Ed 362: Micro-Wedding Venue, Commonwealth Cafe, Cheese Industry Standouts
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Hi again!
Things are HOT out there, huh? 🥵 I’ve been doing my best to get out for some fresh air this week, but when Richmond is hitting numbers that “feel like 115°,” it gets tricky. As always, make sure you’re drinking plenty of water, taking advantage of the area’s pools and splash pads, and/or kicking your feet up in the AC when it’s getting to be too much. We should be seeing cooler temps (lol) by this time next week (lolll).
Keep scrolling for RVA’s latest social news, including Brenner Pass updates, a youth-focused volunteer program, Top 40 Under 40 noms, and more.
PODCAST
WEATHER
Wednesday: Partly sunny; high of 97°, low of 79°
Thursday: Partly sunny; high of 93°, low of 76°
Friday: Rain possible; high of 90°, low of 74°
HAPPENINGS
Wednesday, 6 - 8 pm: RVAX BOOK CLUB: THE PAPER PALACE
Thursday, 7 - 9 pm: VIRGINIA IVY VS VIRGINIA BEACH UNITED
Friday, 5 - 8 pm: ASHLAND FOURTH FRIDAYS
CITY GUIDES
1. THE ULTIMATE RVA RESTAURANT GUIDE
Image Source: Rand Properties
RICHMONDER TO KNOW
Remington Rand: He’s a longtime Richmonder and real estate entrepreneur, who you might recognize from Rand Properties and who just launched Propified, a new AI-powered Proptech platform developed to streamline real estate listing creation. Designed by Remington based on personal industry experience, it helps agents write detailed descriptions, auto-fill MLS data, and save time. By reducing errors, speeding up the listing process, and attracting more serious buyers, Propified offers a smarter, local solution for real estate professionals.
THE LATEST:
Image Source: @kelseyheintzistyping
Image Source: Brenner Pass
Image Source: Richmond Animal League
Image Source: Lucky in Love
SOCIAL NEWS
In honor of a Richmond icon, the Virginia Museum of History & Culture has partnered with Stella’s Grocery to open the Commonwealth Cafe, a tribute to the late Stella Dikos and her lasting influence on Richmond’s culinary scene. This collab highlights Stella’s legacy, from introducing Greek cuisine at the Village Café in the 1950s to founding classic restaurant Stella’s and expanding to several gourmet markets. Her story will also be featured in VMHC’s We the People exhibition, highlighting the impact of immigrant communities in shaping Virginia. The new cafe offers visitors a taste of Stella’s hospitality and heritage, blending food with history and community. (Press Release)
More sea-salt bagels for us! Seven years after launching in The Fan, Nate’s Bagels has expanded with a new location in Scott’s Addition (and a production facility underway in Henrico). Known for its New York-style bagels, Nate’s began as a pop-up before opening its first shop in 2018. The new Scott’s Addition store features an expanded menu —including espresso drinks and pizza bagels — and is open daily. Meanwhile, a 6,400-square-foot commissary kitchen in Henrico will boost production capacity to support future growth. Nate’s aims to explore additional retail, catering, and pickup options, too. (Richmond BizSense)
How to get the kiddos into volunteering this summer: Richmond Animal League has started The Dog (and Cat) Days of Summer, a free, youth-focused volunteer program for kids, ages 6 – 14, and their families. Running through August 31, the program encourages Richmond’s youngest residents to support homeless animals in the area through fun, self-paced activities like reading to pets, making toys, hosting donation drives, and more. Participants receive a downloadable activity packet with ideas, recipes, a progress tracker, and a reward upon completion. The initiative aims to foster compassion, creativity, and community engagement among young animal lovers throughout the summer. (Press Release)
Get your European dining fix ASAP. After serving delish food and drink for eight memorable years, Brenner Pass announced it will be closing in its current set-up. The restaurant, cherished for hosting countless special moments — from first dates to family gatherings — expressed on Insta deep gratitude for the support and love from its community. Though the space will temporarily close in September, it marks the start of a new chapter. A refreshed culinary concept is in the works, inspired by the team’s evolving passions and the lessons learned from their guests. The final day of service will be August 30. Meanwhile, Black Lodge will remain open throughout, continuing to serve as a local go-to. (Instagram)
Grate news for a Richmond great: Each year, Culture magazine compiles a Hot List recognizing 20 standout individuals in the cheese industry. Chosen from hundreds of community nominations, these mongers, makers, and more are celebrated for their dedication and impact on the field, honoring their achievements while inspiring the next gen to pursue and grow in cheese careers. This year’s list features Joshua James Franklin of Cobra Burger and Lucio fame. The seasoned cheesemonger has over a decade of experience and holds an American Cheese Society Certified Cheese Professional credential, having developed or run cheese programs at Stock Provisions, Belmont Butchery, and then some. (Culture)
Who’s altaring the precendent? Lucky in Love Chapel! The new micro-wedding venue downtown offers intimate, affordable ceremonies in a retro-inspired space filled with reds, pinks, and vintage charm. Owned by officiants Tia Ballard, Kasie Murphy, and Savannah Manzie, the venue serves couples seeking a fun, personalized alternative to traditional weddings. With packages starting at $250 and options like Virginia is for Elopers and “The Jackpot,” the chapel accommodates up to 20 guests and includes unique touches like disco ball dances, Polaroids, and lollipops. Embracing inclusivity and creativity, the spot reflects a growing trend toward nontraditional, budget-friendly weddings. (WRIC)
For your August planning purposes: Richmond Jazz and Music Festival returns August 8 through 10, featuring a dynamic lineup of jazz, soul, and R&B artists including T.I., Jodeci, Muni Long, Masego, Ceelo Green, Aloe Blacc, and more. Produced by JMI, the festival has grown since 2010 into one of the East Coast’s top music festivals, known for its vibrant atmosphere and cultural celebration. Also happening that weekend, JamPacked Craft Beer & Music Festival returns on August 9 and will feature a monster line-up of must-try breweries plus music from Lotus, Moon Taxi, Spafford, TAUK and Kanika Moore, and Kendall Street Company. Reminder that we were introduced to Volcano Sauce at this fest a couple years back, and we still feel the need to bring it up whenever we can. (Press Release, JamPacked Craft Beer & Music Festival)
MORE LINKS YOU’LL WANT TO CLICK
📝Style Weekly has officially opened nominations for its annual Top 40 Under 40 feature, which recognizes local folks who exemplify vision, leadership, community service, and dedication to improving the city. Nominees should have demonstrated these qualities within the past year. The last day to submit your choice(s) for the Class of 2025 is July 31. (Style Weekly)
🥳Ruby Scoops and Cheddar Jackson are each celebrating anniversaries this month. The sweet spot for small-batch, handcrafted ice cream, sorbet, and dessert turned 10; meanwhile, Jackson Ward’s cheesy panini studio turned 5. (Instagram, Instagram)
Image Source: @ciabattespugnose via Unsplash
Weekly Giveaway
EFM Waxing
Temps are at an all-time HIGH rn, and who wants to be sweating through unwanted hair at a time like this? EFM Waxing provides a clean, comfortable environment for your wax sesh, whether you’re in need of a Brazilian wax, facial wax, bikini wax, or all that and more.
This week, we’re teaming up with the hair removal service to give away a free wax of your choice! (Note: This excludes a full leg wax.)
To enter, tell us: What movie was considered to be the first summer blockbuster?
Last week: Congratulations to last edition’s winner, Bridgit K., for winning the Gelati Celesti giveaway!
Image Source: EFM Waxing
Member Perks
EFM Waxing
Too excited to wait for the giveaway winner reveal? We’ve got a perk for that 🎉
As a member of The Richmond Experience, you get 50% off your first wax (excluding a full leg wax) when you mention The Richmond Experience at booking!
New + Trending from RVAx
SAVE THE DATE
👋
Hey, new members!
We’d like to welcome 13 new members this week: Shania J., Jane R., Stephen F., TaShauna R., Brett B., Tim R., Lyndel S., Samantha S., Meredith F., Bridgit K., Gayle O., Molly G., and Ashton N., 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 362 of The Weekly Insider.
Bye again!
- The Richmond Experience
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