Beets, braised meats and yummy treats: Here’s what’s new in RVA

RICHMOND, Va. (WWBT)— Spring has sprung! And so have the newest businesses and restaurants we’re featuring in this month’s What’s New in RVA!

12 On Your Side launched an online monthly feature last year to spotlight new events, businesses, and restaurants in your community.

What’s New in RVA is dedicated to informing you about the latest happenings in the Richmond area. Here, we provide updates on new businesses, restaurants, road changes, upcoming events, and fun activities in the area. We also appreciate your input in helping us stay connected and informed about the latest developments in our community.

In 2025, we can expect several new businesses and restaurants in Central Virginia and the return of beloved events and festivals.

Here’s a look at the new businesses, restaurants, and events near and far to look forward to in May.

Restaurants

• The Beet Box at 2400 Jefferson Ave has opened a second location in Church Hill. This healthy juice and smoothie store is on a mission to create an attainable lifestyle that incorporates healthy and natural consumption. With a wealth of experience in the health, wellness, and hospitality industries, the vibrant juice bar, which opened in 2020, is owned and operated by Ashley Lewis. The Beet Box is dedicated to making authentic and meaningful contributions to the global wellness and cultural landscapes. If you’re in Church Hill, hop on in and grab a smoothie, an acai bowl, a juice cleanse, or even a quick bite to eat.

• Brazen at 2028 W Cary Street is the epitome of comfort food elevated. The restaurant “brazenly” cooks primarily braised dishes, which are cuts of meat cooked slowly over hours, such as short ribs and lamb shanks. The Brazen team works to elevate their food while making it approachable by incorporating fine dining cooking techniques into comfort foods, taking your favorites to the next level. They primarily serve sandwiches, salads, and other assorted entrees. Brazen also offers vegan and vegetarian options, so don’t feel the need to leave out your veg-eating friends at this place.
• Nouveau Provisions, at 3423 W Cary St in Carytown, is an intimate spot for coffee, wine and desserts. At Nouveau Provisions, every sip is a celebration of the moments that matter most, reminding you to cherish the now and toast to the stories yet to come. They serve espresso, wine, and a small menu that includes pizzas, bread boards, and chocolates and cakes for dessert. Nouveau Provisions also offers a wine club experience for those who want a little extra vino in their day-to-day.
• Cosmic Cookies at 2812 West Broad Street operates out of the Richmond Eats ghost kitchen, offering sweet treats for night owls. Legend has it that deep within the Milky Way Crumb Cluster, a rogue black hole collided with an ancient bakery vessel. “What emerged wasn’t a tragedy… but a triumph of taste. Now stationed on Earth (Sector RVA), our mission is simple: Deliver galactically good cookies to lifeforms across this quadrant… and beyond.” Bite into delicious flavors, like Black Hole Bliss (double chocolate with marshmallows), Cosmic Crunch (sea salt caramel) and Orion Oatmeal Raisin until midnight!
• Cookie Chris at 11571 Suite A4 on West Broad Street is the perfect spot for a delightful treat. Starting in Williamsburg and now expanded to RVA, Cookie Chris offers six rotating cookie flavors each week, as well as several different ice cream flavors. Customers can buy cookies in quantities of 4, 6, or 12. They also offer cool beverages, cookie cakes, and the delicious Cookie Chris Sandwich, ice cream between two cookies. Upon arrival, visitors are welcomed by blue and pink decor, accompanied by the tantalizing aroma of freshly baked cookies.

Businesses

📸 Have you been to a new restaurant or business recently? Share a photo with us HERE.

• Nowhere Thrift at 1609 W. Main Street gives goods a second chance. Nowhere Thrift curates a selection of secondhand finds, including clothes, home goods, and jewelry, with a special focus on vintage or rare items. Pop by the storefront or visit Nowhere Thrift at many of the spring markets RVA has to offer. Find out more on their Instagram.

• Hawaii Fluid Art at 1404 N Parham Rd was founded in Hawaii by Maya Ratcliff, an artist with a passion for helping others. Maya began her art career by assisting individuals with brain injuries, using art as a therapeutic tool to unlock their creative potential. Through this journey, she developed a method of fluid art using acrylic paints and a special pouring medium. At Hawaii Fluid Art, everyone can be an artist. Instructors undergo a certified training process that includes color theory, design and fluid art techniques. This ensures that every student, regardless of their skill level, achieves stunning results each pour of the paint.
• Urban Air at 10050 W Broad St, Glen Allen, touts itself as the best year-round indoor amusement park with adventures and fun for the entire family. Take your kids’ birthday party to the next level or spend a day of fun with the family with all kinds of things to do like bumper cars, sky rides, laser tag, rope courses, climbing walls, battle beams, tube play grounds, trampolines and dodgeball.
• Studio One Twenty at 120 W Brookland Park Blvd is an event space in the heart of Richmond’s historic Brookland Park Corridor. It serves as both a private event space and the permanent home for Marble Moon Interior’s design studio and @saltandacidrva’s cocktail catering, bar education and beverage consulting. Studio One Twenty captures the cozy and inviting retro vibes of the ‘60s and ‘70s in today’s modern era. Look no further if you need a space for your next intimate dinner, cocktail party, or any other special occasion.

Future happenings in RVA

Here’s a list of upcoming new businesses, restaurants, or events in Central Virginia.

• Brew Boys Coffee is set to arrive in Fulton Hill next year. B-Boys is a Black/Queer owned coffee joint looking to be your community coffee shop. Fulton Hill is a community rich in Black history and wealth. With that in mind, B-Boys Coffee aims to uplift the neighborhood and support it, rather than overwrite and erase it. The shop plans to showcase products from Black entrepreneurs, offering items like handcrafted goods, art, and specialty items. B-Boys is revolutionizing the concept of a coffee shop, infusing it with the soul and vibrancy of the birth of hip hop, urban culture, and the iconic era of 1970s New York City. They hope to open their doors in March 2026.
• Coalescence Coffee Co., based in Norfolk’s Railroad District, plans to open a café at 23 W. Broad Street in Richmond. Coalescence’s menu features a range of traditional and innovative coffee drinks, like pear spice espresso and tonics, black tahini matcha, and pumpkin lattes, along with some small food and sandwich options. They do not have a set opening date but hope to open their doors soon.

Your photos!

We’d love to see your photos of new restaurants and businesses in your community! Share your photos below, and we may feature them in future “What’s new in RVA?” segments.

On the Road

Whether it’s a new stoplight or a change in traffic pattern, On the Road highlights road projects that impact you and your commute.

• Richmond DPW will be working on a slate of improvements for Hull Street between Hey Road and Warwick Road. Crews will be adding sidewalks, street lighting, and pedestrian crossings. The improvements on this stretch of Hull Street are scheduled to take place over the next two years, with completion expected by spring 2027.
• VDOT closed a section of Route 626 (Elmont Road) between Route 657 (Ashcake Road) and Route 663 (Gwathmey Church Road) for a bridge replacement project over Stony Run Creek. Work is expected to be complete by late August 2025.

🚦 More traffic news

Events

While these may not be new events, we want to help you fill your calendar! Here’s a look at a few events happening in March.

• The Derby Day Party 2025 hosted by PROC Foundation, Inc. Dress in your finest clothing and prepare for a Derby Day Party on Saturday, May 3, at The Cultural Arts Center in Glen Allen. Guests can enjoy delicious food and refreshing adult beverages. Cheer for your favorite horses as you watch the thrilling races on large screens. Join friendly betting pools and try your luck at winning exciting prizes. Whether you’re dancing to live music, enjoying outdoor games, or indulging in a cigar and whiskey, there will be something enjoyable for everyone.
• Richmond African American Book Festival, meet seasoned and emerging authors, explore exhibits, and join book discussions and more on Friday, May 2 - Saturday, May 3 at the Richmond Diversity Center. The goal of the event is to educate, entertain, and impact the Richmond community through African American literature, by shining light on the stories told in their books. This event is free and open to the public.
• Richmond R&B Neo Soul Wine Food & Music Festival, enjoy live music, wine, food and good company at the Chesterfield County Fairgrounds on Saturday, May 3. This is a 21+ event, and guests are welcome to bring chairs, blankets and small snacks.
• Chesterfield Towne Center Carnival lasts until Sunday, May 4. Be sure to join in on the fun with family and friends. From thrilling midway games and rides for all ages to tempting carnival food, this family-friendly event has something for everyone.
• RVA Growers Market, on Saturday, May 3, invites everyone to Legend Brewing Co. for a day filled with fresh produce, local vendors, and community vibes. Support local farmers and artisans while enjoying a fun-filled day out.
• An Evening with Jon Stewart is kicking off at the Altria Theater on Saturday, May 3. Guests will experience an exclusive comedy show in a phone-free environment. If you’re seeking a break from screens and want to savor the moment, seize this opportunity for fantastic phone-free entertainment. Upon arrival, guests must place their cell phones in Yondr pouches, which will be unlocked at the end of the event. Guests may keep their phones. However, access will be limited to designated phone use areas within the venue. Before returning to the main event space, all phones must again be secured in Yondr pouches.
• The Temptations & The Four Tops are taking the big stage at the Altria Theater on Wednesday May, 7 with their smooth dance moves and popular tracks like “My Girl,” “Just My Imagination (Running Away with Me),” “Can’t Help Myself ” “Baby I Need Your Loving,” and others. Both sensational groups, known for their chart-topping records, have united to deliver a performance you won’t forget!
• CHICAGO The Musical is performing at the Altria Theater on Friday, May 9, - Sunday, May 11. As part of the 2025 Broadway in Richmond Series, Chicago will take the stage as Broadway’s longest-running musical. This iconic show features a universal tale of fame, fortune, and all that jazz, presenting one showstopping song after another and displaying the most incredible dancing you’ve ever seen.
• Loving v. Virginia will debut at the Carpenter Theatre from Friday, May 9, to Sunday, May 11. Attendees can enjoy the Richmond Symphony and Virginia Opera as they showcase the eagerly awaited world premiere of Loving v. Virginia. The story follows a young couple’s interracial marriage in 1958, which leads to a Supreme Court case and a landmark victory for civil rights in the United States. This opera retells the true story of Mildred and Richard Loving.
• Lights Up! Grande Finale 2025 is happening on Saturday, May 10, at the Dominion Energy Center. The event offers a Free day of workshops and performances for young people of all ages. Families can check in starting at 9 a.m., allowing them to “choose their own arts adventure” throughout the day. All activities will take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Gold Ford Live! in the Gallery will perform on May 15th at 11:30 a.m. at the Martin Agency Gallery, One Shockoe Plaza, in celebration of Mental Health Month. The Mix At Martin is excited to present a mindful, healing moment in music with Primary Wave’s sultry yet soulful pop singer-songwriter, GoldFord.
• Jerry Seinfeld, famous for his remarkable talent to find humor in life’s small details relatable to audiences everywhere, will be performing at the Altria Theater on Thursday, May 15. Fans can look forward to seeing him live as he delivers his iconic stand-up routine.
• Dominion Energy Riverrock from Friday, May 16 - Sunday, May 18, join Richmond’s premier outdoor sports and music festival. Highlighted by the James River, participants can enjoy numerous events, including trail running, bike riding, fishing, paddling on the James, and more. The event will feature several food vendors on-site, with live performances by local musical artists.
• Dominion Energy Riverrock from Friday, May 16 - Sunday, May 18, join Richmond’s premier outdoor sports and music festival. Highlighted by the James River, participants can enjoy numerous events, including trail running, bike riding, fishing, paddling on the James, and more. The event will feature several food vendors on-site, with live performances by local musical artists.
• Symphonie Fantastique, A spectacular showpiece, will take place at the Carpenter Theater on Saturday, May 17, and Sunday, May 18. Guest conductor Michael Repper will lead the performance of “Symphonie Fantastique,” Hector Berlioz’s vivid masterpiece. The concert opens with a thunderous tympani introduction in Antropolis by Gabriela Ortiz. Her pulsating rhythms capture the allure of a smoky café in Mexico City. The Richmond Symphony Chorus also performs Borodin’s “Polovtsian Dances,” which includes the familiar melody from “Stranger in Paradise. ”
• Richmond Symphony Youth Orchestra & Percussion Ensemble, Join the final performance of the Richmond Symphony Youth Orchestra Program this season at the Carpenter Theatre on Sunday, May 18. Guests will experience Tchaikovsky’s magnificent Symphony No. 5, and the concert will also showcase violist Joe Legutko, the winner of the 2024–2025 Richmond Symphony Youth Orchestra Concerto Competition, along with RSYO’s harpist, Sylvie Dow. The event is free and open to the public.
• Richmond Symphony Youth Orchestra Program, On Monday, May 19, more than 100 young musicians will grace the stage at Carpenter Theatre for a Spring concert featuring the String Sinfonietta, Camerata Strings, and Youth Concert Orchestra. Orchestral talents, aged 8 to 18, will showcase the culmination of their efforts over the past year. Additionally, Camerata Strings will debut a special world-premiere commission by Damien Geter, the Composer-in-Residence with the Richmond Symphony. The concert is free and will be conducted by Matt Wilson, Melissa Jones, and Dr. Sandy Goldie.
• Play Ball! If you’re a baseball lover, you won’t want to miss this concert celebrating the spirit of America’s favorite pastime. Presented by the Richmond Symphony on Saturday, May 31 at the Carpenter Theatre, this concert honors classic pieces that will have you cheering. Enjoy the dramatic story of Casey at the Bat, the uplifting score of Field of Dreams, and the ever-popular sing-along, Take Me Out to the Ball Game. It’s a grand slam concert suitable for all ages, conducted by Hae Lee.
• Savor The Taste of Virginia, Indulge in a variety of local dishes, drinks, and desserts while enjoying live music and entertainment on Saturday, May 31, at Diversity Thrift. This culinary experience is the perfect opportunity to explore the diverse and unique tastes of our beautiful state.
• 2nd Annual Chesterfield Outdoor Fest is a family-friendly event showcasing a variety of outdoor activities you can experience throughout the county. Located at the Chesterfield County Fairgrounds (10300 Courthouse Road), this free event is fun for all ages and is designed to showcase the endless outdoor opportunities on Saturday, May 31.

📅 Check out more events >

Worth the Drive

Looking for a quick road trip? Check out these events that may be worth the drive to check out:

• Powhatan and Goochland Counties Farmers Market - Powhatan and Goochland counties are joining forces to launch farmers’ markets aimed at supporting the local farming community. Each market offers something different, including farm-fresh seasonal produce, grass-fed poultry, beef, pork, and lamb, fruits and berries, honey, baked goods, and much more. Visitors can also enjoy the beautiful grounds while enjoying weekly food trucks and live music.
• World Ballet Company: The Great Gatsby - On Thursday, May 1, step into the Roaring Twenties with the World Ballet Company at the Paramount Theater in Charlottesville. Experience the glitz, glamor, and tragic romance of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s timeless novel LIVE on stage, showcasing a multinational cast of 40 professional ballet dancers, an all-star creative team, exquisite hand-crafted costumes, and lavish, groundbreaking sets. The original score captures the energy and atmosphere of the 1920s.

• 37th annual Virginia Wine and Craft Festival - On Saturday, May 17, indulge in wines, meads, and ciders from Virginia at the Virginia Wine & Craft Festival. This event promises an unforgettable journey through the region’s finest beverages and crafts. From handcrafted jewelry to bespoke ceramics, discover treasures that reflect your style. Food will include tantalizing options such as crab cake sandwiches, shish kebabs, and more.
• The Commodores Concert - Enjoy one of the greatest Motown and R&B / funk artists of all time at Busch Gardens on Saturday, May 17. The Commodores have influenced artists both young and old, and across all genres, with their classic songs like “Easy,” “Three Times a Lady,” and Nightshift.” One of the most successful vocal groups of all time, The Commodores, continues to thrill audiences with their Greatest Hits Tour Live! Enjoy one of the greatest Motown and R&B/funk artists of all time at Busch Gardens. The Commodores have influenced both young and old artists across all genres with their classic songs like “Easy,” “Three Times a Lady,” and “Nightshift.” As one of the most successful vocal groups of all time, The Commodores continue to thrill audiences with their “Greatest Hits Tour Live!”

Fun things to do

Got a day off but nothing to do? If you’re seeking a new adventure, here’s a list of new experiences in the area:

• Valentine Museum, Explore Richmond’s History at the Valentine’s Museum. The museum is offering expert-led tours to help both visitors and locals explore significant historical sites, uncover hidden neighborhoods, and connect with the diverse stories that define Richmond and its community.
• Friday Cheers is back, celebrating 40 years as Richmond’s longest-running concert series. Beginning on Friday, May 2, Richmonders are invited to Browns Island weekly throughout May and June for an exciting lineup you won’t want to miss. Presented by Hardywood Park Craft Brewery and produced by Venture Richmond Events, the concert series showcases some of the nation’s hottest touring bands and emerging headliners you may not have heard of yet.
• RVA Explore Tours, Explore everything Richmond has to offer with a custom tour designed for groups based on their interests. Tour guides provide riders with entertainment and interactive activities during stops on a comfortable and safe bus. Guests can feel relieved knowing they will enjoy quality time with family and friends while the bus driver and tour guide ensure they reach their destinations safely and with enjoyment.
• Riverfront Canal Cruises, located at the Canal’s Turning Basin, 139 Virginia Street, Riverfront Canal Cruises is beginning its 25th season of historic tours and private charters. The boats, which can carry up to 25 passengers, are designed to be accessible for individuals with physical disabilities. These 40-minute excursions will navigate through the historic James River and Kanawha Canal, showcasing Downtown Richmond’s Canal Walk while recounting stories from the city’s history, including the era of Powhatan’s Chiefdom and the introduction of the world’s first commercially successful electric streetcar.

• Padel Plant, located at 1201 Haxall Point in Richmond, is a brand new interactive space where you can challenge your friends to a game of Padel, pickleball, or tennis, enjoy some food, play arcade games and more. The location features several padel courts, a co-working area, a lounge, a café, a pizza shop, a bar, and more. Rackets and balls are available for borrowing, renting, or purchase. They also organize social events weekly, providing excellent opportunities to meet new friends at your skill level. Even if you’re unfamiliar with Padel, you can still join the fun at the arcade opening this spring!
• Pelagos VR, located at Regency Square Mall, 1404 N. Parham Road, Richmond, is a virtual reality recreation center that sets itself apart from the virtual reality experiences you may have had at home or in other locations. Each VR experience focuses on a different aspect of adventure. For those who want to watch and perhaps enjoy a snack or two, Pelagos offers a wide variety of food and beverage options, along with ample seating choices for spectators.
• Hotel Greene at 508 East Franklin Street
in Downtown Richmond offers a new, unique take on Mini Golf. The hotel-inspired mini golf course features a lobby bar that serves sharable plates, sandwiches, snacks, and desserts, along with fresh cocktails, beer, and wine. They also offer a weekend brunch and an enticing holiday drink menu. During the Christmas season, the venue transforms into a European ski lodge.
• Talor Farms Park at 200 Whiteside Rd in Henrico. This new park offers amenities, including a fully accessible water park, zip lines, a rope climbing station, a 17,000-square-foot skate park and a BMX dirt skills course that the county hopes will eventually attract more sports tourism. A memorial also honors public safety workers and military service members.
• Retro Boat Rentals RVA at 4708 Old Main Street in Rocketts Landing. Enjoy some time in a vintage boat; no captain’s license or boating experience is required. Up to four guests per boat are welcome to bring food and drinks for a 1.5-hour-long ride on the James River. This new adventure is perfect for a unique date night, birthday celebration, or quick getaway on the water.
• Safe Surf RVA at 9530 Osborne Turnpike in Richmond. Learn to surf at your own pace! Safe Surf RVA offers wake surfing lessons and outings for riding waves behind a motorboat. Wake surfing, unlike wakeboarding, is a lower-speed activity where you pull yourself into position, drop the rope and surf the wake hands-free. Instructors will be on-site to teach you everything you need to know, and no equipment is required.
• RVA Hot Wheelz at 3107 Old Hillard Rd in Richmond. Explore RVA in style with a Polaris Slingshot rental. Guests can book rentals for up to 24 hours, and if you have no experience driving a slingshot, each rental comes with step-by-step instructions on how to operate it safely. Drivers must be 21 or older, and insurance is required.
• RVA Boat Excursion at 9530 Osborne Turnpike in Richmond. Experience the excitement of being on the water in a boat or a Jet Ski. RVA Boat Excursions offers up to 4-hour long boating experiences for up to 8 guests. Jet Ski Rentals are also available for up to 2 hours 7 days a week from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m.
• Paddle Club RVA, at 4708 Old Main Street in Richmond. Enjoy the water with friends and/or family, doing an activity everyone can enjoy. Paddle Club RVA offers cruises on the James River, where passengers can enjoy the ambiance of nearby bike trails, recreational boaters, paddlers and stunning views of the Richmond skyline. Each cruise can accommodate up to 20 passengers, making it the perfect adventure for a group.
• NASCAR Racing Experience at Richmond International Raceway, 600 E Laburnum Ave. If you have a need for speed, this is your chance to drive a NASCAR race car solo for up to 48 minutes. With no lead car to follow and no instructor, you’ll receive personalized instruction from a spotter over in-car radio. Drivers can also take advantage of brief pit stops every 8 minutes of track time before returning to the track to master driving at faster speeds.
• Peak Experiences at 1375 Overbrook Rd in Richmond. Explore the art of mountain climbing with experienced trainers at Peak Experiences. Climbers of all skill levels are invited to attempt over 125 top-rope routes, lead climbing, and bouldering. The climbing wall is regularly updated to provide new challenges and motivate climbers. There are two locations: one in Richmond, on Overbrook Road, and one in Midlothian, on Polo Circle.
• Richmond Fencing Club at 3411 1/2 Carlton St in Richmond. Richmond Fencing Club has been in existence since the 1960s. Whether you’re a beginner or a competitive fencer, RFC offers class options to fit all skill levels.
• Balloons Over Virginia at 9988 #8 Lickinghole Rd in Ashland. Fly high year-round with Hot Air Balloon Flights or Tethered Hot Air Balloon Rides. This adventure is perfect for weddings, receptions, engagements, birthday parties, company retirements, memorial flights and other special events.
• Richmond Urban Dance at 900 Catherine St in Richmond. Richmond Urban Dance is a dance company specializing in street-style dance and is open to individuals of all ages and skill levels.

How’s the Weather?

If you’re looking for the latest forecast and headlines in Richmond, download the 12 On Your Side and First Alert Weather App.

You can find the app in the Apple Store and on Google Play.

The 12 On Your Side First Alert Weather app features updated daily video forecasts, an hour-by-hour forecast, severe weather alerts, and more.

Send us suggestions!

Copyright 2024 WWBT. All rights reserved.