imported post
I live in Chesterfield, and either OC or CC a SIG P229 everywhere I go. In the last 9 yrs I have only been asked about it three times. The first time at the Oxbridge Shoney's on Hull St Rd, when the server asked if I was expecting any trouble, and I replied, "I hope not." She smiled and went about her duties as usual, no problems.
The second time was at the Orange Mart on Newby's Bridge and Courthouse Rd. I was leaving, and a guy sitting at a picnic table outside asked what dept I was with. I told him I wasn't with any, and he told me that he thought it was "cool" that an "average citizen" would be carrying. Then he started asking about my weapon.
The last time was last week at the Jiffy Lube on Rte 10 across from the main Police Station. As I was leaving after having my oil changed, the technician asked what kind of pistol I was carrying. We talked a little bit, and he said he was looking to get a pistol for his 21st birthday and apply for his CC permit. I took the opportunity to educate him and his co-workers on VA firearms laws, and they gave me a $15 discount on my oil change in return.
One place I used to OC all of the time that is now out of business was Gus' Pizza in the same shopping center as the Orange Mart (it is now Bambino's Pizza, but I haven't been in there since they changed names). Last winter (2004) I went in there with my bro-in-law from Atlanta to watch some football, and I wasn't carrying, and Gus asked if I was forgetting something. I told him I was planning on having a few beers while I watched the game, and he sat down with us and bought us a couple beers and we had a good talk.
Other Places I have OC'd in and around Richmond and Chesterfield with no problems are:
Penny Lane Pub
The Halfway House
Sine's
The Old Va Tobacco Company
The Jefferson Hotel
Kings Korner at the Chesterfield Airport ( I eat lunch there once a week)
El Paso Restaurants
Mexico Restaurants
Mi Hacienda Restaurants
Ruth's Chris'
Bookbinders
The French Quarter (Hull & Genito)
Carrabba's
The Olive Garden
Padow's Deli
Chilli's
O'Charley's (Hull & 288)
Applebees (Rte 10 & Chalkley, and Hull & Genito)
Ruby Tuesday (Hull St in front of Costco)
Valentino's (Jeff Davis Hwy)
Subway
Yen Chin (Hull & Genito)
Peking (Midlothian Tpke near Old Buckingham Rd, and Rte 10 and Jeff Davis)
Don Papa Grande (Rte 10 and Jeff Davis)
Central Park Deli (Rte 10 & Jeff Davis)
Chick Fil-A
Positive Vibes Cafe
Brock's BBQ
Crab Loui's (Sycamore Square)
Botega Bistro (near Ruth's Chris')
Hooters (both Chesterfield locations)
CiCi's Pizza (Jeff Davis)
Lowes
Home Depot
Wally World
SAM's
Dick's Sporting Goods
Ukrop's
Kroger's
American Family Fitness (Spring Run)
Commonwealth 20 Cinema (about a year ago)
Police Department
Council Chambers (public meeting room)
All Chesterfield Library branches
Jiffy Lube
Merchant's Tire & Auto (Hull St)
Town Police Supply (Hull & Courthouse) - great place for shooting goodies. Great prices and excellent staff (all either current or former LEO's).
Bob Moates Sport Shop
Dance's Sporting Goods
Greentop
Sheetz
Wa-Wa
Heritage Chevrolet
Whitlow Chevrolet
Chesterfield Dodge (name has changed)
Haley Ford (Jeff Davis)
Office Max
Reymet Credit Union
These are the only one's that come to mind right now, but "don't ask don't tell" is the best policy (don't phone ahead and ask). If anyone at a business notices and ask you to leave or take it outside, comply with their request or you can be charged with trespassing. Dress nicely (not formally, but not grungy either). Be polite, and not confrontational or arrogant. If you appear respectable you will be regarded as respectable and not a trouble maker.
