The Wrap: Trouble at Stone Brewing, The Private Jefferson, Blue Bee & More

File photo/Trevor Dickerson

The Week in Brief

HandsOn Day 2016 is tomorrow! The annual day of service organized by HandsOn Great Richmond is looking to fill 1,300 volunteer slots for more than 60 area projects. The breadth of projects spans skills, interests, area of town, and age–there’s literally something for everyone. Check out the details here–there are still open volunteer spots for drop-in projects you can help out with tomorrow around the city.

It sure will be beautiful this weekend. Why not take a trip up to the Blue Ridge Mountains or Shenandoah Valley and visit wineries, breweries, go apple picking, or just see the sights? We’ve got you covered with a complete guide to fall day trips! Check it out here.

Staying in town? There’s so much going on this weekend, from Oystoberfest and the Kickin’ Chicken Wingfest to the Meadow Farm Harvest Festival. Check out our Weekend Event Picks here before you make your plans!

Also, get caught up on all the week’s Food News right here, including details on Nota Bene’s Sunday evening dinner featuring a 40 ounce steak for two, news about Secret Sandwich Society’s opening, and where you can find authentic Polish kolaches, too. Sort of food related, the Weinermobile was in town this week–naturally Richard Hayes used this as an opportunity to come up with a creative RVA News In Brick headline.

Scott’s Addition is set to get even boozier than it already was (I didn’t know that was possible) with the opening of Blue Bee Cider. The Manchester cidery is taking over the former City Stables property on Summit Avenue, and their new digs are absolutely gorgeous. Owners will release six collaboration ciders tomorrow with neighborhood brewers, and there will be music, food trucks, and more for your enjoyment all weekend long. Get a peek into the new facility here.

Speaking of booze, Richmond has the most breweries per capita of any city nationwide, according to a new survey by consumer finance site WalletHub. That should come to no surprise to anyone. Also of note, we’re third in grocery stores and sixth in restaurants. Total shocker, right?

Are cracks beginning to show in the craft beer scene though? Stone Brewing Company, based in California, laid off approximately 5% of its workforce (which equates to somewhere between 50 and 75 employees, according to several industry publications) on Thursday. The company cites softer than normal sales, lackluster growth, and increased competition as factors in the decision to terminate employees. What does this all mean for Richmond? That’s unclear as of now. Richmond financed the construction of Stone’s facility in the River City to the tune of $23 million, plus $8 million for a forthcoming “destination restaurant” on the river and a $2 million reinvestment in the site using taxes it is expected to generate–$30 million in all. That money is expected to be paid back over the course of a 25-year lease from the city. Will Richmond be left holding the bag? Here’s hoping the company continues to thrive.

Thirsty for more beer news? Richard Hayes has you covered in this week’s RVA Beer Explorer.

College football season is in full swing–check out our Virginia Sports Quick Hits to get caught up on all the action!

A new Kroger promotion launched this week means you could get gas for as cheap as 1 penny through the end of January.

The historic Windsor Farms neighborhood has a newly-restored entryway. The neighborhood’s beautiful lych gate–a relic dating back to 1926, once served as a bus shelter for domestic servants and was restored to its former glory. Check out the fascinating history behind not only this structure, but the neighborhood, here.

“The Private Jefferson” opens this weekend at the Virginia Historical Society. The exhibit offers a rare look into the founding father’s personal life and what shaped his views and motivated him politically. It also includes a few of the most rare and historic documents in existence in our country.

Transportation is a hot topic in town lately, and next week an internationally-acclaimed transit expert, Jarrett Walker, will give a presentation downtown. He’ll lay out his recommendations as to what Richmond should do to improve its own transportation network and more.The event is put on by RVA Rapid Transit. Learn more here.

Midnight movies are returning to The Byrd! Check out this article for info on the upcoming schedule, which includes Ghostbusters, Army of Darkness, and Die Hard through the end of the year.

Richmond Police are investigating another fatal fallfrom the Towers on Franklin near VCU, the RTD reports. This is the second incident that’s happened since classes began this semester.

The Fan District Association and Museum District Association are partnering up and giving you at least two more chances to meet the city’s mayoral, City Council, and School Board candidates. Get all the info here. The live televised mayoral debate will take place Monday night in conjunction with ChamberRVA, NBC12, and WCVE.

Residents in the Wyndham master-planned community came out in strong numbers to oppose connecting Dominion Club Drive in Henrico to a new planned community in Hanover, and the Board of Supervisors supported the decision, which goes before planning officials again next month for a final vote.

Elsewhere in Henrico, the police department is about to undergo a voluntary accreditation process to ensure excellence in community policing, and you can take part. Here’s how.

Until next time,

Trevor Dickerson
Editor, RVAHub