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Looking for a good spot to open a restaurant?
01/04/2017 1:59 PM by John M
Working on my new mixed use project. Who knows a good restaurant you would like to see in Union Hill with 1,760SF of interior space and a 720sf patio? Excited to see this project come to life!
The corner of Marshall and Chimborazo would also make for a great spot for a new restaurant!
And lets fill the old Urban Farmhouse spot in the Lava Lofts while we’re at it…!!
@Dave – I think the old Urban Farmhouse space has been cut into office space already
I want a Korean restaurant… bi bim bap, yaki mandu, pork belly buns
I’m still selfishly hoping for someone to buy/renovate the space at Venable and Mosby, but I might be waiting for a while.
Brazos Tacos check it out
Can you make it less cookie cutter looking? Please keep my block charming.
I was super-excited when it this project was first announced and it was going to be a dim sum joint. Maybe that, plus Chinese or Korean Bakery Items? Would be in keeping with the popularity of bakeries in the area, but offer something totally different at the same time, and also might have a better go of selling tea/coffee/breakfast/carryout/retail as well?
Maybe Korean Barbecue? Not a ton of that in this area either, as far as I know.
Inspiration:
Dragon Land Bakery, Chinatown, NYC:
https://www.timeout.com/newyork/restaurants/dragon-land-bakery
White Windmill (Metro Atlanta – Korean Bakery)
http://www.whitewindmill.com/
Honey Pig BBQ – Annandale, VA
http://www.honeypigbbq.com/
I would hate to see any “fad” or “trendy” food for the moment restaurant go in but consider something that appeals to a broader spectrum of ages and taste.
Personally, I like old traditional Southern Comfort Food – Diner type fare.
A good quality Chinese with Buffet restaurant would be also something to considered.
I support Eric’s idea.
Would also love to see something like this…a fast casual concept.
http://jacksurbaneats.com
http://www.katzsdelicatessen.com meets http://www.krupagrocery.com and has a Union Hill baby.
Family friendly brewpub or Vietnamese
Cabo Fish Taco! A Blacksburg favorite and I believe there is one in Charlotte NC
Possibly even a Steak House?
Today, there are too many people simply jumping on the fashion trend bandwagon with food allergies when in reality, only a small percentage of people actually have them. Hence, my liking old fashioned traditional foods.
The REALLY scary part of all this is the number of folks that are imposing crazy and restrictive diets on their children based on internet lore and television fear mongering campaigns. Did your kid get the runs? Must be lactose intolerant! Did little Timmy get a belly-ache after eating 3 happy meals? Must be Celiac’s disease! Did he sniffle after a PBJ? Must be a peanut allergy!
I am 60 years old, ate what was put in front of me as a kid at home or in the school cafeteria or starved. This means I ate everything including green, purple, whatever color vegetables, mayonnaise, fried foods cooked in lard, etc… and I am still kicking with no food allergies or clogged arteries. The term Gluten Free, or Organically Grown was not even in our food vocabulary 10 years ago. It is like in the 1990s, every kid under the sun all of the sudden had ADD. Then it was Asperger. Now what is the latest trending childhood problem? Why didn’t we baby boomer have these issues growing up even being irradiated from nuclear bomb test fallout? Oh well, my .02¢ worth.
Again, Steak House? Chinese Buffet? Something we haven’t had and yet, not something only a niche group likes… and will have staying power.
Jesus christ eric you ever been tested for aspergers?
@16 ST, only stating facts. Do a Google Search on “trendy food allergies” and you will find plenty on what I have mentioned.
A deli type eatery gets my vote. Maybe the local bagel maker that sells out of Union Market can get involved. Look at Pearly’s, it’s going gang busters and is the only traditional deli in town (I suppose Padows qualifies, but it’s not old school and very pricey). I don’t care if it doesn’t serve dinner, though that would be a plus.
I think the ambience of that spot cries out to be a McDonald’s. The closest McDonald’s is difficult to get to making the area a fast-food dessert. Having one in that location would provide choices for an otherwise underserved populace in the area!
Talk about charmless. A McDonald’s would be repugnant. The street design and traffic flow barely permit residents to navigate the area, and there’s already no parking. The last thing we need is a restaurant with a drive-thru.
Check out Bodo’s Bagels in Charlottesville for a great idea. Fresh soups, amazing salads and super fresh sandwiches on housemade bagels. Inexpensive (a fresh, cheap lunch!), no drive-through, quick and efficient service and great music. Simple, fresh and tasty, and they’ve been in business for a really long time. http://www.bodosbagels.com
@Melissa
Richmond is desperate for a deli we want to believe Perly’s qualifies. It is nothing close to a traditional Jewish deli–something I would love to see come to the city.
I’d love to see something like Garnett’s Café on the hill. Something simple and casual with great sandwiches and desserts!
Yes, 100 times yes to something like Bodos!!!!
Guys I love this back and forth!!
@ Taylor the space on Mosby and Venable St is being renovated now and we will list it for lease shortly. Let me know if you are interested or know someone who is. We can do really cheap rent there and are flexible on the use and will agree to a 10 year term.
As to the concept on N 23rd I respectfully do not want a chain concept at that location. Small business is where its at especially in Church Hill. So we would have to say no to MacDonalds even though I hear they have amazing chicken nuggets and the best corn syrup in the entire fast food service industry!!
Korean would be amazing! A steak house maybe…Or anything ethnic. I’m still voting Thai…If anyone knows of a business/concept I can approach do share!
We spoke with a local company about doing a taco joint here BUT they took a pass. I’m hoping it will be revisited.
Matt – thank you for your commitment to not opening a horrible chain restaurant at this location. Would love to have Ed of Mamma Zu’s/Edo’s/Dinamo and open something here! We’ve begged him before and I know it’s been on his radar in the past.
A Mexican restaurant would be awesome! Something similar to Bandito’s would be cool
401 Chimborazo Blvd is an excellent location – it has a nice ambiance and vacant lot for an outdoor cafe’. It is 1 block from Chimborazo Park in a safe area that has beautiful old architecture. The property is set up for a restaurant.
Let me know if you’d like details: Susan Haas; Joyner Fine Properties 804-349-5788
@BAF, those fortunate enough to remember the first incarnation of NY Deli in Carytown know exactly of what you speak.
Today’s version: went once, not impressed…
@ Kitty thank you for your kinds words! This is my neighborhood too and I am stoked to be working in and on it!
Do you have contact information for Ed?
@ Susan whats the space leasing for on Chimborazo? And or is it still for sale for $375,000?
@Bryan
I went a few times when I first came to RIchmond in ’96. It was OK. The old Boulevard Deli on Broad near Willow Lawn was more authentic though.
I remember being excited when I saw the sign for Boychick’s in Innsbrook. With a name like that, I thought, it had to be authentic. I walked in, saw the big Boar’s Head sign and walked out. I like Boar’s Head, but it would never be found in a proper Jewish deli. This place is crying for the real deal and, with a census count of 15K Jews, the Richmond region can carry one.
@Matt Jarreau
If you will be the investor, I will make you a killer Jewish deli. Your money and my Matzo Balls. It’s a combination that screams massive wealth for all.
Or not.
@ BAF I’d love to be your Jewish Deli investor BUT I know nothing about those Matzos so will just stick to being the landlord on this one!