Ed 358: Jack's Mannequin Tix, RVA Dating Scene, Brunch Plans
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Hi!
Well, we’re about halfway through the year, so I… guess we’re due for another water crisis…? As of about 9 pm Tuesday night, the City of Richmond reported here that its team is still working on getting Richmond’s H2O situation back under control. In the meantime, since you’re of course registered to vote (right??), now seems as good a time as any to remind you Virginia’s Primary Election happens Tuesday, June 17. Otherwise 👇
Keep scrolling for RVA’s latest social news, including reducing food waste, another new (!!) independent bookstore, Richmond Shakespeare Festival happenings, and more.
PODCAST
WEATHER
Wednesday: Rainy; high of 66°, low of 62°
Thursday: Thunderstorms in the aft; high of 77°, low of 62°
Friday: Partly cloudy; high of 82°, low of 62°
HAPPENINGS
Wednesday, 6:35 - 9:30 pm: RICHMOND FLYING SQUIRRELS VS HARRISBURG SENATORS
Thursday, 4 - 7 pm: KITTEN CUDDLE WITH RICHARDSON RESCUE
Friday, 11 am - 10 pm: RICHMOND GREEK FESTIVAL
CITY GUIDES
1. YOUR SUMMER 2025 BUCKET LIST
2. 8 WAYS TO SPEND THE DAY ON THE JAMES, FROM RELAXING TO THRILL-SEEKING
Image Source: Trying to Date RVA
RICHMONDER TO KNOW
Trying to Date RVA: ICYDK, Trying to Adult RVA — a social group for Richmonders in their 20s or 30s who want to make some new friends — has branched out with a new affiliate group, Trying to Date RVA. If you’re on the dating scene and looking for a low-presh way to meet other singles, this could be the set-up for you. The group hosts engaging events, group activities, and unique dating experiences — without the awkward small talk. Follow along here for info on upcoming happenings.
THE LATEST:
Image Source: Buc-ee’s
Image Source: Keffiyeh Cafe
Image Source: @briansbooks.richmond
Image Source: Still Life Ceramics Studio
SOCIAL NEWS
How to reduce food waste *and* learn about a new place: Global mobile app Too Good To Go has launched in Richmond, collabing with about 50 local food spots to mitigate food waste. The app allows customers to purchase “surprise bags” of surplus food — items that are still good but nearing the end of their shelf life — at about a third of the regular cost, and its users reserve these bags through the app and pick them up in-store. Providing such a sustainable solution benefits both the environment and the local economy, as Too Good To Go *also* introduces folks to new-to-them local businesses. And def keep your eyes peeled — Cameo Cakery & Cafe joined the program and offered a six-inch cake as its first surprise bag when a customer ghosted an order. (WTVR)
Book talk: This Thursday, May 29, Fountain Bookstore is hosting JABBIES featuring Michael Reynolds of Europa Editions. Michael Reynolds, the Editor-in-Chief of Europa Editions, will chat about his publishing journey, Europa's 20th anniversary, fave Europa titles, and more. The event aims to provide insights into the world of literary publishing and the importance of cultural exchange through lit. Tix are on a sliding scale, and folks should RSVP here due to limited seating. (Fountain Bookstore)
On the importance of preserving history: The Granite Schoolhouse, a small, red-trimmed white building hidden behind Richmond’s Fire Station #24, is the last remaining historical structure of the African American Granite community, whose members helped build infrastructure in cities like Richmond and DC. Originally a school for nearly 50 years, the building later served as a community center and gathering space. It has been named one of Preservation Virginia’s 2025 Most Endangered Sites, along with others representing African American history, such as Indian Knob School and the Goochland Recreational Center, and it highlights disappearing African American history. Local groups hope to restore these spaces, emphasizing their cultural and historical importance. (Style Weekly)
We’re thrilled about this next chapter: Founder of the comics and manga fanzine Bubbles, Brian Baynes, is opening used bookstore Brian’s Books in Church Hill in June. The 360-square-foot shop will offer vintage and used books, magazines, collectible books, and new independently published books and zines. In preparation for its grand opening, Brian has sourced inventory from thrift stores, personal collections, and the now-closed Azalea Flea Market. The bookstore aims to provide a curated selection of fiction, nonfiction, comics, and zines on topics like music and skateboarding, and Brian plans to operate the store Fridays through Sundays from 11 am to 6 pm. (Richmond BizSense)
Leave it to (the) beaver: Virginia's first Buc-ee's store is set to open at the very end of June, a couple hours down the road, off I-81 at Exit 240. This location will feature 120 gas pumps and a 74,000-square-foot retail space offering a variety of food items, beverages, snacks, jerky, clean restrooms, and merch. Plans are also underway for additional Buc-ee's locations in Virginia, including another site nearer to Richmond. (The Burn, Instagram)
Following the sound to healing: Musician Andrew Georgieff struggled to find a recovery space that resonated with him until he found Riffs & Recovery, a support group for people in the music scene dealing with substance abuse. Founded by Aspen DeRosa and Matt Wild, the group offers weekly discussion-based meetings and sober social activities, creating a community where creatives can support each other. Many, like Andrew, found it easier to stay sober in a familiar, understanding environment. The group typically hosts meetings on Mondays at 1 pm, and as it approaches its one-year anniversary, it will host events at Gallery5 in July. (Style Weekly)
ICYMI, Zack Mahfouz, who opened a fast-casual North Chesterfield restaurant specializing in shawarma, Basically Halal, has added to his portfolio with Keffiyeh Cafe. The dessert and coffee shop sits next door to its sister spot and near longtime halal grocer Petra Halal Food, owned by Zack’s family friend Ahmed Habahbeh. Emphasizing cultural authenticity and Palestinian pride in his work, at Keffiyeh Cafe, Zack serves specialty lattes and Middle Eastern sweet treats, including milk cakes and the viral Dubai Strawberry, and he plans to add kunafa to the menu. (Richmond magazine)
MORE LINKS YOU’LL WANT TO CLICK
🏺Still Life Ceramics Studio has opened a space in Richmond. (Instagram)
🍪Janet’s Cafe & Bakery is coming to Forest Hill ASAP and just posted a status update. (Instagram)
🎭The 26th Annual Richmond Shakespeare Festival kicked off last week and runs through July. (Richmond Shakespeare)
🍅Summer Supper Somm is back again this summer, starting at the end of June. (Instagram)
Image Source: Adam Kliebenstein for The National
Weekly Giveaway
Jack’s Mannequin at The National
Attn, your 2000s nostalgia: The night of June 12 is about to be 🎶the perfect shade of dark blue, dark blue🎶
This week, we're teaming up with The National to give away two pairs of tickets to the Jack’s Mannequin show happening on Thursday, June 12, at 8 pm. 🎶We’ll wait, we’ll wait🎶
To enter: Just email us here!
Last week: Congratulations to last edition’s winner, Tammy G., for winning The Hill Café giveaway!
Image Source: Pecos & The Rooftops
Member Perks
The National & VACU Live!
If you’re looking for more shows where that came from, we’ve got a perk for that 🥳
As a member of The Richmond Experience, you get discounted tix to shows at the The National and VACU Live! Use the link here and score your seat at Pecos & The Rooftops in June.
New + Trending from RVAx
SAVE THE DATE
👋
Hey, new members!
We’d like to welcome 18 new members this week: Sarah K., Aary N., James B., Zachary B., Grace O., Ben C., Taylor N., William C., Asia H., Debbie I., Laura F., Lisa E., Jalen B., Thomas L., Andrea D., Kristen K., Justin A., and Gabriella L., we’re so glad you’re here!
It takes a village, so let us know if you have any questions, thoughts, feedback, tips, or recs! Thanks for reading edition 358 of The Weekly Insider.
Bye!
- The Richmond Experience
Thank you to Laura Lee’s for powering this edition of The Weekly Insider from The Richmond Experience!
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