The Trendspotter: May 2024
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, bars, and then some!) around RVA.
Buckle up, kids. We’ve got quite a May-jor lineup of new spots to check out this month.
— by Alie McArdle, Contributing Writer (and the brains behind This Little Life. Follow her work @thislittle_lifeblog!)
Yummvees
What it is: A vegan take-out and delivery spot, operating out of ChefSuite.
Why we love it: Vegans, rejoice: Yummvees is back, baby! After closing its doors last year, Yummvees owner Tracy Flitcraft has made good on her promise to one day return. The spot now has a new, more convenient location, where you’ll find all the classics you once knew and loved, like chkn parm, reuben sandos, fried chkn, and burgers — all 100% vegan.
Where to find it: 4711 W Broad St (Willow Lawn)
KavaClub
What it is: Richmond’s first KavaClub.
Why we love it: After much anticipation and a year-long battle with the health department, KavaClub can finally serve kava! The drink has taken metropolitan cities by storm over the last decade. It’s a non-alcoholic beverage prepared from the kava plant's root and known for its calming effects, which reportedly greatly helping people with social anxiety.
The spot features designated workspaces, free Wi-Fi, games, a pool table, darts, and other entertainment to enjoy while guests sip kava. It’s the perfect hangout for sober fun.
Where to find it: 1529 W Main St (The Fan)
Nina’s
What it is: A place for fine dining on Monday evenings.
Why we love it: Stanley’s hoagie spot turns toward an elevated experience at the beginning of the week, under that concept name Nina’s. While they’re serving up more upscale cuisine, you don’t necessarily need to dress the part. As they put it, “Dress to impress — actually, just kidding; you can wear whatever, it’s casual.” But don’t let that stop you from wearing a fabulous outfit for your night out on the town (because life’s too short to follow all the rules). Stop by and try something like the PEI mussels coupled with a bottle of white wine or a signature cocktail.
Where to find it: 2601 Park Ave (The Fan)
Gearharts Fine Chocolates
What it is: A new bakery and cafe with an emphasis on chocolate.
Why we love it: Need to satisfy a sweet-tooth craving? Stop by Gearharts — stat! They've got all sorts of goodies, like cookies, cupcakes, and brownies. And if you're feeling especially fancy, they offer buttermilk chocolate cake and flour-less torte.
It’s not quite all about the sweet eats, though. You can grab a latte, cappuccino, or espresso there, too, along with some killer hot chocolate.
Where to find it: 11331 W Broad St (West End)
Scenthound
What it is: The Ritz-Carlton of dog grooming spas.
Why we love it: Scenthound prides itself on providing fully customizable grooming services focused on total wellness for your dog. Each service includes a six-point wellness check designed to keep the pulse on your pup’s health each time he or she visits. The spa even offers memberships, so you can keep your furry friend’s grooming schedule on the regular while saving a few dollars in the process.
Where to find it: 10921 W Broad St Ste B (Short Pump)
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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