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Richbrau Brewing closes
- Thread starter kenny
- Start date
ed
Founder's Club Member - Moderator
imported post
kenny wrote:
"No kidding! It was one of the best places to get beer in Richmond, and now it's gone", said patrons as they strolled up to Richbrau Brewing Company all Saturday afternoon, only to find a master lock on the front door.
"It's kind of sad that it's gone. This is a total surprise because I just stopped off to have lunch, and it's gone", said Andy Fekete. He says he will have to finish the drive to D.C. without his regular sandwich and beer.
Restaurant owner Michael T. Bryne tells CBS 6 "Closing Richbrau is a reaction to the economic environment we've been in for the past two years..The city has done well. Former Mayor Doug Wilder did what he could, and the current administration has a different set of economic challenges. The city will have to protect itself from the economic environment it's in, and unfortunately, small businesses are paying a price for that and it's unavoidable", says Bryne.
Byrne went on to say " I was at Sam Miller's for 22 years, and then overlapping until 2000 when I became sole proprietor of Richbrau Brewing Company and owner of the Tap House Grill which closed last October for the same reason".
Razors, a men's salon and grooming locale right across the street from Richbrau draws many of its customers from eateries in the area.
"Because of a lot of the foot traffic around this area, if people are starting to do down further a couple of blocks to go to eat instead of this way, of course we're going to lose a lot of walk-in clientele", says Meshael Redd.
Even competing restaurants on Cary Street are taking the news hard.
"I was dismayed, to say the least. It's something that's not good for the neighborhood. We don't want to see anyone lose a business" says Tobacco Company's General Manager Jeff Hallam.
The Tobacco Company first set shop in 1973, paving the way for other major retailers to come in.
Hallam says losing any staple of the Shockoe Slip scene devastates everybody.
"Just like when Circuit City fell apart last year, it's something you don't want to see happen to Richmond. I don't think that any Richmond icon business that employs that many people- that's a lot of employees", says Hallam.
"We made every effort to contact our employees before we open at 11:30 [on Friday] that we were closing. I called all the managers, chefs and all employees working that day that we were not going to open and that we were going to close. Anyone who had a question had my number and is available on the employee list", said Byrne.
When we asked Byrne what's next? He said "To take care of the details as it relates to Richbrau Brewing Company and move forward, and I have no regrets and did the best I could".
It looks like Richbrau Brewing Company in Richmond's Shockoe Slip is the latest victim of the sluggish economy.
==============================================================================================
Twitter comments posted Friday afternoon said the long standing night spot had shut down for good. CBS 6 confirmed the messages after visiting the Richbrau Brewing Company's Facebook page. There we found a message saying:
"We would like to thank all of you for being our friends and family. As of today we have closed our doors. It has been a fun ride, we have lots of memories and hope you do too."
A blog post on RelentlessThirst.wordpress.org said owners of the brewery had declared bankruptcy.
Located on the cobblestone section of Cary Street, Richbrau was Richmond's first brew pub. With multiple levels, the facility included bars, a dance club, pool tables and a restaurant.
kenny wrote:
RICHMOND - UPDATE:
"No kidding! It was one of the best places to get beer in Richmond, and now it's gone", said patrons as they strolled up to Richbrau Brewing Company all Saturday afternoon, only to find a master lock on the front door.
"It's kind of sad that it's gone. This is a total surprise because I just stopped off to have lunch, and it's gone", said Andy Fekete. He says he will have to finish the drive to D.C. without his regular sandwich and beer.
Restaurant owner Michael T. Bryne tells CBS 6 "Closing Richbrau is a reaction to the economic environment we've been in for the past two years..The city has done well. Former Mayor Doug Wilder did what he could, and the current administration has a different set of economic challenges. The city will have to protect itself from the economic environment it's in, and unfortunately, small businesses are paying a price for that and it's unavoidable", says Bryne.
Byrne went on to say " I was at Sam Miller's for 22 years, and then overlapping until 2000 when I became sole proprietor of Richbrau Brewing Company and owner of the Tap House Grill which closed last October for the same reason".
Razors, a men's salon and grooming locale right across the street from Richbrau draws many of its customers from eateries in the area.
"Because of a lot of the foot traffic around this area, if people are starting to do down further a couple of blocks to go to eat instead of this way, of course we're going to lose a lot of walk-in clientele", says Meshael Redd.
Even competing restaurants on Cary Street are taking the news hard.
"I was dismayed, to say the least. It's something that's not good for the neighborhood. We don't want to see anyone lose a business" says Tobacco Company's General Manager Jeff Hallam.
The Tobacco Company first set shop in 1973, paving the way for other major retailers to come in.
Hallam says losing any staple of the Shockoe Slip scene devastates everybody.
"Just like when Circuit City fell apart last year, it's something you don't want to see happen to Richmond. I don't think that any Richmond icon business that employs that many people- that's a lot of employees", says Hallam.
"We made every effort to contact our employees before we open at 11:30 [on Friday] that we were closing. I called all the managers, chefs and all employees working that day that we were not going to open and that we were going to close. Anyone who had a question had my number and is available on the employee list", said Byrne.
When we asked Byrne what's next? He said "To take care of the details as it relates to Richbrau Brewing Company and move forward, and I have no regrets and did the best I could".
It looks like Richbrau Brewing Company in Richmond's Shockoe Slip is the latest victim of the sluggish economy.
==============================================================================================
Twitter comments posted Friday afternoon said the long standing night spot had shut down for good. CBS 6 confirmed the messages after visiting the Richbrau Brewing Company's Facebook page. There we found a message saying:
"We would like to thank all of you for being our friends and family. As of today we have closed our doors. It has been a fun ride, we have lots of memories and hope you do too."
A blog post on RelentlessThirst.wordpress.org said owners of the brewery had declared bankruptcy.
Located on the cobblestone section of Cary Street, Richbrau was Richmond's first brew pub. With multiple levels, the facility included bars, a dance club, pool tables and a restaurant.
ed
Founder's Club Member - Moderator
imported post
I left a comment. When you ban the legal carry of firearms, gun owners won't come. And that could mens of dollars over the life of a business.
I left a comment. When you ban the legal carry of firearms, gun owners won't come. And that could mens of dollars over the life of a business.
TFred
Regular Member
imported post
Someone nearby should go tape one of those "No Guns = No $$" cards to the front door!
Now that would be classic!
TFred
Someone nearby should go tape one of those "No Guns = No $$" cards to the front door!
Now that would be classic!
TFred
doug23838
Regular Member
imported post
Richbrau has been anti-gun more than they've been "pro restaurant".
This from THR back in 2004
http://www.thehighroad.us/showthread.php?t=92626
I love how he goes right to the victim status; "The city will have to protect itself from the economic environment it's in, and unfortunately, small businesses are paying a price for that and it's unavoidable", says Bryne."
It was avoidable. Don't alienate your business to part of the population.
Richbrau has been anti-gun more than they've been "pro restaurant".
This from THR back in 2004
http://www.thehighroad.us/showthread.php?t=92626
I love how he goes right to the victim status; "The city will have to protect itself from the economic environment it's in, and unfortunately, small businesses are paying a price for that and it's unavoidable", says Bryne."
It was avoidable. Don't alienate your business to part of the population.
wylde007
Regular Member
imported post
<begs forgiveness>
Is Tobacco Company anti? I've only been in there twice, when a roommate of my wife's worked there when they were in college. MANY MANY moons ago. Before I carried. Or cared. '95?
<begs forgiveness>
riverrat10k
Regular Member
imported post
The best beer in Richmond is brewed at Legend Brewing Co. on 7th street near the southern end of the Manchester Bridge.
The owner, Tom Martin, believes in the right to self -defense, but not in his place. He does not allow OC.He has offered to keep your firearm in his safe behind the bar while one eats. That becomes another set of issues. I have been target shooting with Tom; he just says guns and alcohol do not mix.
The beer is so good, I go there anyway.
The best beer in Richmond is brewed at Legend Brewing Co. on 7th street near the southern end of the Manchester Bridge.
The owner, Tom Martin, believes in the right to self -defense, but not in his place. He does not allow OC.He has offered to keep your firearm in his safe behind the bar while one eats. That becomes another set of issues. I have been target shooting with Tom; he just says guns and alcohol do not mix.
The beer is so good, I go there anyway.
wylde007
Regular Member
imported post
riverrat10k wrote:
I got the same spiel from the owner of Doc Taylor's/Tautog's.
If you prohibit carry in your business, you are part of the problem and not a friend of ours. The end.
He offers to hold your sidearm for you in a safe? Well, fat lot of good it does there. And, as you said, there's the additional issue of someone other than yourself having immediate access to your firearm AND exercising domain over it while you are unarmed. That's patently insane.
Add to that the fact that someone else likely has to HANDLE your firearm in order to store it for your convenience? I can't think of too many things that would be LESS CONVENIENT.
riverrat10k wrote:
Mutually exclusive. Either you is one or you is the other. Can't be both. Not in this reality, bub.
I got the same spiel from the owner of Doc Taylor's/Tautog's.
If you prohibit carry in your business, you are part of the problem and not a friend of ours. The end.
He offers to hold your sidearm for you in a safe? Well, fat lot of good it does there. And, as you said, there's the additional issue of someone other than yourself having immediate access to your firearm AND exercising domain over it while you are unarmed. That's patently insane.
Add to that the fact that someone else likely has to HANDLE your firearm in order to store it for your convenience? I can't think of too many things that would be LESS CONVENIENT.
Infidel
Regular Member
imported post
wylde007 wrote:
wylde007 wrote:
RiverRat, I tend to agree with Wylde on this one. Yes guns and alcohol do not mix, so one would either exert self control and not partake, or leave the firearm at home. There are other pro-gun establishments that have alcohol permits that many of us do OC in with out issue.
darthmord
Regular Member
imported post
It's all fine and dandy to say that guns & alcohol don't mix. They don't.
Doesn't mean that my firearm has to be handled unnecessarily to remove it from my person to be put into a lockable container.
Besides, when was the last time you saw someone buy a beer for their gun? Guns drink Hoppes #9, not beer.
It's all fine and dandy to say that guns & alcohol don't mix. They don't.
Doesn't mean that my firearm has to be handled unnecessarily to remove it from my person to be put into a lockable container.
Besides, when was the last time you saw someone buy a beer for their gun? Guns drink Hoppes #9, not beer.
riverrat10k
Regular Member
imported post
I just report the news sir, I don't make it.
My post was to report my personal experience with the owner. Take it for what you will. Never said which "side" he was on. Make up your own mind. The post was accurate. We (I and a VCDL member) tested him one day and he said no.
I don't carry my gun in there per his request.Therfore, I get to drink the best beer in town. While the gun stays home.
I could name another place in town that will serve you alcohol when OC'ing. But this issue has been talked about on another recent thread. I tend to agree with the owner (and Ed) that guns and alcohol don't mix.
I justlove me some good beer every now and again and his is the best.
I just report the news sir, I don't make it.
My post was to report my personal experience with the owner. Take it for what you will. Never said which "side" he was on. Make up your own mind. The post was accurate. We (I and a VCDL member) tested him one day and he said no.
I don't carry my gun in there per his request.Therfore, I get to drink the best beer in town. While the gun stays home.
I could name another place in town that will serve you alcohol when OC'ing. But this issue has been talked about on another recent thread. I tend to agree with the owner (and Ed) that guns and alcohol don't mix.
I justlove me some good beer every now and again and his is the best.
wylde007
Regular Member
imported post
riverrat10k wrote:
Well, which one is it? The nobility of his words are marred by the questionable character of his actions. Which do you think speak louder?
riverrat10k wrote:
You said he "believes in self-defense" and in the same sentence said he denies you your right to carry in his establishment.
Well, which one is it? The nobility of his words are marred by the questionable character of his actions. Which do you think speak louder?
richarcm
Regular Member
imported post
Its not the economy that killed Richbrau. Its been tanking fairly quickly for the past 5 years. The fact that they turned the place into Chucky Cheese killed Richbrau. There are MANY "small business" pubs up and down the entire area that are at full capacity. Richbrau simply destroyed themselves. It was THE place in Richmond to be......now THE place to be in Blackfinn (who has a DTOM flag hanging by the bar...not sure if they are pro-gun).
Its not the economy that killed Richbrau. Its been tanking fairly quickly for the past 5 years. The fact that they turned the place into Chucky Cheese killed Richbrau. There are MANY "small business" pubs up and down the entire area that are at full capacity. Richbrau simply destroyed themselves. It was THE place in Richmond to be......now THE place to be in Blackfinn (who has a DTOM flag hanging by the bar...not sure if they are pro-gun).
Infidel
Regular Member
imported post
richarcm wrote:
DTOM?? What does that referance?
richarcm wrote:
DTOM?? What does that referance?
DonTreadOnMe
Regular Member
imported post
peter nap wrote:
peter nap wrote:
gladdens flag...Infidel wrote:Don't Tread On Me!
HankT
State Researcher
imported post
ed wrote:
ed wrote:
Yet another victory for gun owners/carriers!
Who, who might be the next vulnerable target? I pity them, really, whoever it is.
But it will have to be done...
ed wrote:
ed wrote:
Yet another victory for gun owners/carriers!
Who, who might be the next vulnerable target? I pity them, really, whoever it is.
But it will have to be done...
TFred
Regular Member
ProShooter
Regular Member
imported post
TFred wrote:
LMAO.
TFred beat me to it.
I'm starting to think that the Gadsden flag is the symbol of this generation. Its everywhere I go.
TFred wrote:
LMAO.
TFred beat me to it.
I'm starting to think that the Gadsden flag is the symbol of this generation. Its everywhere I go.