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Buffington’s applies for ABC off
11/12/2010 9:22 PM by John M
The November 8 ABC report (PDF) says that Buffington’s at 2824 East Broad Street applied for a Wine & Beer Off Premises license on 11/1/2010.
Bob Buffington? That name rings a bell…
Bob Buffington is one of the owners of Captain Buzzy’s.
I spoke with 2 very nice guys at this address last weekend. It’s the recently rennovated retail down and apartments up space at the corner of E Marshall and N 28th. They are opening a “really good” pizza and beer store. They told me that when they open, it will be pick up only, which is the reason for the ABC off application. They may offer dining on site at some point in the future. I didn’t think to ask if they will deliver pizza and beer. They did tell me that one of the partners is the gentleman who owns Captain Buzzy’s. I asked them to please stock Legend beer! Oh, and they said that they will only sell 6 and 12 packs – no singles and no 40s!
@3 is incorrect. Buffington’s [applied for the off-premise ABC] is going to be at 2824 East Broad Street in the newly renovated corner building at 29th and Broad.
The menu looks like it will be “Pies, Fries, and Franks” along with carry out wine and beer.
If there is going to be a another off-premises beer joint opening within a block of Buffington’s…this is a receipe
for another Blue Wheeler hangout…cheap food and booze…the liquid lunch with the remnants (thrown on the street from the car window) left for the neighbors to clean up.
No, my bad, its the same place. I said 28th but you are correct, its the corner of E Broad and N 29th. They seem like nice guys and they want to serve a quality product. They mentioned that it would be “really good” pizza. ITS NOT GOING TO BE ANOTHER BW!!!
Sorry, if they are only selling 6 and 12 packs, this will not be a “good” beer shop. The “good” beer sold in 6 packs is pretty limited now a days. Most are coming in 22oz or 750ml containers. And Legends Beer is already sold at the market, so I am not sure why anyone would be excited about it coming to this place.
Sette near The Market already delivers great pizza, pasta, wine, and beer. http://www.settepizza.com
Aziza’s also has great pizza and is just a short walk away. I fail to see why we need another pizza place, unless they plan on making true wood fired Napoletano style pizza.
@6 “They mentioned that it would be “really good” pizza.” I bet most places that make pizza consider theirs to be “really good”. “Really good” is all a matter of opinion. I’ve had my fair share of not “Really good” pizza. If they’re selling pizza, I’m not sure why they’re naming the place “Buff’s Pies, Fries and Franks”. It sounds more like a heart attack waiting to happen!
I didn’t know Sette delivered, laura, thanks again for the good information!
#11 Bill – I didn’t either until today, they left a menu at my door and apparently they do deliver but the minimum is $20. Their menu looks interesting, but as a single person, running up a twenty dollar tab before tax and tip is a bit much for me, however I will keep it in mind for the future when perhaps either I have company or go in with a neighbor on something from them.
Other than that, I don’t see why everyone here is carrying on about the new place at 2824 East Broad – isn’t it good to have several options up here?! Sorry but I’m not ready to criticize beer options before they even open.
#9 James – Have not had pizza from Aziza but have heard that it is excellent, plus they got a good review in Style, for what that is worth.
Well said, CRD! Let’s at least give these enterprising folks a chance and not bash them before they even open their doors. After all, I’m sure they’re investing a big sum of their money into this business. If you don’t want them there, fine, don’t patronize their business – maybe you’ll get your wish if they can’t make ends meet financially. To the rest of you, who see this neighborhood becoming an even more sustainable, walkable community full of mixed uses such as this one, I say cheers and I look forward to bumping into you all and other visitors who chose to go there. To immediately cry foul and say that it will become another Blue Wheeler is unfair. For crying out loud, with that mentality, we sound like a bunch of unwelcoming jerks who’d rather see the neighborhood rot than actually give entrepreneurs a chance!
Aziza’s pizza is wonderful! I like Sette as well…
While we might like to see something other than pizza at this new establishment, it’s kind of ridiculous to bash the business before they even open. I’m with you Magneto! I think the idea of another business up here (whether pizza or not) is better than an empty building…we’ll just have to frequent the business without having to bump into Laura (who really doesn’t have much good to say about anything).
CH needs more variety and this is business is a step in the right direction.
I hope they get an ABC license without too much trouble and offer a killer beer/wine selection:)
CH needs more variety and this business is a step in the right direction.
I hope they get an ABC license without too much trouble and offer a killer beer/wine selection:)
I agree we need variety but we already have a ton of pizza options near here- why not try something different? I really liked the idea of the Churchill Market so I guess I’m more bummed about that than I am anything else.
And the name sounds more tacky than anything else.
#17, I understand what you’re saying, but don’t you also think Church Hill is a bit of a “victim” of it’s own topography? Maybe it’s just me, but the idea of walking downhill to grab pizza, drinks, or just about anything else, and then having to hike back uphill afterward is unappealing at times (especially when it snows like it did last year). The hill acts like a natural barrier to our neighborhood, which I think then makes sense for similar businesses to be located uphill/downhill from one another. I bet if you asked someone to choose between two pizza spots (both around the same distance but with very different paths of topography), they’d choose the path of least resistance (e.g. the flatter path). The only other pizza place I can think of in Church Hill is Da Vinci’s in the 1100 block of N. 25th, which seems far enough away from 2824 E. Broad St. for the two spots to be successful. Just my two cents.
Magneto, once you try the Aziza’s pizza, you won’t worry about topography. I am all for variety and new businesses, but Pizza and Hotdogs is not really what I expected for that nice spot.
I’m curious…what type of restaurant/business did everybody want to see at 2824 E. Broad Street? A market would have been awesome but that didn’t work out. CH is lacking a restaurant geared towards takeout so I’m grateful for the pizza/hotdog endeavor.
And Magneto is right on the money…although Sette and Aziza’s are geographically close to CH, walking to either establishment requires a considerable amount of effort. I’m not lazy, I just appreciate effortless strolls.
I agree with all of the positive comments that are being made. Let’s support entrepreneurs who want to turn vacant buildings into a business.
CH has a restaurant geared towards takeout, and it is a damn good one. It is called Alamo BBQ. I was hoping that if there was to be no market, maybe there would be a decent sandwich shop (like Sprout) or maybe something like a butcher or bakery. All dreams, I know. Pizza and hotdogs would be the last thing on my list of preferred retailers. However, I may be wrong about the beer selection. Maybe there is a connoisseur ready to bring good beer to the East end. I would always welcome a nice craft beer supply to the area. I just don’t see that happening.
I completely agree James. I will also add that the first poster stated the place will be takeout only initially so it’s not really a geography argument because you aren’t eating there vs. walking down the hill to Sette or Aziza.
In either case, I’m not saying I won’t give this place a shot but I just think there were way better choices for that great space. A place like Comfort or Sprout or Impanema or even a wine bar would have been perfect.
Baby steps, Clay St resident…you can’t expect Ch to go from rags to riches overnight.
And btw, a place like Ipanema could be be on its way…see: http://chpn.net/news/2010/10/14/new-restaurant-at-old-que-pasa_15914/
I do not understand why people think that it is “Impanema.”
It is “Ipanema.”
Like some of you, i am also disappointed to learn this sweet spot will be a hot-dog/pizza shed. I have never been overly impressed with Captain Buzzy’s coffee (known to serve Folgers as the House Blend). Are the proprietors nice people? Absolutely. But can’t we strive for something a bit more… tasty?
I don’t understand why it is so difficult for us to attract an “Ed” up here, with a Mama Zu type of relative. 9 and a half. Or Peascados. Ipanema, for sho.
Alas – I think:
We can do better.
Those folks did a great job on rescuing that building and I hope they do well. But, I think it will be difficult for them to sustain themselve since they will be mostly dependend on local residents. That’s a relatively small population. Selling a single type of item in a limited market will be a real test. Time will tell.
Whew! I thought I was the only person saddened by the news of “pizza,fries,etc.” Ugh! More grease in our lives. Just what we need.
Like Tinsel said, we CAN do better. A place like Sprouts WOULD be awesome. Or, Lamplighter (run by a CH resident) or Savor, Crossroads, Ipanema, Garrnets, the list goes on…just, sadly, not in our neighborhood.
I refuse to believe that CH is some backwater, out of the way, deserve-only-table-scraps kinda neighborhood.
Look how successful the Alamo has become. It’s top drawer and feeds folks from near and far.
Unfortunately, Buzzy’s is mediocre food/coffee and overpriced for what you get. They get away with it because they have a monopoly on the coffeshop market up here. The new #1 Soul Food place probably has fine soul food, but according to their menu, nothing a vegetarian can eat. And closing at 7pm each night? Hope they make it.
More competition in the food-service market (in CH) could help. But the fact Pies-Fries will be run by Buzzy’s owner is worrisome. Are we in for an oligarchy of mediocrity on Broad St?
I hope Mr. Buffington is listening…or at least his partners in the new venture.
Oh Lordy the negativity. You crabs in a bucket stop pulling each other down. Just because it isn’t your vision doesn’t make it a bad vision. An investment in the community and its people is a welcomed investment. Pull up and zip up your pants. Stop pissing on people and ideas that are not your own. How about embracing a little diversity in thought and action, how about encouraging your neighbor instead of treading upon them and spitting vile words.
Lets build up not break down. Lets speak pleasantly over a cup of Buzzy’s coffee that is roasted in house. Lets smile at one another while we share some cooked on the premises Alamo BBQ. Let’s burn the roof of our mouths together with hot fresh pizza from Sette. Let’s grab a six pack of beer or soda from the Blue Wheeler and have a cook out. Let’s be neighbors.
Thanks for the sounding board John M.
Hooray for red fish, blue fish!
OMG!
@Tinsel and CapitalGal, you sound like volunteers of a political campaign (“We can do better!”) And in my opinion, renovating a vacant building and opening a business inside it is doing “better.” I strongly believe the type of establishments you desire will come to CH in time…in the meantime let’s enjoy some pizza:)
This is my first time commenting on this site. I have enjoyed living in Church Hill for over 7 years and I’m thrilled to see that Bob and others are opening a new venture! We are fortunate that restaurants and retailers want to thrive in our community. The best of luck to them and I will certainly be a patron.
tinsel – I used to work at Buzzys and they do not use Folgers! In fact, they are the only place I know of that actually roast their own beans. And it makes all the difference – I really think they have the best coffee in our area. The food is simple, but it is a formula that works. My only complaint are the long lines.
I am really happy that this will NOT be a high-priced gourmet joint. Bob has a successful business with Buzzy’s and I think this one will succeed as well.
The new place has to be a take-out establishment because the owners of The Hill Cafe, Richmond Restaurant Group (RRG), always oppose new restaurants on The Hill. The previous owner of the building at 2824 E. Broad St. got a variance to allow retail upstairs for his market idea but the RRG wouldn’t drop it’s opposition to the plan until he agreed that he would not put a sit down restaurant in that space ever. The RRG’s opposition cost him over $100,000 to fight. They will do it every time. I’m loathe to eat at The Hill Cafe or any other RRG establishment (Europa, The Hard Shell, deLux Diner, and Water Grill) since I found out that they will go to any length to keep their monopoly. I eat at Alamo BBQ 2 times a week (the brisket sammich is outstanding) and highly recommend them.
@Bill- Wow, that’s really interesting. We need more options up here so how can we as a community make our voices heard louder? How did this opposition cost him $100,000? Through a lawsuit? What were the grounds of such a lawsuit? One group can’t have a monopoly over an entire community (if we don’t let them).
Yea, interesting if it’s true.
So what did RRG do, Bill? Make ’em an offer they couldn’t refuse?
I would like to hear if this is true, Bill. I love Hill Cafe and frequent the establishment. However, I may not be as loyal if I know that they are keeping other sit down restaurants from coming to the area.
RRG’s resturants do not reliably serve good fare. Ate at Dulux a couple of days ago .. will never go back. Hope there’s no truth to the claim of RRG’s opposition. If they new anything about marketing they would know that resturants and retail, etc. do better when their surrounded by other similar busineses.
Sounds like rumor-mongering to me.
@29,31,33, and 39 – and y’all:
This is not about fear or dissing whomever wants to make a difference up here. I am not being negative to Anyone wanting to invest in anything up here. Quite the contrary.
I simply ask that we ask for an establishment that blows Mediocracy.
It is absolutely no wonder that no one in their right mind would open up a business here. Second guessing, downright nasty comments and more of the same old, same old negativity. It’s amazing that with so many business geniuses in this forum that there is not a thriving wine bar or boutique opening on every corner.
This is exactly why I’m moving out of this fucking piece of shit “community”. And good riddance to me, right?
Good luck Church Hill. You folks just can’t get out of your own way.
Stay, don’t go.
Zekeus, thanks for your maturity.
No one asked for a boutique. I know it is hard for you to read, but many people here would love to see any number of businesses. Most of us were really happy to hear about the market that was a possibility.
As for the community, the fact that you are leaving means you probably weren’t an active part. I am sure no one will miss you. I have only been here a short time, but seen many improvements. I also see a lot of people pushing for this area to become a nice thriving community like Carytown. I just think people were expecting more than just another pizza shop for this location. Another problem is that the business owners themselves have not been very vocal about their plans for this site. The people that were going to open a market came on here any let everyone know their plans, then asked for suggestions. The pizza place owner did none of that. People like to be in the loop about new businesses in the community. Of course there will be speculation. We have no info!
Why don’t some of morons open up a market/vegan restaurant/wine bar then?
Yea!!! A pizza place within walking distance! Best wishes to the owners!
CHainttheFan, please learn to make a complete sentence before calling others morons.
No rumor mongering. FACT. Zoning issues can cost $100,000, easily, when you run into well heeled commercial opposition. When someone applies for a zoning variance objections happen. Regular Church Hill people come to the meeting to object. They don’t bring/send a lawyer like RRG does. When the objections are taken to the Nth degree your $200/hr lawyer can wind up doing 500 hours (roughly 63 days of work). That’s $100,000 right there. Don’t tell me you’d do it all yourself either, sans lawyer, because you’d have a fool for a client and the RRG lawshark would eat you. RRG is acting like any other business that wants to protect it’s income, and they’ll use every law in the book to do it. Their goal is to cost you money and discourage you from opening your business. RRG is not some benign, goodwill-to-their-fellow-man, live-and-let-live organization. They’re as cutthroat as any other business owners trying to protect their piece of the pie, regardless of what it does to you and your choices. If the location you’re trying to open was never a restaurant then you’ll have to get a zoning variance on Church Hill. $$$. Period.
Captain Buzzy’s ran into opposition and had to agree to not be open past either 11pm or midnight, and also had to agree to no alcohol sales on premises ever, or it would have cost $100,000+ to fight that, too. I’m betting that RRG will oppose the off-premises license for Captain Buzzy’s because they have one, also. Having a monopoly as a restaurant on The Hill is lucrative and will fund the plan to stay a monopoly. The more money you give RRG, the more they’ll fight to keep their Church Hill pot o’ gold.
It appears most of you questioning these facts only draw paychecks from others and have never owned a business. This is basic stuff.
re: james
Summation of your post: Sarcasm, insult, assumption, whine, whine, whinge, unrealistic expectation, assumption that anyone cares what you think.
Thanks for your well thought out rebuke.
Bill:
So, you are saying the RRG comes to EVERY zoning meeting for a new business in the area with a lawyer to oppose it? Why would they spend all that money on a lawyer – it seems like it impact their income. Did they oppose Que Pasa with a lawyer? Alamo BBQ? That ice cream shop at 25th and Broad? Something like a Deli? Your accusations are very broad and sound very personal.
hey bill i am sure jared and michelle stay up all night wondering how you guessed at their motives. do you personally know that they have engaged in such business tactics or is this just the vicious conjectures of an old busybody? i am betting on the latter!you must really have a grudge of unknown origin to run your suck about an organization that operates six or seven SUCCESFUL restaraunts in locations around the metro area. did they bribe and intimidate everybody? maybe you should change your tinfoil hat,i think some of them there negative waves must be getting thru .by the way your credibility suffers when you post anonymously. it makes you seem like a cowardly,meddlesome douche,though i am sure you hear that a lot!
edg, Alamo BBQ is in a previous location of a restaurant, RibsUSA. Alamo doesn’t stay open late nor serve ALCOHOL. Que Pasa never applied for work permits or anything from the city until after they did the work, which is illegal, of course. They then repainted, illegally, the Bromo-Seltzer sign. Que Pasa imploded on their own STUPIDITY, alot like buddycorbett, but I’ll get to that loser moron shortly. The ice cream place, again, neither stays open late nor serves ALCOHOL. No reason for them to object but there was also no zoning variance needed for that commercial space to have an ice cream shop there, same with Alamo. The 25th St Grill needed no variance, either. Former restaurant space. Grandfather Law, it’s called. The ABC license for both Que Pasa and 25th St Grill was objected to by RRG and the usual suspects from Church Hill who come and object to every alcohol related license but the ABC board doesn’t have it’s hands tied by ZONING LAWS. RRG did object to the ZONING CHANGE to make it a restaurant. Again, I only know this because I personally know the previous owner of the building who wanted to open Church Hill Market with seating for a small restaurant and on-off premises alcohol sales. RRG wasn’t alone in objecting to the change, the usual suspects from Church Hill did their usual act, also. RRG held fast with no negotiation, at all, to change the zoning for a sit down restaurant. These aren’t “accusations”, they’re sheer facts.
Tell us why NO other restaurant owner in Richmond has come to the lucrative market that is now Church Hill? Answer: No properties Grandfathered In, nor zoned properly for, a sit down restaurant and it costs big $$$$$$$ to rezone. Period.
For the record, I have nothing against RRG. These are just hard, cold facts of business life that they don’t tell you about on the menu. I like Staples (except for his unbelievably good luck at backgammon/dice rolling), dude.
Oh, and don’t quit your day job. Your online Internet Psychic course was an abject failure.
edg,
Perhaps Bill does know what he’s talking about…maybe he is not going into specifics to protect himself a bit. I don’t know for sure but what he speaks of doesn’t really sound all that far fetched…
SEW, thank you. I did go into specifics in posts #34, #47, #51, and what should be post #55 (loaded with specifics) after I cleaned up the word “moron” (5 times, see post #50 for reference) from my description of buddycorbett (john_m asked).
These are just hard, cold business facts that some people can’t swallow nor understand, apparently. When it comes to money, all bets are off and even the nicest guy in business will do whatever is necessary to protect his business and income interests. (Hill Cafe rings roughly $2 million a year, which is a huge cash cow, and is worth fighting to keep a monopoly with.)
Side note, I tried Aziza’s pizza after your post #14. You’re right, it’s very good!
(hey guys -enough of the pissing contest.)