Donate
Newsletter

Nov. 9 Newsletter: Hibachi at home

Weather: High of 65 kicks off another lovely fall week.

On this date in 1982, a divided Chesterfield Board of Supervisors adjourns without naming a replacement for an empty seat, because the remaining supervisors are unable to agree on a candidate.

Hibachi at home? These chefs make it a reality.

Four years ago, Carlos Garcia gave up his head chef job to start his own hibachi business. He knew there was growing interest in the service, and he was eager to set his own schedule so he could spend more time with his infant daughter.

🍣
Plus, the hostile attitudes and financial distress that contaminated restaurant dining rooms in the 2020s were starting to spoil the Japanese steakhouse model, built on carefree collegiality.

Within two years, he was booking up to three parties a day. These days, so many people are coming together for meals that range from tofu ($50 per person) to filet and lobster ($90 per person) that he’s planning to have four chefs on staff this summer. Read more here.

Meet The Richmonder's newest contributor, food writer Hanna Raskin

One of the things our readers have asked for the most since our launch two years ago was dedicated coverage of Richmond's vibrant food scene.

We've heard you, and we're thrilled to welcome our newest contributor, Hanna Raskin!

🏅
Hanna is indisputably one of the nation's top food writers, and has been honored with multiple James Beard Awards for her work across the American South.

As our partnership begins, you'll be able to read Hanna's work on our site once every other week, with a holiday break. Read more here.

Richmond voters said yes to a higher sales tax for schools. What happens now?

The 1% sales tax voters approved Tuesday doesn’t take effect automatically. The City Council still has to vote to enact it.

Mayor Danny Avula says he will introduce legislation to simultaneously lower the meals tax, and will also introduce a budget that lowers the property tax.

Under current estimates, the average homeowner will see their tax bill rise by about $215 next year, or $175 after Avula's planned reduction. Some Council members continue pushing for a larger cut. Read more here.

Richmond gets eight new opportunity zones

The designation opens up the possibility of tax incentives for investors who put their money into projects in the economically distressed areas.

Avula said the program “can spur important economic and community development that is sure to last far beyond the program years.” Read more here.

New Fan hotel opens bookings with a price point near the top of the market

Ash Hotels plans to open its long-awaited Shenandoah Mansions hotel on New Year’s Eve, wrapping up a project that began in 2021.

🛁
Bathrooms (above) will have "charming motifs of the seven deadly sins."

The Richmonder examined how the new hotel's rates compare to the rest of the region's upscale hotel market. Read more here.

The Richmonder is now authorized to print public notices in Chesterfield, Hanover and Henrico counties, in addition to the city. Learn more here.

In other news

The editor's desk

Looked all over City Hall, but couldn't find the pot of gold.

Michael Phillips, founder
mphillips@richmonder.org

Sent this by a friend? Sign up for our free thrice-weekly newsletter here.

Do you enjoy The Richmonder? Join us as a donor and we'll send you a hat or mug!

What's Next