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The Fan is a neighborhood located a little west of Carytown and the rest of the more commercialized areas of downtown Richmond. Locals know it as the “Fan” because the district spreads outward from Monroe Park in a fan-like shape. Its 85 blocks are filled with a variety of stunning architecture for the perfect combination of stately elegance and chic urbanity. Today, the Fan’s residents are a mixture of old-school Richmonders and new transplants, many of whom are VCU students that come to the city for school. 
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THE DEPRESSION & DECLINE
In a turn of fortune a decade later, many of these once-prosperous Fan residents were forced to pack their bags and leave their homes due to the skyrocketing unemployment and inflation of the Great Depression. Other former Fan homeowners were simply drawn to the newer neighborhoods out west in Henrico County. As a result, many of the Fan’s impressive, carefully-maintained houses became markers of a bygone era. Quite a few were transformed into duplexes, apartments, or boarding houses, and they were shared by multiple families who struggled to get by in an entirely different economy. These homes fell into disrepair as their owners could sadly no longer spare the time or money to care for their upkeep. It was a changed neighborhood.
THE POSTWAR BOOM AND ONWARDS
The Fan 1948 After World War II, the fate of the Fan once again took a turn as the country was propelled forward by a postwar economic boom. Consequently, numerous working professionals sought out property in the Fan, which was a convenient distance from many of the employment opportunities downtown. The neighborhood once again started to fill up with affluent middle class families, who formed a tight-knit community identity. The hard work and advocacy of locals groups like the Fan District Association and the Fan Woman’s Club further helped the revival of this historic area. Things had begun to look up. As the area was revitalized, housing prices rose steadily, and it became somewhat of a throwback to its pre-war self. Some of the older properties were destroyed in the 1970s in favor of the growth of the VCU campus, but the university simultaneously helped preserve others, like those on West Franklin St., to serve university needs.
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Today, the Fan continues to be attractive area, maintained by a dedicated neighborhood association. It contains one of America’s longest stretches of intact Victorian houses and is also home to a multitude of other remarkable styles. A walk around reveals charming houses, restaurants, and parks, making it a great point of exploration for locals and tourists. The Fan undeniably remains an integral part of Richmond’s historical and architectural backbone.
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Located right in downtown Richmond, Carytown is one of Richmond's oldest shopping districts, setting itself apart from newer multiplex malls like Short Pump. The street itself - named Cary Street - is less than a mile long but packed with unique, brightly-colored storefronts that give the area a distinctly quirky, yet upscale vibe. In Carytown today, one can find a diversity of modern options - from foreign cuisine to eclectic clothing. You can stop for a cupcake at Carytown Cupcakes, buy some new music at Plan 9 Records, and pick out a new shirt at Clementine - all in one trip.
ORIGINS: A THEATER & A STRIP MALL
"Carytown" is a relatively new name for the area, but you can catch a glimpse of its historical roots in an old brick building with an iconic facade and a well-worn marquee sign on Cary Street. The Byrd Theatre was constructed in 1928 and named in honor of William Byrd II, the city’s founder. It remains the single most historic structure in Carytown. Designed by local architect Fred Bishop, The Byrd’s glamorous interior was modeled after European opera houses. There were plush velvet seats, hand painted murals, sweeping balconies, and a two and half ton crystal Czechoslovakian chandelier. At the time of its opening, patrons paid 50 cents per ticket - about 25 cents more than the average movie ticket in the 1920s.
Only a few blocks down from The Byrd is the Cary Court Park & Shop, the area's other historic icon. Built a decade after The Byrd in 1938, Cary Court was Richmond’s first strip mall. Originally, it was just a couple of grocery stores and a five-and-dime shop, but the parking lot was the largest in the area at the time, making it an attractive option for local shoppers. As Cary Court developed, it became known for being a “one stop shop.” Its popularity led the way for subsequent business development along Cary Street, transforming it from a quiet street to a prominent shopping destination.
COMMERCIAL DECLINE
Despite its success and growth in the 1940s, Cary Court and the area surrounding it faced stiff competition from newer commercial projects, like Willow Lawn Shopping Center, in the 1950s. Willow Lawn and others had more parking and more stores, so shoppers found them more convenient. The result was an economic slowdown that lasted for a couple decades. Cary Court Park & Shop lost customers, and the area surrounding the historic Byrd faced higher rates of petty crime.
A HARD-WON COMEBACK & A New Name
The fortune of the small shopping strip turned once again in the 1970s, largely due to the commitment and initiative of local businesses, store owners, and residents. Together, they successfully petitioned the city of Richmond for the construction of two parking decks near The Byrd Theatre. They also pooled together some of their money to pay for an off-duty officer to patrol the area.
In 1974, the community voted to rebrand the neighborhood “Carytown,” after its main road, Cary Street. The street had gotten its name from the politically-influential Colonel Archibald Cary, one of early Virginia’s richest men, a major financier of the American Revolution, and friend to several of the nation’s Founding Fathers.
Carytown store owners began to host sidewalk sales to advertise their unique products. They branded themselves as specialty merchants, thus differentiating themselves from other commercial competition that focused on regular retail. They were determined to keep Carytown’s small, local feel. Later, festivals like the Carytown Watermelon Festival helped further distinguish the neighborhood’s developing character; today, the Carytown Watermelon Festival is the Carytown Merchant Association’s largest fundraiser and promoter of the neighborhood’s local businesses. Today, Carytown is a prime, upscale location with a quirky, fun feel.
In 1974, the community voted to rebrand the neighborhood “Carytown,” after its main road, Cary Street. The street had gotten its name from the politically-influential Colonel Archibald Cary, one of early Virginia’s richest men, a major financier of the American Revolution, and friend to several of the nation’s Founding Fathers.
Carytown store owners began to host sidewalk sales to advertise their unique products. They branded themselves as specialty merchants, thus differentiating themselves from other commercial competition that focused on regular retail. They were determined to keep Carytown’s small, local feel. Later, festivals like the Carytown Watermelon Festival helped further distinguish the neighborhood’s developing character; today, the Carytown Watermelon Festival is the Carytown Merchant Association’s largest fundraiser and promoter of the neighborhood’s local businesses. Today, Carytown is a prime, upscale location with a quirky, fun feel.
AN ENDURING PAST MEETS THE PRESENT
Over the decades of ups and downs, The Byrd Theatre and Cary Court have remained steady markers of Carytown’s story. The Byrd is now operated by The Byrd Theatre Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to the preservation of the theater’s original features. As a result, the building's rich architectural details remain intact. Despite the fact that The Byrd turns 90 years old this year, only the sound system and screen have been modernized, and prices have barely risen - they are currently $4 a ticket. Along with its low price, The Byrd has also been popular for its Midnight Movies tradition, where Richmonders could get together to watch classic films at midnight, as well as its consistent Saturday organ shows and live performances.
As for Cary Court, the original businesses are gone - replaced by a new group of popular shops and restaurants like For the Love of Chocolate and Lou Lou Boutiques. Yet, its distinctive parking lot still remains - even if somewhat incongruously among the area’s crowded and narrow streets.
As for Cary Court, the original businesses are gone - replaced by a new group of popular shops and restaurants like For the Love of Chocolate and Lou Lou Boutiques. Yet, its distinctive parking lot still remains - even if somewhat incongruously among the area’s crowded and narrow streets.
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Over time, the neighborhood has developed a singularly “Carytown” identity that Richmonders know and love. Even though the stores can be pricey, it is almost always busy, attracting families, students, locals, and tourists alike. With over 300 stores, these shoppers’ bags are filled with everything from vintage books to craft beer. The “Mile of Style” - as it is endearingly called - lives up to its name.
A mini-suburban metropolis sprawls just about fifteen miles outside of Richmond’s urban center. Today, Short Pump stands in sharp contrast to some of the more rural areas surrounding the city of Richmond - areas that it resembled only a few decades ago. In the not-so-distant memory of so many Richmonders, Short Pump was farm country. Now, it is now home to hundreds of shoppers and diners, who can be found perusing the area’s airy outdoor mall, the crowded movie theater, or the charming ice rink,
 Short Pump 1990 |  Short Pump 2016 |
A Tavern & a SHORT PUMP
Looking at the amount of commercial activity today, it is hard to imagine that the busy Broad Street was once a single lane road named Three Notched Trail in the 18th century. Instead of cars, horses and buggies journeyed along this well-worn path to travel between Richmond and Charlottesville. Three Notched Trail was a long and difficult eighty mile stretch, so an enterprising Revolutionary War veteran, Robert Hyde Sander, opened a small tavern alongside the road in 1815 for travelers. While they rested inside the main building, their horses could wait outside and drink from a water pump - one with a curiously short handle.
©Henrico Historical Society
Over time, the tavern became increasingly well-known. The uniquely short pump made the place easily identifiable, turning it into a veritable local landmark. There is even historical speculation that famous early figures like Thomas Jefferson, who regularly used Three Notched Trail, stayed at the tavern. People would often make plans to meet “at the short pump,” and soon, the nearby land that Sander’s owned became known as “Short Pump Plantation.” Eventually, a 1853 Henrico County map officially labeled the area around a nearby crossroads as Short Pump.
A GENERAL STORE & A SCHOOL
Sander’s popular tavern was just the beginning for the area. In 1908, Dabney Henry built a Short Pump General Store close by and lived above it with his family. The store sold food and other essentials, but it also served as a local social center where members of the community could exchange news and gossip. Before long, a thriving neighborhood of family farms had bloomed in the area. By 1911, Short Pump School had opened. The one-room schoolhouse was a far cry from today’s Short Pump Elementary and Middle schools - kids were actually taken to school by a two-mule covered wagon.
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©Henrico Historical Society
Only a few decades later, Short Pump was once again poised for a transformation that would dramatically change the landscape over the next century. By the 1930s, roads were populated by cars instead of carriages. The original tavern had fallen into disrepair and was subsequently torn down in 1932 to make room for further construction on Broad Street. The General Store was demolished in 1996. The area’s schools were rebuilt, and many of the farms deteriorated and were sold to developers. Times were changing.
FROM FARM TO... SHOPPING
However, as recently as the 1980s, Richmond residents remember Short Pump as mostly farmland. At the now-busy intersection of W. Broad and Pump Road, there was nothing but grassy fields, a small gas station, and a few small houses.
©Henrico Historical Society
The development of Short Pump Town Center in the early 2000s was a pivotal moment in the location’s history. Since then, the shopping center has become a major staple of the West End, making billions in revenue each year. According to the Virginia Department of Transportation more than 25,000 vehicles travel through Short Pump on West Broad Street every day, passing upscale retail options, national chains, pedestrians, and more.
 Short Pump's movie theater |  Short Pump's outdoor mall |
Almost all traces of the past are gone. The stark differences between nineteenth century and twenty-first century Short Pump tell the story of local development over time. From a single tavern to a multiplex mall, Short Pump has grown into hub that bears very little resemblance to the Short Pump early Richmonders saw. Yet, despite the rapid change, it retains its namesake as a token tip-of-the-cap to its origin story.
As the sun rises over the steeple of St. John’s Episcopal Church, it illuminates a neighborhood just about any Richmonder can identify. With its long-standing association to St. John’s, Church Hill has earned the title of city’s earliest neighborhood (it is more than 250 years old!), boasting pre-Civil War Greek Revival houses right alongside up-and-coming eateries and family-friendly parks. The name of the neighborhood itself is a tribute to the enduring legacy of St. John’s Church, which continues to perch on its hilltop, looking out over the neighborhood below it. From its raised position above the city, Church Hill has withstood the test of time and witnessed some of the most important historical moments in American history.
A DEEPLY ROOTED PAST
Part of the magic of Church Hill lies in its deeply-rooted past. The neighborhood’s fame began in the early days of the American Revolution. In 1775, due to its size and vantage point, St. John’s Church was chosen to host the Second Virginia Convention, where some of the most influential American figures of the age, including George Washington and Thomas Jefferson, gathered to deliberate the sensitive situation with Great Britain. It was here that Patrick Henry delivered the notorious words “Give me liberty or give me death!,” thus igniting the revolutionary spirit to secede from Great Britain. St. John’s Church was the perfect location for such a revolutionary and sensitive meeting.
THE CONFEDERACY
In those early colonial days, there were only about a few hundred people living in the area, but that was soon to change. The lure of jobs in local tobacco companies brought hordes of eager new residents, a trend that continued into the years of the Civil War in the 1860s. Richmond is known as the Confederacy’s capital, of course; yet, it is lesser-known as a place where medical operations took place that saved thousands of wounded soldiers. Those operations took place in Church Hill hospitals; in fact, the renovated apartments in the former Pohlig Box Factory and the lush green lawns of Chimborazo Park were once the site of busy Civil War hospitals. Chimborazo, a hospital open only during the Civil War, was one of most advanced hospitals in the entirety of the South during that time.
TRAGIC TUNNEL COLLAPSE
Miraculously, Church Hill managed to escape much of the war’s widespread destruction, and the area kept on growing in the following years. It witnessed the establishment of Richmond’s (and the nation’s) first electric trolley system, railroad expansion, as well as the infamous 1925 Church Hill Tunnel collapse, which tragically sealed several workers and a train car inside (if you into supernatural scares, you should know some local urban legends tell of the ghosts of that tunnel).
PRESERVATION EfFORTS...
Lucky for us, the histories of significant places like Church Hill are still accessible for Richmonders today. Additionally, while the Historic Richmond Foundation may be a pretty familiar name for its preservation efforts all around the city, it actually all started in 1950s Church Hill. The organization originally started out with the goal of safeguarding St. John’s Church and the area around it, before expanding to other historic sites in the following decades. Thanks to work likes theirs, Church Hill can stay grounded in its past.
...AND MODERN APPEAL
The other part of Church Hill’s distinctive magnetism comes from its ability to still branch out to new, diverse horizons. Amazingly, visitors can stand on the ground where Patrick Henry once stood, before walking just down the street to enjoy some of the area’s newly-flourishing restaurant scene with Proper Pie’s New Zealand-style pies. Interested learners can get info about the neighborhood on online community sites Church Hill People’s News or go to the longstanding East End Branch Library. There are modern community centers, studios, and businesses only blocks from classically built homes. These combining factors of old and new build a fascinating community narrative of Richmond’s past and present.
From the well-worn cobblestone of Monument Avenue to the soaring glass of the Gateway Plaza, Richmond is a place that stands out from the rest. A quick glance at the any of its vibrant streets can reveal college students, life-long residents, and tourists, bustling past each other to various destinations. Home to hundreds of thousands of individuals living, working, and playing, this southern city exudes urban charm, old-world allure, and natural beauty - all against the timeless background of the James. Most of all, Richmond is a city of stories, with histories big and small ingrained in everything from the pastel row houses to trendy bistros to crumbling graffitied walls. Regardless of your level of familiarity with the place, Richmond’s complex narrative truly has something for everyone to explore.
Over the next several months, we plan to write a series of blogs on the neighborhoods of Richmond. Got a favorite you want to see written up? Let us know! Otherwise, sit back, relax, and enjoy the walk through Richmond.
~Melissa, RVA to Go
Over the next several months, we plan to write a series of blogs on the neighborhoods of Richmond. Got a favorite you want to see written up? Let us know! Otherwise, sit back, relax, and enjoy the walk through Richmond.
~Melissa, RVA to Go
Hey RVA! We would like to give a warm welcome to our newest vendor for the RVA to Go boxes: flavor-infused Keep It Simple Syrup. The president and owner, Susan Martinson, is here with us today to share her story.
Thanks for joining us, Susan!
Thanks for joining us, Susan!
What ignited the spark in you to start your business? Tell us the story of how you and your business idea first met! :-)
I’d recently relocated from Manhattan to Richmond to start a new job. If anyone had told me when I was in my thirties that I’d be living Virginia one day running my own business - promoting a premium cocktail mixer no less - I wouldn’t have believed them. I was happy living the life of a single girl in the Big Apple, where I worked as an IT consultant for top-tier professional service firms. As you might imagine, it was no small decision to accept a “permanent” position that required moving to a place where I had no connections, but I was open to change and optimistic. Just a few months after I got here, however, my entire department was eliminated! On my own in a new environment, I ended up with a lot of free time, which I spent cultivating an herb garden and using them in cooking and cocktails.
My personal motto became, “When life gives you lemons… make mojitos!”
My personal motto became, “When life gives you lemons… make mojitos!”
,One day while doing so, I took a shortcut. Rather than muddling fresh mint leaves, I simply tossed a handful into a pot of boiling simple syrup and let them steep. “Keep It Simple Syrup” – a playful twist on the popular acronym KISS (i.e., Keep It Simple Stupid) – was at once a perfectly fitting name for my creation. This little shortcut prompted me to start reading the labels of popular flavoring syrups and cocktail mixers. I was shocked to discover that nearly all of them contained artificial ingredients: flavors, colors, sweeteners, and preservatives – even the fancy brands. Recognizing the uniqueness and versatility of my syrup, I set a personal goal to make it available commercially. Talk about venturing into new territory! It took time, persistence, and determination – not to mention, guts – but I DID IT (despite considering “complicated syrup” as a more appropriate name at various intervals!)
A few years later, Spearmint-infused Keep It Simple Syrup® (aka “KISS®”) hit the shelves as a premium cocktail mixer at 80 of Virginia’s state-run ABC liquor stores. While it also works well as a flavored sweetener for non-alcoholic beverages, a topping for desserts, and a specialty ingredient in savory dishes, it made the most sense to position it as a premium cocktail mixer because of its differentiation among products consisting of brightly-colored liquids loaded with chemicals.
A few years later, Spearmint-infused Keep It Simple Syrup® (aka “KISS®”) hit the shelves as a premium cocktail mixer at 80 of Virginia’s state-run ABC liquor stores. While it also works well as a flavored sweetener for non-alcoholic beverages, a topping for desserts, and a specialty ingredient in savory dishes, it made the most sense to position it as a premium cocktail mixer because of its differentiation among products consisting of brightly-colored liquids loaded with chemicals.
So, you didn’t grow up in Richmond, but having been here a while, what’s your attachment to the city now?
I grew up in Larchmont, NY, which is in Westchester County, just north of New York City. From a demographic perspective, the West End of Richmond (where I live) has a familiar feel. On the other hand, the rich history and culinary tradition of the South have provided me with an unending adventure of discovery. I love the food scene here - and not just the restaurants. Home-cooked meals and new ingredients continue to inspire me, as someone who loves to experiment in the kitchen. And then of course there’s the tight-knit community of “foodtrepreneurs” – the individuals behind so many wonderful Richmond-based, Virginia’s Finest® products. I thoroughly love being a member of this group – what a transformation from having no connections to Richmond!
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What are the principles, values, or motto behind your business? What impact do you want to have on the Richmond community?
Simplicity in general is our guiding principle, and we value quality ingredients. “Keep It Simple” applies to everything - from the package design to the ingredients statement on the label (just pure cane sugar, triple filtered water, organic and kosher-certified botanicals, and a pinch of citric acid – the natural acid found in citrus fruits) to the recipes on our web site and the style of entertaining that we endorse. Our mission is to improve the quality of cocktails and beverages with minimal effort.
Richmond’s beverage scene is exploding. From craft breweries to local distilleries, to the growing number of mixologists and beverage brands in general, Keep It Simple Syrup proudly stands with them.
What a great attitude. We love the idea of keeping it simple and using natural ingredients.
Richmond’s beverage scene is exploding. From craft breweries to local distilleries, to the growing number of mixologists and beverage brands in general, Keep It Simple Syrup proudly stands with them.
What a great attitude. We love the idea of keeping it simple and using natural ingredients.
What has been your most satisfying moment in business?
The moment I held the first bottle, fresh off the line – emotionally, I felt as if I’d given birth! Also, when I first saw it on the shelf in a VA ABC liquor store. Another rush.
The moment I held the first bottle, fresh off the line – emotionally, I felt as if I’d given birth! Also, when I first saw it on the shelf in a VA ABC liquor store. Another rush.
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What is your vision for the brand going forward?
I’d love the brand to be recognizable and available nationally in retail stores. At this point, there are five varieties: Cinnamon, Ginger, Lemon Zest, Spearmint, and Sugar Cane. Collectively, they’re available in the Mixers section at more than 200 VA Alcoholic Beverage Control (“ABC”) stores and select specialty retailers. Just last year, in 2016, the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (“PLCB”) added two varieties of KISS to its retail product offerings; the product is currently available in more than 400 PLCB stores. The web site includes a shopping cart feature, making it available for purchase anywhere in the USA.
Congratulations, and best of luck. Thanks for sharing your story!
At RVA to Go, we are proud supporters of the United States Armed Forces. Growing up with family members reminiscing about their service in World War II, we have always been aware of how hard our servicemen and women work to defend us. As a result, we decided to create a program to give back.
You can now send a specially-designed RVA to Go box to a soldier overseas. We're calling it a "Support Our Troops" box. If you know a soldier posted abroad, order a Support Our Troops box and put in his/her name and address. If you do not know someone but want to send a care package anyway, just write “Any Soldier” in the To line and “Any Soldier Lane” as the shipping address. We’ll take it from there.
You can now send a specially-designed RVA to Go box to a soldier overseas. We're calling it a "Support Our Troops" box. If you know a soldier posted abroad, order a Support Our Troops box and put in his/her name and address. If you do not know someone but want to send a care package anyway, just write “Any Soldier” in the To line and “Any Soldier Lane” as the shipping address. We’ll take it from there.
Sending to “Any Soldier”
Like ‘Letters to Santa,’ you used to be able to send a care package to ‘Any Soldier’ by labeling the box as such. The military would disperse the boxes accordingly. However, in 2003, for safety reasons, the Department of Defense released a notice in their postal guide saying:
| Mail addressed to "Any Service Member," or similar wording such as "Any Soldier," "Sailor," "Airman," or "Marine"; "Military Mail", etc., is prohibited. Mail must be addressed to an individual or job title such as "Commander," "Commanding Officer," etc. |
Bummer! Luckily, hundreds of military unit leaders have agreed to participate in gift-giving! We send the packages directly to them, and they disperse them to the folks in their unit who have not gotten a care package in a while. So, you CAN order one of our Support Our Troops boxes and put “Any Soldier,” and we’ll take care of the rest.
What’s In the Box?
Our ‘Support Our Troops’ boxes are specially designed with the troops in mind. The military and post office have a million rules about what can and cannot be sent; moreover, the troops themselves have provided insights into what they need (and do not need!) Troops often do not have proper kitchens, so the items we send are ready to eat. They also often ask for multiple or batches of the same item since they share with an entire unit, not just one person. Moreover, we have to be careful with snacks that might melt given the temperatures in places like Afghanistan and the Gulf. We selected the items carefully to ensure they include what troops actually want and to ensure they can survive the often long and hot journey.
With those restrictions in mind, we have created two options for the Support Our Troops boxes. Our smaller 5-item box includes Carriage House Cheese Straws, Ames' Hot Southern Honey, a Virginia is for Lovers Red Water Bottle, Whitley's "We're Proud of our Troops!" Virginia Peanuts, and Agriberry Agriblend Jam. If you send a 7-item box, we’ll throw in coffee and tea for the whole unit with Rostov's Richmond Blend Tea and Blanchard's RVA Blend Coffee. These items travel well, are heat-tolerant, last a long time, and can be shared with the whole crew.
We’re releasing this program now in honor of Veterans’ Day, but it is available year-round. Consider joining us to give a little RVA-style support to some of our nation’s most courageous any time you get the inkling.
Note: We are not a non-profit organization, so Support Our Troops box purchases are not eligible for a tax exemption.
 Photo courtesy of Historic Richmond Foundation | Hey RVA! Who doesn't love Ukrop's Rainbow Cookies... Butterstar Cookies... or their famous White House Rolls? All three have been a Richmond tradition for decades! But how did it all start...? |
Where did Ukrop's start?
In 1937, 22-year-old Joe Ukrop and his father opened Ukrop’s Market on Hull Street in south Richmond after mortgaging their family farm. It truly was a family effort. Joe Ukrop, his wife, and his two sons cared for the business, which eventually grew into a chain of 25 locations throughout Central Virginia.
Ukrop's Super Markets became a household name due to their impeccable customer service and a passion for the Richmond community. In fact, Ukrop's was the first chain to have workers walk customers to their cars with their groceries. Seem normal now? It wasn't then! Also, Ukrop's was closed on Sundays to promote having a day to be with your family and with your community. For years they did not carry alcohol to make sure the store was family-friendly and community-oriented. We at RVA to Go always valued Ukrop's dedication to their values even in business and serving the RVA community in their own way.
By the 1970s, business was booming. In 1976, Ukrop's Super Markets purchased Dot's Pastry Shop, a bakery headquartered in Richmond. After this purchase, Ukrop's gave people in the local area wider access to baked goods like cakes, cookies, pies, and more. These delicious treats are still available today and a few can even be bought in RVA to Go boxes.
In 1984, White House Rolls reached the market. People in the area simply could not get enough. In the early 1990s, Ukrop's opened a production facility with a full kitchen and bakery to keep up with the high demand for their prepared meals and treats.
In 2010, the Ukrop's family decided that retail was no longer what the business needed. They decided to sell their retail locations yet keep the Homestyle Foods business intact. The bakery and kitchen still provide over 800 freshly-made meals, sides, desserts, and more to grocery stores throughout the nation. But no one walks you to your car anymore!
Ukrop's Super Markets became a household name due to their impeccable customer service and a passion for the Richmond community. In fact, Ukrop's was the first chain to have workers walk customers to their cars with their groceries. Seem normal now? It wasn't then! Also, Ukrop's was closed on Sundays to promote having a day to be with your family and with your community. For years they did not carry alcohol to make sure the store was family-friendly and community-oriented. We at RVA to Go always valued Ukrop's dedication to their values even in business and serving the RVA community in their own way.
By the 1970s, business was booming. In 1976, Ukrop's Super Markets purchased Dot's Pastry Shop, a bakery headquartered in Richmond. After this purchase, Ukrop's gave people in the local area wider access to baked goods like cakes, cookies, pies, and more. These delicious treats are still available today and a few can even be bought in RVA to Go boxes.
In 1984, White House Rolls reached the market. People in the area simply could not get enough. In the early 1990s, Ukrop's opened a production facility with a full kitchen and bakery to keep up with the high demand for their prepared meals and treats.
In 2010, the Ukrop's family decided that retail was no longer what the business needed. They decided to sell their retail locations yet keep the Homestyle Foods business intact. The bakery and kitchen still provide over 800 freshly-made meals, sides, desserts, and more to grocery stores throughout the nation. But no one walks you to your car anymore!
Where are they today?
The Ukrop's family decided to leave the retail business due to the competitive nature of the grocery store market. They knew if they expanded their hours and selection of products - for example, by serving alcohol - they would be better competitors; however, they felt retaining their values and traditions was more important than competing nationally.
The Ukrop's family continues to engage in the RVA community and provide people in the local area with freshly-made meals with compassion and they are an RVA staple that we love.
The Ukrop's family continues to engage in the RVA community and provide people in the local area with freshly-made meals with compassion and they are an RVA staple that we love.
Where can I buy my favorite Ukrop's products?
Kroger! Ukrop's baked goods, including some of our favorites, are there. If you want to give a few Ukrop's staples as a gift, we have three choices in our RVA to Go Box: Rainbow Cookies, Butter Cookies, and White House Rolls. You can add them to your next RVA to Go order. YUM!
 Ukrop's classic Rainbow Cookies |  An assortment of RVA's favorite Ukrop's products. |  Ukrop's delicious White House Rolls. |
 | Hey RVA! We have a new vendor for RVA to Go boxes: Toad "A" Lee Honey! Yum! We asked Lindsey Lee, the owner of Toad "A" Lee Honey, is she would chat with us about her company. Thanks for joining us, Lindsey! |
What ignited the spark in you to start your business? Tell us the story of how you and your business idea first met!
Well, I never dreamed this beekeeping thing would turn into a business! Once we started in beekeeping and found out how rare of a hobby this is – and how much people love honey and the health benefits of honey – we started to think this would be a good thing to add to the farm. I live on a beef cattle farm, so agriculture is all around me. I am also a nurse, so the health benefits of consuming raw honey were enticing as well.
Where did you grow up in Virginia?
I grew up in Fauquier County, Virginia and now reside in Orange County.
Well, I never dreamed this beekeeping thing would turn into a business! Once we started in beekeeping and found out how rare of a hobby this is – and how much people love honey and the health benefits of honey – we started to think this would be a good thing to add to the farm. I live on a beef cattle farm, so agriculture is all around me. I am also a nurse, so the health benefits of consuming raw honey were enticing as well.
Where did you grow up in Virginia?
I grew up in Fauquier County, Virginia and now reside in Orange County.
| How did you get started in beekeeping? I got started in beekeeping by a swarm of honey bees landing in a small tree in my front yard. I had been thinking about dabbling in bees at one time and figured it was now or never. So, a friend of mine helped me get started! I joined the local beekeeping club in Culpeper, Va and took the beginner beekeeping course. |  Lindsey's first bee swarm in her front yard. |
What are the principles, values, or motto behind your business? What impact do you want to have on the Richmond community?
As a beekeeper, I would like to encourage as many people to become interested in the subject and learn more about bees and about how important they are in pollinating our food. Also, I’m interested in educating people on the difference in the honey we buy at the grocery store versus the honey we offer that is natural and raw.
As a beekeeper, I would like to encourage as many people to become interested in the subject and learn more about bees and about how important they are in pollinating our food. Also, I’m interested in educating people on the difference in the honey we buy at the grocery store versus the honey we offer that is natural and raw.
What has been your most satisfying moment in business?
Hearing people tell me stories about how their allergies have been relieved by consuming honey daily. Another story is one of our own: a horse suffered a severe leg wound, and it was healed without antibiotics or steroids – but just a honey dressing with raw sugar!
Hearing people tell me stories about how their allergies have been relieved by consuming honey daily. Another story is one of our own: a horse suffered a severe leg wound, and it was healed without antibiotics or steroids – but just a honey dressing with raw sugar!
| That's great! Thank you so much for telling us all about your story, Lindsey. We strongly support anyone helping to #savethebees. Our sister company, Tailored Touches, is actively in support of that effort, so we applaud you. |  |
 | Hey RVA! Love Whitley's Peanuts? You can find their Salted and Honey Roasted peanuts in our RVA to Go Boxes - or a Trail Mix. Yum! Today, we're interviewing them for our Better Know a Vendor series... |
Meet Todd Smith, President of Whitley's Peanut Factory... and son of the original founder.
Thanks for joining us, Todd! To start with, where does the Whitley name come from anyway?
My father was in business with a gentleman whose last name was Whitley. He started that company back in the 1950s, and it was called Whitley Peanut Company. So, when my dad and brother decided to open a new peanut processing company, they went with the name Whitley. It’s a lot more interesting and catchy than Smith!!
Thanks for joining us, Todd! To start with, where does the Whitley name come from anyway?
My father was in business with a gentleman whose last name was Whitley. He started that company back in the 1950s, and it was called Whitley Peanut Company. So, when my dad and brother decided to open a new peanut processing company, they went with the name Whitley. It’s a lot more interesting and catchy than Smith!!
 The Whitley's sign goes up in 1986! | Ha, that's true! What got your going in the peanut business? Whether my dad was cooking small batches in our family kitchen or running the then-called Whitley’s Peanut Company, my family has always been closely tied to the peanut industry. In 1986, my father and brother opened the doors of Whitley’s Peanut Factory, which still stands to this day as a retail store off Route 17 in Gloucester, VA. |
At the time they opened, they had only one small batch roaster with three employees cooking and roasting peanuts in the back of the store. Due to the quick growth of the company and high demand for the famous Whitley’s Virginia peanuts, they opened a second location in Williamsburg, VA and a new production facility in Hayes, VA. I’m now the owner of Whitley’s Peanut Factory and am excited for the opportunity to continue my family’s legacy of roasting peanuts to golden perfection.
What are the principles, values, or motto behind your business?
Ever since my dad started cooking peanuts in our family kitchen, we have never wavered from our mission to maintain the same quality and consistency in all our products. Whitley’s has grown over the years by keeping to this philosophy and building a culture of dedicated employees who value our same vision. Thanks to the Richmond community and beyond, we continue to expand our offerings of great tasting products that they will savor for years to come.
What are the principles, values, or motto behind your business?
Ever since my dad started cooking peanuts in our family kitchen, we have never wavered from our mission to maintain the same quality and consistency in all our products. Whitley’s has grown over the years by keeping to this philosophy and building a culture of dedicated employees who value our same vision. Thanks to the Richmond community and beyond, we continue to expand our offerings of great tasting products that they will savor for years to come.
 Todd Smith & his brother, Craig Smith |  Whitley's Peanut Factory's Gloucester location (1990s) |
What impact do you want to have on the Richmond community?
We would love to reach new people in the Richmond community while also developing lifetime relationships with our current customers.
What has been your most satisfying moment in business?
Just watching the company grow over the course of 30 years. From where we started to where it stands now gives me great joy!
We would love to reach new people in the Richmond community while also developing lifetime relationships with our current customers.
What has been your most satisfying moment in business?
Just watching the company grow over the course of 30 years. From where we started to where it stands now gives me great joy!
| What’s your favorite part about Richmond? Richmond is a growing city and has a lot of potential for customers who would enjoy our products. We love that the Richmond community really cultivates a culture of diverse foods and takes notice of the craft that goes into specialty-made products. We love that, too! Thanks for chatting, Todd! |  Todd Smith |
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