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Scoop: Scandinavian candy store opening in former Idle Hands space

Trolley Car Sweets and Treats could open in early June on Strawberry Street if all goes as planned.

News

A Scandinavian candy store is taking over <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Idle Hands&#x27;" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/03/25/idle-hands-bread-co-reopens-richmond-fan-robinson" data-vars-content-id="09fe3cbb-9ad6-400f-9a9e-d4db8852be52" data-vars-headline="Scoop: Scandinavian candy store opening in former Idle Hands space" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/03/25/idle-hands-bread-co-reopens-richmond-fan-robinson" target="_self">Idle Hands&#x27;</a> former space on Strawberry Street, Axios has learned.Why it matters: If all goes well, Richmonders might only have to wait until early June to try it.

Henrico to demolish Best Products HQ, save iconic eagle statues

The former headquarters will be demolished for a new arena project, but its famed limestone eagle statues will stay..

Business

The former Best Products headquarters in Henrico will soon be demolished for the county&#x27;s planned arena-anchored development, dubbed <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Best Products Reimagined" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2025/03/05/henricos-23-billion-greencity-development-and-arena-project-could-be-in-jeopardy" data-vars-content-id="a775ffd1-9445-4008-92c3-654b98ee02eb" data-vars-headline="Henrico to demolish Best Products HQ, save iconic eagle statues" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2025/03/05/henricos-23-billion-greencity-development-and-arena-project-could-be-in-jeopardy" target="_self">Best Products Reimagined</a>. Why it matters: The iconic <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Art Deco eagle statues" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/p/DWGsuM5Gk4S/" data-vars-content-id="a775ffd1-9445-4008-92c3-654b98ee02eb" data-vars-headline="Henrico to demolish Best Products HQ, save iconic eagle statues" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DWGsuM5Gk4S/" target="_blank">Art Deco eagle statues</a> that once flanked the building off I-95 and East Parham Road will be preserved.

Bettors grow more confident Virginia redistricting vote will pass

That optimism runs counter to the growing anxiety among Democrats.

People are betting that Virginia&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="redistricting referendum" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/02/06/virginia-redistricting-map-richmond-nova-midterms" data-vars-content-id="5a67a115-3355-437a-b350-5f8e905b73b6" data-vars-headline="Bettors grow more confident Virginia redistricting vote will pass" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/02/06/virginia-redistricting-map-richmond-nova-midterms" target="_self">redistricting referendum</a> will pass, and the odds have only grown more confident in recent days.Why it matters: That optimism runs counter to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="growing anxiety" data-vars-click-url="https://www.politico.com/news/2026/03/26/abigail-spanberger-virginia-redistricting-election-00845675" data-vars-content-id="5a67a115-3355-437a-b350-5f8e905b73b6" data-vars-headline="Bettors grow more confident Virginia redistricting vote will pass" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.politico.com/news/2026/03/26/abigail-spanberger-virginia-redistricting-election-00845675" target="_blank">growing anxiety</a> among Democrats due to strong early voting turnout in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Republican-leaning districts" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/03/23/virginia-redistricting-referendum-early-voting-turnout-gop-vs-dem-richmond-vpap" data-vars-content-id="5a67a115-3355-437a-b350-5f8e905b73b6" data-vars-headline="Bettors grow more confident Virginia redistricting vote will pass" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/03/23/virginia-redistricting-referendum-early-voting-turnout-gop-vs-dem-richmond-vpap" target="_self">Republican-leaning districts</a>.

Richmond weekend guide: Easter egg hunts and roller derby

Plus: "Tiptoe through the Tulips" in the Fan, an Asian Street Food Festival and a pie and coffee pop-up.

Things to Do

Easter is almost here, and Richmond has a packed weekend to show for it.Thursday, March 26🎨 Have some fun sketching at a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Sketch Party" data-vars-click-url="https://www.quirkgallery.com/events" data-vars-content-id="af0b885b-3c80-48bf-9d03-90365ee0614f" data-vars-headline="Richmond weekend guide: Easter egg hunts and roller derby" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.quirkgallery.com/events" target="_blank">Sketch Party</a> in the Quirk Hotel lobby. 4-7pm. Free, with pens and paper included.🖼️ The Valentine is hosting a free 30-minute gallery tour of its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new &quot;Dissent!&quot; exhibition" data-vars-click-url="https://thevalentine.org/event/dissent-richmond-short-story-tour/" data-vars-content-id="af0b885b-3c80-48bf-9d03-90365ee0614f" data-vars-headline="Richmond weekend guide: Easter egg hunts and roller derby" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://thevalentine.org/event/dissent-richmond-short-story-tour/" target="_blank">new &quot;Dissent!&quot; exhibition</a>, which &quot;explores the first 60 years of American independence.&quot; 6-6:30pm. Free.🛼 Go take part in River City Roller Derby&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="open skate night" data-vars-click-url="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/renaissance-faire-on-wheels-tickets-1985005014433" data-vars-content-id="af0b885b-3c80-48bf-9d03-90365ee0614f" data-vars-headline="Richmond weekend guide: Easter egg hunts and roller derby" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/renaissance-faire-on-wheels-tickets-1985005014433" target="_blank">open skate night</a>, which is renaissance faire-themed. 7-9pm. $9.31.⭐️ &quot;The Outsiders&quot; musical part of the Broadway in Richmond season is at Altria Theater through Sunday. Times vary. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Tickets start at $66" data-vars-click-url="https://www.etix.com/ticket/e/1049591" data-vars-content-id="af0b885b-3c80-48bf-9d03-90365ee0614f" data-vars-headline="Richmond weekend guide: Easter egg hunts and roller derby" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.etix.com/ticket/e/1049591" target="_blank">Tickets start at $66</a> for Thursday but jump to $90.50 for the weekend shows.Friday, March 27🎥 There&#x27;s an <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Italian and French Film Festival" data-vars-click-url="https://filmstudies.richmond.edu/events/italian-french-film-festival/" data-vars-content-id="af0b885b-3c80-48bf-9d03-90365ee0614f" data-vars-headline="Richmond weekend guide: Easter egg hunts and roller derby" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://filmstudies.richmond.edu/events/italian-french-film-festival/" target="_blank">Italian and French Film Festival</a> at U of R through Sunday that ends Monday at the Byrd Theatre. Times vary. Free except registration is required for Byrd Theatre.🥳 Brookland Park Biz is having its first-ever &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Walk the Block&quot;" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/p/DVcJjHake71/" data-vars-content-id="af0b885b-3c80-48bf-9d03-90365ee0614f" data-vars-headline="Richmond weekend guide: Easter egg hunts and roller derby" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DVcJjHake71/" target="_blank">Walk the Block&quot;</a> event, which will take place every final Friday of the month. Imagine &quot;First Fridays&quot; but on Brookland Park Boulevard. 6-midnight at some spots. Free.⚔️ Huzzah! Nevermore in Northside has a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Renaissance Faire gallery showcase" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/p/DWJzjOYEfih/" data-vars-content-id="af0b885b-3c80-48bf-9d03-90365ee0614f" data-vars-headline="Richmond weekend guide: Easter egg hunts and roller derby" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DWJzjOYEfih/" target="_blank">Renaissance Faire gallery showcase</a> with themed accessories. Dressing up is encouraged. 7-9pm. Free.💃🏻 The Canal Club is hosting &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Fever Floor: An R&amp;B Studio 54 Party" data-vars-click-url="https://www.tixr.com/groups/thecanalclub/events/timalikesmusic-175772?fbclid=IwY2xjawQw_dRleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETE1dXpFWDJhMHplNkY2OVZmc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHlyj6UgCDbOBSlJGCzPlnc6wI4P4tSAMz_w8alsbEhD6IMmJRNEXxCy9T3x0_aem_H0DuubG_hABE-jkOdlcRQw" data-vars-content-id="af0b885b-3c80-48bf-9d03-90365ee0614f" data-vars-headline="Richmond weekend guide: Easter egg hunts and roller derby" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.tixr.com/groups/thecanalclub/events/timalikesmusic-175772?fbclid=IwY2xjawQw_dRleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETE1dXpFWDJhMHplNkY2OVZmc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHlyj6UgCDbOBSlJGCzPlnc6wI4P4tSAMz_w8alsbEhD6IMmJRNEXxCy9T3x0_aem_H0DuubG_hABE-jkOdlcRQw" target="_blank">Fever Floor: An R&amp;B Studio 54 Party</a>&quot; with TimaLikesMusic, a dj who went on The Kelly Clarkson Show after going viral. 9pm. $24.63.Saturday, March 28🐰 Easter is starting early at Short Pump Town Center with &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Easter in the Plaza," data-vars-click-url="https://www.facebook.com/events/1474138964496498/?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A[%7B%22mechanism%22%3A%22discovery_local_tab%22%2C%22surface%22%3A%22bookmark%22%7D]%2C%22ref_notif_type%22%3Anull%7D" data-vars-content-id="af0b885b-3c80-48bf-9d03-90365ee0614f" data-vars-headline="Richmond weekend guide: Easter egg hunts and roller derby" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1474138964496498/?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A[%7B%22mechanism%22%3A%22discovery_local_tab%22%2C%22surface%22%3A%22bookmark%22%7D]%2C%22ref_notif_type%22%3Anull%7D" target="_blank">Easter in the Plaza,</a>&quot; which will have an Easter Bunny, goody bags and face painting. 10am-8pm. Free.🦙 There&#x27;s also an &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Easter Celebration" data-vars-click-url="https://www.facebook.com/events/933768949464540/?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A[%7B%22mechanism%22%3A%22discovery_local_tab%22%2C%22surface%22%3A%22bookmark%22%7D]%2C%22ref_notif_type%22%3Anull%7D" data-vars-content-id="af0b885b-3c80-48bf-9d03-90365ee0614f" data-vars-headline="Richmond weekend guide: Easter egg hunts and roller derby" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.facebook.com/events/933768949464540/?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A[%7B%22mechanism%22%3A%22discovery_local_tab%22%2C%22surface%22%3A%22bookmark%22%7D]%2C%22ref_notif_type%22%3Anull%7D" target="_blank">Easter Celebration</a>&quot; for kids at Reveille United Methodist on Cary Street Road with a petting zoo and an egg hunt starting at 10:45am. 10am-noon. Free.🥧 ILYSM Books on Brookland Park Boulevard is having a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="pie and coffee pop-up" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/p/DVtcriaDjCn/" data-vars-content-id="af0b885b-3c80-48bf-9d03-90365ee0614f" data-vars-headline="Richmond weekend guide: Easter egg hunts and roller derby" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DVtcriaDjCn/" target="_blank">pie and coffee pop-up</a>. 10am-6pm. Free.😋 17th Street Market is hosting the second <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Asian Street Food Festival," data-vars-click-url="https://www.facebook.com/AASOCV/posts/-its-happening-join-us-for-the-2nd-asian-street-food-festival-get-ready-for-a-fu/1361484346018408/" data-vars-content-id="af0b885b-3c80-48bf-9d03-90365ee0614f" data-vars-headline="Richmond weekend guide: Easter egg hunts and roller derby" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.facebook.com/AASOCV/posts/-its-happening-join-us-for-the-2nd-asian-street-food-festival-get-ready-for-a-fu/1361484346018408/" target="_blank">Asian Street Food Festival,</a> which highlights the region&#x27;s diverse Asian American communities. 11am-6pm. Free.🐣 Chesterfield is having its &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Easter Eggstravaganza" data-vars-click-url="https://www.facebook.com/events/1387372952510847/?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A[%7B%22mechanism%22%3A%22discovery_local_tab%22%2C%22surface%22%3A%22bookmark%22%7D]%2C%22ref_notif_type%22%3Anull%7D" data-vars-content-id="af0b885b-3c80-48bf-9d03-90365ee0614f" data-vars-headline="Richmond weekend guide: Easter egg hunts and roller derby" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1387372952510847/?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A[%7B%22mechanism%22%3A%22discovery_local_tab%22%2C%22surface%22%3A%22bookmark%22%7D]%2C%22ref_notif_type%22%3Anull%7D" target="_blank">Easter Eggstravaganza</a>&quot; at the County Fairgrounds with an egg hunt, bouncy houses, food trucks, live music and a chance to win a bike. Noon-6pm. Free.💀 <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Dead People&#x27;s Stuff Vintage Market" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/p/DV6b_vDjns_/" data-vars-content-id="af0b885b-3c80-48bf-9d03-90365ee0614f" data-vars-headline="Richmond weekend guide: Easter egg hunts and roller derby" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DV6b_vDjns_/" target="_blank">Dead People&#x27;s Stuff Vintage Market</a> is back at Main Line Brewery on Ownby Lane with vintage clothing, food trucks and antiques. Noon-6pm. Free.🌷 The annual &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Tiptoe Through the Tulips" data-vars-click-url="https://wish.org/va/tiptoe-through-tulips" data-vars-content-id="af0b885b-3c80-48bf-9d03-90365ee0614f" data-vars-headline="Richmond weekend guide: Easter egg hunts and roller derby" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://wish.org/va/tiptoe-through-tulips" target="_blank">Tiptoe Through the Tulips</a>&quot; event, which features thousands of flowers in the alley behind the 2600 block of Hanover Avenue, is back. 1-4pm. $30, with all proceeds donated to Make-A-Wish Greater Virginia.🍻 Adults can have their own Easter egg hunt at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Strangeways Brewing" data-vars-click-url="https://www.facebook.com/events/1530943144661884/?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A[%7B%22mechanism%22%3A%22discovery_local_tab%22%2C%22surface%22%3A%22bookmark%22%7D]%2C%22ref_notif_type%22%3Anull%7D" data-vars-content-id="af0b885b-3c80-48bf-9d03-90365ee0614f" data-vars-headline="Richmond weekend guide: Easter egg hunts and roller derby" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1530943144661884/?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A[%7B%22mechanism%22%3A%22discovery_local_tab%22%2C%22surface%22%3A%22bookmark%22%7D]%2C%22ref_notif_type%22%3Anull%7D" target="_blank">Strangeways Brewing</a> in Scott&#x27;s Addition, which will have 500 hidden eggs with prizes. 5pm registration, 6pm start time. Free.Sunday, March 29🐭 Rare Olde Times Pub in Henrico has <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Disney trivia" data-vars-click-url="https://www.facebook.com/events/1469987331578860/?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A[%7B%22mechanism%22%3A%22discovery_local_tab%22%2C%22surface%22%3A%22bookmark%22%7D]%2C%22ref_notif_type%22%3Anull%7D" data-vars-content-id="af0b885b-3c80-48bf-9d03-90365ee0614f" data-vars-headline="Richmond weekend guide: Easter egg hunts and roller derby" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1469987331578860/?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A[%7B%22mechanism%22%3A%22discovery_local_tab%22%2C%22surface%22%3A%22bookmark%22%7D]%2C%22ref_notif_type%22%3Anull%7D" target="_blank">Disney trivia</a>, though it might also include Pixar. 6-7:30pm. Free but top four teams get $115 in gift cards.🦖 The Richmond Raceway has &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Dinosaur Adventure," data-vars-click-url="https://www.universe.com/events/dinosaur-adventure-richmond-va-tickets-MHBGXZ" data-vars-content-id="af0b885b-3c80-48bf-9d03-90365ee0614f" data-vars-headline="Richmond weekend guide: Easter egg hunts and roller derby" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.universe.com/events/dinosaur-adventure-richmond-va-tickets-MHBGXZ" target="_blank">Dinosaur Adventure,</a>&quot; an exhibit with life-sized dinosaurs that roar as if they&#x27;re real, obstacle courses and more. 9am-7pm. Tickets are $31.80 for anyone 13 and up.

AI pressure grows on Richmond's young workforce

Nearly a third of Richmond-area jobs face AI exposure as entry-level roles shrink fast.

Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping the job market in Virginia and is likely to hit entry-level and younger workers particularly hard, a pair of recent reports found.Why it matters: Younger workers and college grads were already facing a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="grim" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/31/hiring-rate-jobs-employment-iran" data-vars-content-id="f6967169-d711-4fa6-82c0-543bc51cc9a8" data-vars-headline="AI pressure grows on Richmond&#x27;s young workforce" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/31/hiring-rate-jobs-employment-iran" target="_self">grim</a> and &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="frozen" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/25/jobs-market-ai-indeed-retail" data-vars-content-id="f6967169-d711-4fa6-82c0-543bc51cc9a8" data-vars-headline="AI pressure grows on Richmond&#x27;s young workforce" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/25/jobs-market-ai-indeed-retail" target="_self">frozen</a>&quot; job market and AI is likely to make it worse.

Richmond's Belle Isle rolls out dill pickle moonshine

Belle Isle's new dill pickle moonshine is real, locally made and now hitting Virginia ABC shelves.

Food and Drink

Richmond-based <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Belle Isle Moonshine" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2023/08/23/belle-isles-new-taproom-moonshine" data-vars-content-id="245f1a65-5850-4a8e-800f-3de12480ea2a" data-vars-headline="Richmond&#x27;s Belle Isle rolls out dill pickle moonshine" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2023/08/23/belle-isles-new-taproom-moonshine" target="_self">Belle Isle Moonshine</a> just dropped its newest flavor: Dill pickle. Why it matters: The team shared a bottle with Axios to demonstrate that the concoction is not an April Fools&#x27; joke, despite its April 1 release date.

Construction workers lead Richmond homeownership gains

But they're not the ones most likely to own a home.

Skilled trades and construction workers saw the biggest <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="homeownership" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/03/25/richmond-real-estate-2026-homebuyers-inventory-competition-mortgage-rates" data-vars-content-id="86fc5fbb-eab7-4430-b020-085567ecf1bf" data-vars-headline="Construction workers lead Richmond homeownership gains" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/03/25/richmond-real-estate-2026-homebuyers-inventory-competition-mortgage-rates" target="_self">homeownership</a> gains in metro Richmond over the past decade, according to a new analysis shared with Axios.Why it matters: They&#x27;re outpacing teachers, police and health care workers, per the National Association of Realtors&#x27; analysis of census data comparing homeownership rates in 2014 and 2024.

How to get a table at Lafayette Tavern in Richmond

The Giavos family's buzzy Near West End spot is booked solid — here's how to snag a seat.

The most in-demand reservation in town right now is <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Lafayette Tavern" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/01/16/lafayette-tavern-richmond-opening-retro-modern-restaurant-menu" data-vars-content-id="64d6e8c1-2c94-4390-a0c5-a9ec8edd24f7" data-vars-headline="How to get a table at Lafayette Tavern in Richmond" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/01/16/lafayette-tavern-richmond-opening-retro-modern-restaurant-menu" target="_self">Lafayette Tavern</a>, the Giavos family&#x27;s sexy new Near West End restaurant.Why it matters: We went to the source, Constantine Giavos — the creative mind behind the restaurant and creative director of the Giavos family restaurants — to get the skinny on how to score a seat.

Nearby Buc-ee's for Richmond still years away

Traffic concerns delay two planned Buc-ee's, leaving the closest location hours from Richmond.

The Buc-ee&#x27;s travel center the Texas-based gas station chain hopes to build in Stafford could cause &quot;significant&quot; traffic issues that could spill onto I-95, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="per a recent VDOT report" data-vars-click-url="https://www.fxbgadvance.com/p/vdot-still-has-concerns-and-questions?utm_source=substack&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_content=share" data-vars-content-id="5c2a374d-3245-4652-bab9-714a76b744fb" data-vars-headline="Nearby Buc-ee&#x27;s for Richmond still years away" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.fxbgadvance.com/p/vdot-still-has-concerns-and-questions?utm_source=substack&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_content=share" target="_blank">per a recent VDOT report</a>. Why it matters: It looks like now both Buc-ee&#x27;s Richmonders were supposed to get within easy driving distance will be delayed due to traffic worries.

Virginia bill would overhaul vape shop oversight

The proposal would require permits and routine checks as officials try to close enforcement gaps.

Legislation headed to Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger would give officials more tools to crack down on <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="vape shops" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2025/10/08/richmond-vape-shop-raids-armed-robberies" data-vars-content-id="533b0501-4b72-416c-bd45-7ea13e23c95b" data-vars-headline="Virginia bill would overhaul vape shop oversight" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2025/10/08/richmond-vape-shop-raids-armed-robberies" target="_self">vape shops</a>, the state attorney general said this week.Why it matters: These shops have proliferated across the state, and some are selling illegal vape products, including to children.

Richmond home sales jump, but buyers face inventory crunch

Even as sales climb, low supply and competition keep Richmond a seller's market this spring.

Real Estate

Richmond is headed into the spring real estate market with renewed sales activity compared to last year, but little relief on supply. Why it matters: Richmond&#x27;s real estate market is something of an outlier compared to the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="national scene" data-vars-click-url="https://www.forbes.com/advisor/mortgages/real-estate/housing-market-predictions/" data-vars-content-id="7aef990f-ce6b-4367-9c58-8997da46ac7f" data-vars-headline="Richmond home sales jump, but buyers face inventory crunch" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.forbes.com/advisor/mortgages/real-estate/housing-market-predictions/" target="_blank">national scene</a>, but there&#x27;s still some bright spots for homebuyers.

Virginia seeks public input on future of train travel

A new state survey is looking for feedback on routes, stations and service as rail ridership climbs.

The Virginia agency dedicated to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="rail service" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/03/05/richmond-dc-train-delays-long-bridge-project-vre-amtrak-staples-mill-bottleneck" data-vars-content-id="6367ab01-2aae-4a5a-b3f1-7b311a14a0f8" data-vars-headline="Virginia seeks public input on future of train travel" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/03/05/richmond-dc-train-delays-long-bridge-project-vre-amtrak-staples-mill-bottleneck" target="_self">rail service</a> and public transportation wants to hear from residents about how they want train travel improved inside — and outside — of the state. Why it matters: If you&#x27;ve got a gripe about train travel, now is the time to share it.

Richmond rents climb even as U.S. prices fall

While U.S. rents fall amid a building boom, Richmond prices keep rising as demand outpaces supply.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Rents are falling" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/16/rent-prices-metro-map" data-vars-content-id="962446a9-90e2-4b58-84c3-8139e549afc5" data-vars-headline="Richmond rents climb even as U.S. prices fall" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/16/rent-prices-metro-map" target="_self">Rents are falling</a> across the county, driven by a building boom that&#x27;s flooded the market with new apartments.Why it matters: Richmond is one of a handful of metros where rent is going up, not down.

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How to get a table at Lafayette Tavern in Richmond

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