Croisookies, cafés and calesthenics: 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.

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

Restaurants

• Ugly Dumpling at 1601 Willow Lawn Dr #840 in Richmond is a national chain that is notorious for its Xiao Long Bao or soup dumplings, literally meaning “small basket buns,” which is a type of steamed bun, also known as soup dumplings. These bite-sized dumplings are wrapped with different meats and veggies served alongside a soup. From a modest street snack to a statement dish representing Chinese culinary culture, the history of soup dumplings “resembles the tale of an ugly duckling turning into a swan.” The restaurant offers different flavored soup dumplings, fried rice, noodle dishes, and tasty beverages and desserts.
• sweetgreen is launching its first location in Richmond at 3502 W. Cary Street, offering salads, warm bowls, protein plates and sides, including the popular Harvest and Crispy Rice bowls. The menu features protein-rich dishes, such as caramelized garlic steak and miso-glazed salmon, and delicious sides like rippling fries. Ripple Fries are seasoned with salt and herbs, then air-fried in avocado oil, and served with two housemade sauces: Garlic Aioli and Pickle Ketchup.
• Susie’s RVA at 1600 W. Cary St. is a lively, fast-casual café in the Fan neighborhood. It mixes modern dining with Jewish and Mediterranean food traditions, “all about the love of great food and genuine hospitality.” They have a menu with sandwiches, salads, soups, and a deli case packed with treats, coffee from local roaster Recluse, cocktails, beer and a rotating selection of natural wine. Whether popping in for a quick lunch or looking for a cozy spot to hang out with friends and family in the evening, Susie’s offers everyone a relaxed and welcoming dining experience.

• Le Cache Dulcet at 109 E. Broad St. A former music industry pro, relocating from the West Coast, turned his love of coffee and vinyl records into a new business. Patrick Weaver was inspired to open the coffee-and-records combo through years of living in Los Angeles. Le Cache Dulcet, which translates to “the sweet stash,” has a menu focused on pour-over and espresso coffee, lattes and matcha tea. The space is split between the café and record store, with the coffee area toward the front and around 1,300 records on the sales floor. Right now, they’re selling used vinyl from a range of genres.
• Mugshot Coffee at 3505 Courthouse Rd. is Hull Street’s premiere locally-owned coffee shop. Mugshot sources its coffee from New Kent roasters Bugle Call Coffee and offers lattes, iced and hot drip coffee, matcha, tea and some caffeine-free beverages. They also have breakfast burritos and pastries made in-house, including the “soon to be” famous Croisookie, a croissant stuffed with a chocolate chip cookie. The shop’s name is a double entendre, both a play on the phrase “espresso shot in a mug” and making light of owner David Dobbins’s struggles with addiction. Dobbins has been in more than one “Gotcha” paper over the years as he battled alcoholism. Now more than 2 years sober, David and his partner Alex thought they’d try to make light of his struggles while celebrating overcoming addiction through the business. They also offer customers the chance to have their “mugshot” taken and printed on a mug in-house!

Businesses

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

• Pink Possum Tattoo at 103 E. Main Street in Richmond, in the heart of the fan, was formed in October 2024 and truly proves pink goes with everything. This transgender-owned and operated tattoo studio has over two decades of experience in the tattoo industry. Pink Possum Tattoo says they are dedicated to providing a welcoming environment and clean, quality tattoos for all. “Step inside and see for yourself how unique vision becomes a permanent masterpiece.”

• The Shed is located at 1006 Lafayette St. in Richmond. What started as small-sized yoga and pilates classes in the backyard has now become The Shed. With three instructors, their method comes from years of training, practice, and teaching. The Shed focuses on small class sizes and quality instruction that produces lasting results. They offer online and in-person classes.
• Where Ya Bin? at 8910 Quioccasin Ave in Richmond is a new discount store that buys multiple customer returns and overstocked goods weekly to put in each store location. Once the products arrive, they unload the inventory into large bins throughout the store, saving you anywhere between 30% to 90% off regular retail prices. Where Ya Bin?’s prices descend throughout the week, starting at $10 on Fridays and going down to $0.25 on Thursdays. Not sure if the product you’re buying works? Where Ya Bin has testing stations to inspect products before purchasing since they don’t do returns. Shopping with Where Ya Bin is like a treasure hunt; you never know what you’ll find there unless you go!
• Dinner Party at 3402 West Cary Street is a wine store with everything you need to host a dinner party! Whether hosting a big group, an intimate dinner, or having takeout with a few friends, this store is for anyone who wants to discover wines that will bring a little extra joy to every meal, tableware pieces to make your own dining table feel like you have a seat at your favorite restaurant, and gifts for all who love to cook, eat and host. They host weekly wine tastings on Thursday and also have a gorgeous event room that seats up to 12 guests. It’s ideal for intimate tastings, classes, viewing parties, showers, or small celebrations. The Dinner Party has a front retail space for larger gatherings that can accommodate up to 50 people. From curated wine pairings and snacks to personalized experiences, Dinner Party takes care of the little details while you have a great time.

Future happenings in RVA

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

• Julio’s Bagels at 114 W Brookland Park Blvd in Richmond. In 2022, Pizza Bones owner Ashley Patino was inspired by a craving for the perfect bagel. What first started as a Pizza Bones special on Saturdays took on a life of its own. Julio’s Bagels are made with naturally leavened dough, freshly milled grain, and seasonal add-ons that complement—not complicate—existing flavors. There is no set opening date, but they hope to open its doors soon.
• Sheetz at 9927 Mayland Drive in Henrico. The gas station/convenience store chain is known for its award-winning Made-to-Order (MTO) menu and 24/7 service, bringing a new location to the former O’Charley’s site. The new store will bring Sheetz’s signature hospitality to the community, creating new jobs and a go-to destination for quality food and fuel. In proximity to I-64, this newest location is set to open in the summer of 2025.
• Southside Speedway at 12800 Genito Rd in Midlothian. Competitive Racing Investments LLC has revealed plans to bring back racing to Southside Speedway after it closed in 2020 during the pandemic. Project leaders say the total cost of revitalizing the speedway could be around $2.5 million. The next step for the track is to secure the proper permits to begin rehabilitation. CRI has not given a timeline of when racing will return.

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 city leaders are revealing new details of upcoming projects to address safety traffic concerns along West Main and Cary streets. DPW secured funding for curb extensions to 27 different intersections on Main and Cary streets, which officials say are among some of the city’s most dangerous roads because they are part of the city’s High Injury Network. Find out more about these projects here.
• DPW is working on Lighter, Quicker, Cheaper (LQC) Projects across the city, addressing safety and traffic calming measures. LQC aims to address pressing safety concerns and provide more immediate solutions while longer-term, permanent infrastructure changes are being developed. The projects aren’t meant to replace permanent infrastructure but instead provide essential, timely improvements to make streets safer and more accessible in the interim. Learn more about the projects here.

🚦 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.

• Dominion Energy Family Easter - (Saturday, April 19) All three entrances to Maymont will be open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., filled with engaging activities, games, and crafts from the Carriage House Lawn to the Robins Nature Center and Maymont Farm. Enjoy taking a photo with the Easter Bunny, presented by Ukrop’s Homestyle Foods, meet local heroes in the Community Zone, and experience live entertainment across three stages.
• Easter on Parade - Spend time with family and friends on Easter Sunday, April 20, on Monument Avenue from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. This free event includes vendors selling food and goods, two music stages, contests and more.
• The Bizarre Bazaar 33rd Spring Market - (Saturday, April 12) More than 275 vetted exhibitors from all over the country are gathering at the Richmond Raceway Complex to showcase exciting new gift lines, Spring and Summer decorations, garden items, and more. This bazaar offers the perfect opportunity to find gifts for any occasion. With upcoming events such as Spring, Easter, Mother’s Day, birthdays, bridal and baby showers, and graduations, now is the time to shop for that special gift.
• Lego exhibit at the Science Museum of Virginia - On display now through August 24, 2025, “Towers of Tomorrow” showcases 20 iconic LEGO replicas of skyscrapers from around the world. Guests will have the chance to learn about the science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) involved in construction and architecture while creating their own tower masterpieces.
• Ukrops Monument Avenue 10K - (Saturday, April 12) - Walk, jog, or run to the finish line with friends and family for the 26th annual Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10K. The race will begin on Broad Street near Harrison Street and end on Franklin Street near Laurel Street. Throughout the course, participants will experience spirit groups, bands, cheer zones, and entertainment. There will also be water stops, medical tents, and Port-o-johns available. The Atlantic Union Bank 10 K Mini, a one-mile fun run for kids ages 4 to 12, will also take place on April 12. Following the race, runners can celebrate at the post-race festival and enjoy music, post-race food provided by Kroger, sponsor giveaways, and more.
• NWBA Junior and Adult Wheelchair Basketball National Championships - (April 4-6 & April 11-13) The Junior and Adult Wheelchair Basketball National Championships will take place over the first two weekends in April 2025 at the Henrico Sports & Events Center. The highest 16-ranked wheelchair basketball teams from each Adult Division (I, II, III) will be invited to their national tournament. Additionally, the top 32 ranked Varsity teams and the top 16 ranked Prep teams will qualify for the NWBA Junior Wheelchair Basketball National Championships. 100 teams and more than 1,100 wheelchair basketball players will compete for the prestigious national title during both events.
• Richmond Night Market (Saturday, April 12) - Starting in April, every second Saturday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. through December, locals are invited to enjoy live entertainment, great art, and shopping. Kids are also welcome to experience a unique space for youth to play, explore, and engage in guided and self-directed activities.
• A Beautiful Noise - (April 15-20) Taking center stage at the Altria Theater is an uplifting true tale of how a kid from Brooklyn transformed into a chart-topping, show-stopping American rock legend. Developed in partnership with Neil Diamond himself, Neil Diamond’s journey is designed to dazzle on Broadway and travel nationwide. A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical is an inspiring, exhilarating, and high-energy musical memoir narrating how America’s greatest hitmaker rose to stardom.
• Melissa Etheridge Tour at Dominion Energy Center - (Monday, April 14) Renowned for her raw lyrics and smoky, raspy voice, Melissa Etheridge is set to take the stage at the Dominion Energy Center. She will perform timeless classics, including her unforgettable hits like “Bring Me Some Water,” “No Souvenirs,” and the Grammy-winning “Ain’t It Heavy” from 1992.
• Je’Caryous Johnson Presents: Jason’s Lyric Live! - (Wednesday, April 2) Coming to the Altria Theater is a high-stakes love story about a man with a dark past who meets and falls for a woman with her guard up. Their passion for each other becomes undeniable, but both are chained to challenges they can’t escape.
• Legends of Laughter 2025 (Saturday, April 5): Experience an evening of laughter at the Altria Theater, featuring a lineup of well-known comedians hitting the stage to keep you laughing all night. Attendees can expect appearances from Lavell Crawford, Gary Owen, Don DC Curry, Guy Torry, Finesse Mitchell, and Special K.
• Nikki Glaser’s Alive and Unwell Tour (Friday, April 25) Nikki Glaser, an Emmy and Grammy-nominated comedian, podcaster, and actress, is preparing for a unique performance at the Altria Theater. Attendees can anticipate a night filled with laughter, as Glaser’s brutally honest, no-holds-barred comedy style has established her as one of today’s funniest voices in the industry.
• Bonnie Raitt: Live 2025 - (Tuesday, April 22) Singer, songwriter, and guitarist Bonnie Raitt is gearing up to light up the stage at the Altria Theater, joined by special guest Larry John McNally. As a thirteen-time Grammy winner and Rock & Roll Hall of Famer, she’ll share some of her most beloved hits, including “Something to Talk About” and “I Can’t Make You Love Me,” among many others.
• Trap Karaoke (Friday, April 11): Experience a one-of-a-kind interactive concert where fans get to perform their favorite karaoke songs in front of a roaring crowd and share the spotlight with surprise guests, including Sisqo, LeBron James, Ne-Yo, 2 Chainz, Chance the Rapper, and many more.
• Virginia Black Beauty Expo (Sunday, April 6) Beauty lovers are invited to attend the only beauty trade show specially designed for aspiring and professional black creatives in the hair, fashion, photography, modeling, and makeup industries. The event will take place at the Greater Richmond Convention Center from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., showcasing relevant workshops and seminars, competitions, exhibitors, a hair and fashion show, musical performances, and much more.
• Ashland Train Day - (Saturday, April 26) Friends and families are welcome to a festival dedicated to train enthusiasts. This free event occurs along the railroad tracks in Downtown Ashland, where CSX freight and Amtrak passenger trains regularly pass by. Attendees can look forward to entertainment, food, shopping, and more.

📅 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:

• Katt Williams Heaven on Earth Tour - Comedian and actor Katt Williams is set to perform at the Norfolk Scope Arena, located at 201 E. Brambleton Avenue in Norfolk, VA. With a career featuring thousands of sold-out shows, numerous starring roles on television, and notable performances in blockbuster films, Katt Williams has established himself as one of the leading entertainers of our time. Attendees can look forward to endless laughter and a great time.
• Adult Easter Egg Hunt (21+) - Breaux Vineyards welcomes all adults to enjoy a fantastic Easter celebration! Experience an Adults-Only Easter Egg Hunt, where each egg is packed with prizes worth up to $1,500. Prizes this year feature lunch with friends, rental bookings, gourmet chocolates, wine barrels, and bottles of our exquisite Breaux wine! These fabulous coupons will be concealed in vibrant Easter eggs scattered across our lawn, eagerly waiting for you to discover them.
• Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival - Returning for its 98th annual festival, the Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival features a series of more than 50 events over 10 days, including live entertainment, dances, a carnival, dinners, luncheons, a two-day wine festival, a Kids Bloomin Mile & 10K Race, local and national celebrities, and more.
• Hot Wheels Monster Trucks: Glow-n-Fire - Fan favorite Hot Wheels Monster Trucks will come to life at the John Paul Jones Arena in Charlottesville. Fans can look forward to seeing the Mega Wrex, Tiger Shark, HW 5-Alarm, Bone Shaker, Bigfoot, Gunkster, and will also be introduced to the brand-new Skelesaurus, the fossil fury villain of Hot Wheels Monster Trucks.

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:

• 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. Racquets 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 at 1404 N. Parham Road in Richmond, is a virtual reality recreation center that sets itself apart from 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 maybe eat a snack or two, Pelagos has a wide variety of food and beverage options and plenty of 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 the 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.

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