Weekly Food News: New life for Joy Garden, Amour shutters, Capitol Waffle opens, Nate’s Bagels on the way

All the news that’s fit to eat

Chef Mike Ledesma bringing some renewed ‘Joy’ to Scott’s Addition – Chef Mike Ledesma has been a mover and a shaker in the #rvadine scene over the past few years, working as the Corporate Executive Chef for Richmond Restaurant Group before becoming Executive Chef at Kabana Rooftop recently. Now, Ledesma is eyeing his own space in the former home of long-time Scott’s Addition restaurant Joy Garden. He’ll take over the 4,600-square-foot space for a yet-to-be-named concept. Get all the details we know so far right here.

Amour no more as restaurant shutters in Carytown – Amour Wine Bistro has closed its doors in Carytown after seven years in business. Owner Paul Heitz turned the keys over to (as of yet unidentified) new owners September 1st as he leaves the industry to return to his home of France to spend more time with family. The new owners will reopen the space–whether it’s under the same brand or an entirely new concept remains to be scene. Read Heitz’ letter to patrons here.

Mekong highlighted, credited with instigation of Richmond’s craft beer scene – National online publication Vice has put out a cool article highlighting Mekong, which it calls an unassuming strip mall restaurant responsible for launching Richmond’s craft beer scene–one that’s garnered national attention. Learn a little history about the restaurant, its owner An Bui, and how this Vietnamese staple propelled craft beer forward in the River City in the article here.

Pig & Brew bringing barbecue to Manchester – Lamar Johnson of the Inner City Blues Carolina BBQ fame–an East End staple–is bringing some sweet, smoky flavor to Manchester. Johnson will open Pig And Brew at 1313 Hull Street. Richmond BizSense has all the details on the new venture and why Johnson thought now was the time to pull the trigger on the project. Read on here.

Capitol Waffle Shop is raising the topping bar downtown – If you’re a fan of waffles–and not afraid of some pretty out there toppings on them–a new spot downtown will definitely be your jam. Capitol Waffle Shop opened its doors 1110 E. Main Street in the former Main Street Coffee space. You can get one of nine different types of waffles, topped with everything from queso to Cap’n Crunch. “The concept is simple,” owner Brad Barzoloski tells the RTD’s Karri Peifer. “We put a whole bunch of crazy toppings on waffles.” More info on this breakfast and lunch spot here.

Nate’s Bagels rolls into The Fan – Nate’s Bagels, which has been serving New York-style bagels in markets around town and out of a truck, finally has a brick-and-mortar space. Richmond BizSense reports owner Nate Mathews will open a spot at 19 S. Allen Avenue, aiming for an early 2018 rollout. Learn more about the bagel spot’s forthcoming offerings and what to expect here.

Kroger expands its Click List delivery service in Short Pump – Kroger is expanding its testing of grocery delivery, adding the option for straight-to-your-door delivery at the Short Pump location, located at 11895 W. Broad Street. Richmond is a test market for the new service, which is an expansion of the company’s Click List in-store pickup model. The Short Pump store joins the Carytown Store and another at Midlothian Turnpike and Chippenham Parkway in Southside.

This week’s restaurant reviews:

• Secret Sandwich Society (Richmond Times-Dispatch)