Weekly Food News: Family Meal closes, Commercial Taphouse to get new owner, and new-to-Richmond chains

Family Meal closes its doors at Willow Lawn

The Richmond iteration of a small chain of restaurants by “Top Chef” alum and James Beard finalist Bryan Voltaggio closed its doors last week, a story we broke last Thursday. Family Meal, located at Willow Lawn, posted a sign on the entryway door indicating the restaurant was “closed until further notice.” The restaurant opened in March of 2015.

A spokesperson for the company later confirmed the news to Richmond Magazine’s Stephanie Breijo, stating:

“The Richmond location has, in fact, closed its doors,” Cristina Krumsick, a public relations representative of Voltaggio, said via email this afternoon. “Bryan and his team are grateful to the community for their support over these past few years and are looking forward to focusing on upcoming projects, including new concepts at MGM National Harbor, City Center DC, and in Miami.”

An Bui taps out of Commercial Taphouse in The Fan

Commercial Taphouse, which was purchased by An Bui, proprietor of Mekong and The Answer Brewpub, will soon have yet another new owner. Bui bought the establishment–one of Richmond’s original taphouses–from James Talley back in 2014. The restaurant posted on Facebook last week, “Mark your calendars, we are closing! Thanks for the support and come see us off, we will be closing Wednesday August 31st.” The closure, we later learned, will be a temporary one.

The restaurant will reopen with a new menu, and the focus will continue to center around craft beer, Richmond Magazine reports.

Jamba Juice is splashing into Richmond with Short Pump store

Smoothie and juice chain Jamba Juice is making a splash into Richmond, BizSense reports. The company’s first Richmond-area franchise will open by the end of September in The Corner at Short Pump shopping center, near Kroger. In addition to fresh juices and smoothies, the storefront will offer fruit, yogurt, and granola bowls.

Check out the full article and interview with franchisees Ritesh Brahmbhatt and Vikram Parekh here.

New-to-Richmond pizza joint baking up Midlothian location

Blaze Fast Fire’d Pizza, another new-to-Richmond chain, will soon open a storefront in Midlothian, the Richmond Times-Dispatch’s Denver Pratt reports.

The chain’s Chesterfield store will operate on Stone Village Way near the new Wegmans, and is expected to open this fall.

Think of the chain, which operates more than 150 locations, as a Chipotle for pizza. Customers can choose unlimited toppings before their pies are fired in an open, wood-fired oven. Prices start at around $8.00.

Get the full scoop here.

Veteran Richmond restaurant owners named to Style Weekly’s 2016 Power List

Style Weekly this week announced its 2016 Power List, a ranking of the most influential people in Richmond (among many sectors). Several industry veterans were named among the Food & Drink section this year, including Travis and Ryan Croxton of Rappahannock Oyster Co., Michelle Williams of Richmond Restaurant Group, and more.

Check out the full list of movers and shakers here.