RECENT COMMENTS
Know your Church Hill markets…
The one-of-a-kind One Way Richmond has put together a fairly comprehensive and somewhat fanciful look a corner stores in the area:
Fatduck’s is by far the granddaddy of them all. Numero uno, folks. I feel the greatest market in Richmond history. There are thousands of stories in the Oakwood neighborhood of Northeast Church Hill, and I want to hear every one of them. The core of these yarns begin right there at 1503 N. 35th St. Home of an absolute Richmond institution, Fatduck’s Grocery. You cannot consider yourself a Richmond, Virginian unless you have been to Fatduck’s. Fatduck’s reminds me of a country store one might find in Highland County, Virginia, but it’s right there in Oakwood. As you go in the store, you feel nostalgia pour all over you. Yes, the place has empty shelves, but chips and malt Liquor for everybody.
When inside I asked the lady for Marlboro Lights, she said, no Marlboros, just menthols. It was kind of like that famous Saturday Night Live skit, where all the entire diner had was Cheeseburgers and Pepsi. Except, at Fatduck’s, it was Malt Liquor and Menthols. If Kool’s are your thing, then by all means visit this taste of heaven. Hey, I think there was candy for the neighborhood kids, so the summer looks bright for Oakwood residents under 14. Seriously Richmond, see this tiny market, visit this tiny market because it is a giant among the big boxes that we as a backwards American society seem to so treasure.
TAGGED: Fatducks Grocery
Well said.
It is freaking adorable.
yeah, Fat Ducks might be cute, but for the best ride in way-back machine, visit Bloomfield’s Market @ 24th & O Streets.
I loved this
Thanks Hillbilly, I just added Bloomfield. Thanx J. Murden, for I used an old pic you took of it. Gave you credit of course.
If you’re going for completeness, you need Crenshaws up 22nd and the stores at Mechanicsville and Fairfield.
Oh and that market at 24th and Jefferson used to have a sign for Family Supermarket. Gone now, some people just call it “Shrimp”.
& it’s cool to use my photos, they’re all Creative Commons.
Really do love this piece 🙂
John, Thanks, and In the future I will cover markets in NE Richmond, Fulton Bottom & Hill, North Richmond, and S. Richmond, Monroe and Jackson Wards. Also, be on the lookout for other ‘interesting’ Richmond neighborhood landmarks on OWR.
My cut off for Church Hill Markets to the north was Fairmont St. In the past I’ve covered Museum District, O Hill, Byrd Park, The Fan and South of Grace St. Also Westhampton/near West End.
It’s amazes me how folks go on about nothing they know about. This store used to be filled with all types of products for the community. The economy today, has hit everyone hard. She has never sold alcohol to 14 year olds nor any under age child. And the lady you spoke to, her name is Mrs. Sally Anne. She has recently lost her husband and had to use all her life savings to bury him. So, instead of putting folks down. Take time to know the story or maybe even help them out. The neighbors know and love her as well has her late husband. I am happy for the other stores. But like those other stores, she started out the same way. Full of life and expectations. Yes you are entitled to your opinion. But please get the facts or know the history behind the story.
You need to read more carefully. He said “candy for 14 year olds.”
just a neighbor!!!!
Wow, and that’s all you got out of that message.
RIP Mr. Fatduck … a true staple and having lived in church hill and growing up with that family I totally agree with the comments of Boonie…