The Trendspotter: September 2023
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.
Treat yourself this month, Richmonders! There’s a homemade spin on a favorite childhood cookie, an opp to create your very own pizza, and more.
— by Alie McArdle, Contributing Writer
Honey Baked Bee
What it is: A gothic, full-service bakery with an ode to Halloween.
Why we love it: Inspired by the eerie themes and ambiance of spooky season, Honey Baked Bee is your local goth bakery with treats and delights of all kinds. With an emphasis on quality, you’ll find oversized cinnamon rolls, cookies, buttercream “doughnuts,” and more. Its name comes from the infusion of honey in almost every recipe, a nod to the sweet and sugary taste that results.
Where to find it: 2824 E Broad St (Church Hill)
OMG OCPS
What it is: A new bakery in Shockoe Bottom focused on homemade oatmeal cream pies.
Why we love it: Sweet-tooth Richmonders, rejoice! OMG OCPS is the newest kid on the block to hit the Shockoe Bottom scene in the former Cafe Beignet storefront. Unlike other bakeries that feature a host of different baked goods and pastries, OMG OCPS is solely focused on crafting different variations of this sweet and creamy treat.
Stop by the biz later on this month and try out some of their specialty cookie flavors, like chocolate peanut butter, or their seasonal pumpkin spice.
Where to find it: 3 N 17th S (Shockoe Bottom)
Gramophone
What it is: RVA’s newest spot for your favorite classy libation: wine.
Why we love it: Settle in and sip at Gramophone, a cozy and intimate winery nestled in the quaint neighborhood of Forest Hill. Their menu is home to a specially curated list of wines like chardonnay and malbec along with their frozen companion, frose.
Where to find it: 4827 Forest Hill Ave (Forest Hill)
Smashed RVA
What it is: A new burger spot specializing in the latest burger trend, smash burgers.
Why we love it: Smashed RVA finally has its very own brick-and-mortar, serving up smash burgers just how you’d expect them — juicy and flavorful. You’ll find standard burger concoctions with the classic LTO and mayo, along with more adventurous smash burger combos featuring BBQ and bacon. Swore off meat? No sweat! They offer vegan options like their Beyond Smash Burger and Beyond Chopped Cheese.
Where to find it: 1600 Brook Rd (Northside)
Make or Made
What it is: A boutique gift shop and maker space providing small-business creators dedicated space and materials to run their shops.
Why we love it: Richmond is home to a myriad of makers and creators. When you have this many creatives, there’s always a need for space and supplies. Make or Made is the solution to small-biz problems when needing a dedicated workspace and access to certain equipment or a steady influx of materials. They also sell handmade items perfect for gifting or decorating!
Where to find it: 2100 W Cary St Apt 101 (The Fan)
Global Fusion
What it is: An internationally themed spot, offering plates from around the world with flair.
Why we love it: Cultivating a sense of humanity through globally inspired dishes available right here in RVA is Global Fusion’s guiding principle. With tried and true eats like a classic tomato caprese; adventurous takes on an American classic, the hot dog; and a Vietnamese fav, the saigon sandwich, there’s not much left to be desired when dining here — they have everything!
Couple their delicious menu with their top-notch service and you have the formula required for a great dining experience in Richmond.
Where to find it: 1825 W Main St (The Fan)
Reviresco Coffee Co.
What it is: A micro-coffee café roastery serving small-batch roasted coffee blends.
Why we love it: Richmond boasts its share of beloved coffee shops, but the city is always poised to offer just one more — and most recently, Reviresco Coffee Co is it. With their small-batch roasted coffee blends and friendly baristas, we won’t be surprised if this cafe becomes a regular stop for your morning cup of Joe.
Where to find it: 710 Lafayette St (Malvern Gardens)
Bottoms Up Pizza Contest
What it is: A contest for fans of Bottoms Up to get their unique pizza creation added to the menu for a limited time.
Why we love it: Have you ever wanted your own menu item at a legendary pizza shop? Well, with Bottoms Up’s contest, you can! Later this month, they’re launching a contest on social media where a lucky winner will add their pizza to the menu for a limited time. The contest is simple — once they announce the contest is live, include your variation per the rules. The top three pizza combos will be taken to a vote where the winning pie will be added to the menu.
Where to find it: 1700 Dock St (Shockoe Bottom)
Stay up to date about the contest on social media.
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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