family. My grandparents, aunts and uncles, my great aunts, great uncles, my grandparents, brothers and sisters, both sides. Everyone knew what was going on, and all the seniors knew what was happening on Quander Road,” he shares.

Jay attended Belle View Elementary in Belle Haven. “My fathers’s side still lives in Alexandria. My family name Quander is maternal. My mom’s last name is Quander, my father’s is Jones…I was given Quander because of the strong history of the Quander family. If I was given Jones, things might be very different,” he says laughing.

“My family dates back to the 1600s and have been here a significant amount of time. There were two brothers, one who went to Prince George's County and one who went to George Washington’s Mount Vernon. The brother who was enslaved at the first president’s estate had more impact. George Washington took copious notes so the records of our family being there as history played out are well documented.” 

Jay continues, “We have family members – three different clans of Quanders: The Maryland and DC Quanders, the Virginian Quanders and the Northern PA and NJ Quanders. Every August all three factions come together for a family reunion. This year marks the 99th reunion and although it changes every year, this year it will be in D.C. Some prominent Quanders include Paul Quander, former D.C. Deputy Mayor for public safety and justice and Nellie Quander, founder of the nation's oldest Black sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha.

Although Jay didn’t know exactly what he wanted to be growing up, he always knew he wanted to be in an environment that’s exciting and different. “Hospitality fits the bill. I couldn’t be in a better industry. I played organized sports growing up and went to Hayfield High School in Springfield. I spent a little bit of time at Jacksonville State University and was in their football program. But once I came back up to Virginia, I got into the resto business and I fell in love. I have met so many amazing, incredible people, celebs, politicians, athletes…it’s fueled my desire in this business. And I love watching other people grow. I’ve been able to mentor young folks who don’t know what they want to do. I help them define their goals and their action steps. They need that leadership.”

Jay’s experience is extensive and he rattles off a list: “Mount Vernon Estate, Blackwall Hitch, GM at Famous Dave’s, Manager at PF Chang’s China Bistro, a proprietor of Ted’s Montana Grill in Crystal City and the flagship location in Time Square, Stoney River Steakhouse in Annapolis and Towson MD…from Stoney River to GW’s Mount Vernon.” 

He says his tenure as Director of Food And Beverage Operations at Mount Vernon Estate was surreal. “Both my parents were still alive when I accepted, and it was full circle from slavery to executive management. My Aunt Gladys was the first Black VIP tour guide. It’s an excellent organization.” 

Jay has always been inspired to do better, and build better, especially after so many years spent in the industry and witnessing things he didn’t think were right. “I wanted to open my own restaurant, have my own spin on things. I wanted to play the music I wanted to play, not elevator music. Create my own vibe in my own space.”  

He shares, “The building we’re in right now, I kept driving by it when I was at Blackwall Hitch. It was empty. I called my business partner and we made a phone call to the broker. He said, ‘it’s not for sale.’ Everything is for sale. Three months later, we settled and closed and it all took shape: 1799, the logo, the mission statement, the vision.”

As for the name, Jay shares, “On December 14, 1799, George Washington decreed in his will that the slaves on his estate were going to be free. 1799 represents the hope of freedom for my ancestors and enslaved community on the property. It made the most sense with the first location in Old Town and its close proximity to GW’s Mount Vernon and my family’s history. Fast forward, my culinary partner, executive chef Sonny asked, ‘is it going to be 1799 Grill or Tavern?  If it’s 1799 Prime – you want to do a steakhouse and all cuts of meat will be prime, we’ll provide a prime and inedible experience.’ It all fit and made sense.”

They bought the building on January 30, 2022, the day before Jay’s 50th birthday. With permits secured, they began construction mid-March and 1799 Prime opened on August 3, 2022. 

Jay acknowledges Tricia, his wife of 28 years. “She’s amazing and has been very supportive throughout this entire journey! We have four kids: Tyler, Marissa, Jack and Madden. Boy, girl, boy, girl. We love to go to the gym, everybody in my family. We’ve very competitive– we talk a lot of game! And we love to eat and we love vacations…we have the whole schedule lined up: breakfast, lunch and dinner.”

He says his employees are his second family. “They believe in my dream and vision. And it’s the guests coming through here, too. To me, Old Town is electric, it’s fantastic.” He encourages us to check out the live jazz brunch every Sunday from 10-3pm. Believe me, we’ll be there.

What’s coming down the pike: a soft opening of 1799’s patio, expansion with two more locations (you’ll have to ask Jay about that, I’m hush, hush), and two sauces in the restaurant have been so well-received, they’re in the process of getting them into grocery stores. And of course, the two year-celebration of 1799 Prime for guests and employees. Maybe it can be timed with the Quander family reunion? What an amazing celebration that would be with all the Quanders. 1799 Prime isn’t going to be one of Alexandria’s best-kept secrets anymore!

Check out Jay’s Street Style:

ABOUT JAY

Neighborhood: Springbank (Alexandria), VA

What is your hometown? Gainesville, VA

What would surprise people about you?  I died before the age of 30. My wife nursed me back to health.

Favorite movie: Top Gun, first version.

Guilty Pleasure: Fried food.

Latest binge-watch: The Boys.

Bucket list travel destination: Europe.

STYLE

Define your style in three words or less: Edgy | Sleek | Contemporary

The go-to piece in your wardrobe: Double-breasted suit.

Favorite trend: Mocktails.

Beauty products you can’t live without: Noxzema.

Boots or sneakers? Boots.

WELLNESS

Go-to way to de-stress: Going on a long drive with music pumping.

Most fun way to stay active: Gym with my wife. Weightlifting with a touch of cardio.

Wellness goal: Tone up without losing muscle mass.

Want to try: Snowboarding and yoga.

Proudest wellness achievement: THE DISCIPLINE MY FAMILY HAS WHEN IT COMES TO WELLNESS.

HOME

Favorite room in your home: KITCHEN.

Antiques, modern, or a mix?  Modern.

Last item bought for your home: Our pup Titus and two TVs.

Favorite way to entertain: A little house music while cooking with the fam.

Clutter-free or well-lived in? A little bit of both.  

Next planned purchase: A new car for my wife.

ALEXANDRIA

What do you love about Alexandria Stylebook? The versatility of the content and featured Alexandrians.

Favorite spot in Alexandria: TWO NINETEEN

Your go-to shop: Tatte Bakery & Cafe

Best food spot: Well, of course 1799 Prime, however, I enjoy everywhere in Old Town. Where else can you find such an eclectic mix of eateries?!

Favorite local organization: Alexandria Chamber of Commerce and Boys & Girls Club of Alexandria.

Annual Alexandria event you most look forward to: Fourth of July! Old Town does it better!

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