The Trendspotter: May 2022
We’re back again with your monthly dose of must-know news, The Trendspotter! This content series features monthly roundups of the newest and hottest businesses (namely, restaurants and bars!) around RVA.
There are more than May flowers blooming this month. Here are just some of our favorite spots popping up all over Richmond recently.
— by Kelsey Heintz, Managing Editor
Afterglow Coffee Cooperative
What it is: Our new fave spot to get a caffeine fix in Scott’s Addition.
Why we love it: Leading up to its official opening at the end of April, Afterglow Coffee Cooperative hosted a few back-alley pop-ups, but we’re so glad we can head there for a cup of Joe any ol’ day now. The new spot lives in the former Summit Ave location of Lamplighter Coffee Roasters and is owned by five previous Lamplighter employees, who saw an opportunity to “try something different” when COVID hit.
Where to find it: 1719 Summit Ave (Scott’s Addition)
Claudia’s Bake Shop
What it is: Carytown’s newest bakery that opened at the very end up April and has been dishing out sweet treats ever since.
Why we love it: Claudia’s Bake Shop owner Claudia Strobing is a mom of four, who would always have a treat at the ready when her kids returned home “from summer camp, college, or even just a weekend trip.” Now she’s excited to bring that taste of nostalgia to RVA. She and her right-hand baker, Hannah Davis, are regularly whipping up challah loaves, croissants, danishes, babka, rugelach, cookies, cinnamon buns, cheesecake, tarts, and — if you can even believe it — more.
Where to find it: 3027 W Cary Street (Carytown)
Island Shrimp Co.
What it is: A Chesterfield Towne Center favorite bringing a taste of paradise to Rocketts Landing.
Why we love it: As big fans of Conch Republic Rocketts, we were sad to see the Key West-inspired restaurant close its doors at the end of last summer. While no one can quite fill that Swamp Bite-sized hole in our hearts, we look forward to welcoming Island Shrimp Co. to its newest location and toasting a Bahama Mama (or two) to the spot’s beautiful view of the James.
Where to find it: 11 Orleans St (Rocketts Landing)
Kitchen Classroom
What it is: A new hands-on cooking school on Broad St.
Why we love it: We’re always excited about a fresh idea for date night or an evening out with the buds, and this is just that; at Kitchen Classroom, you can make your dinner and eat it, too. We also really love concept creator Warren Haskell’s idea behind the new spot: “I want people to learn how to cook and to offer more than an entertainment experience. Cooking is also great for your health and mental well-being, and there’s some loss in those passed-on cooking skills from my grandparents' generation to this generation,” he told Richmond magazine last month.
Where to find it: 9018 W Broad St (Henrico)
K|LA Boutique
What it is: A new, ~very cute~ women’s clothing and accessories boutique setting up shop in Westhampton and hosting its grand opening on Saturday, May 14.
Why we love it: The inventory speaks for itself, and we’re all about having another boutique in the city that keeps us on trend (and in the green — literally — when it comes to our wallets). The shop’s Insta bio says this is the spot to find “your next fav outfit,” and we’re definitely convinced.
Where to find it: 5718 Grove Ave (Westhampton)
Westray’s Finest
What it is: An ice cream shop coming to the Fan on Monday, May 9, and scooping flavors as sweet as Gold Rush — a mouth-watering mix of golden honeycomb candy, dark chocolate swirl, and the spot’s dense sweet-cream base.
Why we love it: Nothing gets us more excited for spring and summer weather than some ice cream and beach-y vibes — and Westray’s Finest gives us both. The colorful spot started serving scoops from its food truck and will now be serving them from an extremely cute-and-sunny storefront.
Where to find it: 214 N Lombardy St (The Fan)
Sharing new trends each month!
Check back the first week of each month for a new edition of The Trendspotter to find out which businesses you need to know about (and check out!) in RVA.
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