Hey RVA, we return to our Better Know A Vendor Series with Mike Lampros, the owner and operating manager of Gunther’s Gourmet. He is here today to give us an inside look at the company. Thanks for sharing with us, Mike! What ignited the spark in you to start your business? Tell us the story of how you and your business idea first met! Born and raised in Roanoke, Virginia, we Lampros brothers set out on very different paths that eventually merged into what today has become Gunther’s Gourmet Groceries, LLC. Although we had each had worked in a variety of restaurants throughout our high school and college years, neither of us had seriously considered working with the other - much less together in the food industry. My older brother, Nick, went into the private practice of law after graduating from Duke University in 1984 and Vanderbilt University School of Law in 1987. I continued to work in restaurants after graduating from the University of Richmond in 1988, then decided to attend the Culinary Institute of America, from which I graduated in 1991.  While working as the Executive Chef at Crestar Bank (now SunTrust Bank) and then Reynolds Metals (the makers of Reynolds Wrap® Aluminum Foil and other products) in Richmond, Virginia, I began to develop various salad dressings for use at corporate dinners. That experimentation continued after I left those posts and eventually led to the development of Gunther’s three vinaigrettes and marinades, which I originally sold to small gourmet and food shops from the back of my Jeep. As interest in my products grew, I turned to Nick for assistance with the legal side of the business. While Nick handled the paperwork, I handled sales and expanded the product line by developing and adding Gunther’s various salsas to the mix. Today, we two brothers actively work together to develop new flavors and recipes and to grow the business. Our love of food and willingness to experiment has allowed us to develop a line of products and flavors that surpasses what is generally sold in today’s markets - all while avoiding the artificial ingredients, preservatives, trans fats, and high levels of sodium and cholesterol that are too often found in the products of other companies.
What are the principles, values, or motto behind your business? We strive to give our customers a quality product at a fair price. Our customer service is only second best to the actual product in each bottle. So, you didn’t grow up in Richmond, but having been here a while, what is your attachment to the city now? Originally, I am from Roanoke, Virginia. I attended the University of Richmond. After graduating from U of R, I came and went for several years (NY to CA) but always returned and made Richmond my home. It’s a great city with an eclectic music, food, and drink scene. It has lots of creative people “putting their dream in a bottle.” Richmond is also conveniently located near beautiful beaches, mountains, big cities, and quaint towns.
That is incredible. Congratulations! Thanks for taking the time to chat with us, and we wish you luck on all your future recipe experiments.
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Brown’s Island epitomizes the idea of the “urban riverfront” with its stunning views of the city skyline as well as of the natural beauty of the James River. It is a six acre island bordered by Haxall Canal to the north and the James River to the south. The main access point for its many visitors throughout the year is the Foundry Park Bridge at 5th Street, making Brown’s Island a key part of Richmond’s Riverfront Canal Walk.
tHE ORIGINS OF THE NAME Brown’s Island was apparently not always an island! In fact, according to Richmond planning and development review documents, it likely started as a mere sandbar that transformed into an island over time from a “combination of pilings, alluvial deposits and fill” in the late 1700s. By 1826, Brown’s Island had gained its very first settler, Elijah Brown, for whom the area is named. Brown uprooted himself from his home in Rhode Island and migrated several hundred long miles to settle in Richmond, Virginia. He later established himself as a member of the community by taking a job at the Virginia Manufactory of Arms as a local gunsmith. Interestingly, a later settler - by the name of Neilson - tried to rename the island Neilson’s Island. Unfortunately for him, his name never quite caught on, and Richmonders today continue to call it Brown’s Island. WARTIME TRAGEDYJust a few decades after Elijah Brown settled himself in Richmond, Brown’s Island - like much of the South - became embroiled in our nation’s bloodiest conflict - the Civil War. The island, as the site of the critical Confederate States Laboratory, was right in the thick of the war effort. The C.S. Laboratory, which produced ammunition and explosives for the Confederate Army, had previously been located on 7th Street in the city but was moved to Brown’s for safety reasons after several minor explosions occurred. Little did Richmonders know, the largest explosion had yet to come. On Friday, 13 March 1863, an explosion ruined large sections of the building and collectively killed and wounded more than forty of the workers, many of whom were young women. It is likely that the choice to move the ammunition operations to the Island saved many lives, yet still, some Civil War historians believe this event - with its consequent great loss of munitions - contributed to the eventual Union victory.
industrialization and deindustrialization The wartime ammunition plant appeared to be only the start of industrialization on Brown's Island. Much like nearby areas, such as Belle Isle, Brown’s Island quickly became a predominantly manufacturing locale. Power plants usually need easy access to moving water for both energy and cooling purposes, making Richmond’s islands an ideal location for them. In 1894, Richmond Union Passenger Railway constructed a coal plant, which was quickly followed by Virginia Power’s hydroelectric plant in 1899. The coal plant then shut down before reopening as Dixie Paper Mill in 1916, which was bought by Albemarle Paper Company just three years later. In 1936, Virginia Power opened its own coal plant, joining its existing hydroelectric plant and continuing this industrial trend. As industry in Richmond declined over the course of the mid-to-late 20th century, the island began to evolve into the scenic location that we know today. The hydroelectric plant’s production dropped throughout the 1950s and 60s before finally closing its doors in 1968. The Virginia Power coal plant also closed down after enduring severe damage in 1969 from Hurricane Camille, and Albemarle Paper Company eventually donated their property on Brown’s to the city of Richmond for park use. In 1987, Brown’s Island became a part of Richmond’s James River Park System, completing its journey through deindustrialization.
Today, Brown’s Island is a fantastic city attraction covered with lush green grass and shaded by sycamore trees. Much to the joy of locals and tourists alike, it is open every day for the public from sunrise until sunset. Although few reminders of its past remain, Brown’s Island has taken on a new identity as a popular venue for concerts, like the Richmond Folk Festival, as well as a place to relax and escape the city.
With verdant woods, winding trails, and rushing waters, Belle Isle is a little slice of natural landscape in an urban area. It is a must-see Richmond city park located on the James River and easily accessible via a pedestrian bridge off of scenic Tredegar St. Dozens of people can be seen traversing this bridge to reach the island, especially as spring and summer bring warmer weather to Richmond. With 54 acres, Belle Isle has plenty of space for the crowds of people looking to spend a nice day away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Its many pathways are perfect for running, biking, and hiking enthusiasts. Additionally, for people looking for a more laid-back time, the flat rocks right on the river’s edge allow for relaxed sunning with spectacular views of Hollywood Cemetery, Tredegar Iron Works, and downtown Richmond.
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 Old Dominion Iron Structure |  Belle Isle Manufactury Ruins |
Over the years, Belle Isle became an industrial complex, hosting several factories within its rocky shores. In 1814, the Old Dominion Iron and Nail Company started the island’s first factory to produce nails. In the 1840s, the Belle Isle Manufacturing Company set up shop and constructed mills to make iron products. The growth of this industrial powerhouse brought about Belle Isle’s second and current name. Out with “Broad Rock” and in with “Belle Isle!”
Throughout this time period, workers also spent long hours quarrying granite from the island. Moreover, as if nails, iron, and granite were not quite enough, the Virginia Electric Power Company also had a hydroelectric power plant on the island that ran from 1904 to 1967. Theirs was soon joined by the Virginia Railway and Power Company’s hydroelectric plant in 1905, which was set up to meet the demands of Richmond’s growing electric streetcar system.
Throughout this time period, workers also spent long hours quarrying granite from the island. Moreover, as if nails, iron, and granite were not quite enough, the Virginia Electric Power Company also had a hydroelectric power plant on the island that ran from 1904 to 1967. Theirs was soon joined by the Virginia Railway and Power Company’s hydroelectric plant in 1905, which was set up to meet the demands of Richmond’s growing electric streetcar system.
INTERLUDE: AN INFAMOUS PRISON CAMP
Amidst Belle Isle’s decades of industrial development, there was a brief and tragic interlude during the Civil War when it served as a Confederate prison camp. By 1862, Richmond was overflowing with Union prisoners, and Confederate officials were faced with the pressing dilemma of where to hold them.
They eventually settled on the newly-named Belle Isle, reasoning that the rushing rapids around the island would discourage escape attempts. They promptly bought the island from Old Dominion Iron and Nail Company. It was designated as a temporary holding place for 3,000 prisoners, most of whom were lower-ranking (officers were generally held in Libby Prison in the city). The prison was periodically emptied through prisoner exchanges then refilled after major battles, and it is estimated that as many as 30,000 POWs passed through it over its two years of operation.
They eventually settled on the newly-named Belle Isle, reasoning that the rushing rapids around the island would discourage escape attempts. They promptly bought the island from Old Dominion Iron and Nail Company. It was designated as a temporary holding place for 3,000 prisoners, most of whom were lower-ranking (officers were generally held in Libby Prison in the city). The prison was periodically emptied through prisoner exchanges then refilled after major battles, and it is estimated that as many as 30,000 POWs passed through it over its two years of operation.
The island was often over-filled with prisoners, and thousands died as a result, in large part because proper shelters were never built. For example, prisoners fell prey to exposure during the cold Richmond winters or to disease and hunger. There was even a short battle, the Battle of Walkerton, that involved an attempt to free the Union soldiers from the harsh conditions on Belle Isle. It failed, and the prisoners were left to their unfortunate fates. By 1864, the prison closed, and its inmates were transported farther South to other prisons. The island was returned to Old Dominion Iron and Nail Works before being sold to the Virginia Power Company in 1900. Business returned to normal.
A PARK IN THE MAKING
Throughout the mid-twentieth century, Belle Isle remained a home to factories, before gradually de-industrializing as Richmond’s economy became less focused on manufacturing. Belle Isle officially became a park in 1973. Its beautification and clean up were largely due to the James River Discovery Program, an effort by Richmond Renaissance, a local group known today as Venture Richmond. They also sponsored the construction of the swaying pedestrian bridge below the Robert E. Lee Bridge that provides easier access to the island. At 1,040 feet long and $2.3 million in building costs, the bridge was a substantial project that made Belle Isle an integral part of of the James River Park System.
Even as one of the most popular parks in the city, remnants of Belle Isle’s past are spread throughout the island. The National Register of Historic Places listed Belle Isle as a historic site in 1995, a reflection of its enduring value to Richmond’s story. Visitors can see the ruins of the nail factory in the eastern section of the island, as well as the remains of a hydroelectric plant and an old storehouse for explosive materials and oil on the south side.
When it comes to Richmond spots, Belle Isle is a a great choice - from those looking for a quiet afternoon to enjoy nature to those looking for a day of historical adventure.
When it comes to Richmond spots, Belle Isle is a a great choice - from those looking for a quiet afternoon to enjoy nature to those looking for a day of historical adventure.
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.
A COUNTRYSIDE SETTLEMENT
Although the Fan is an well-established part of Richmond today, the area was part of the city’s mostly unoccupied outskirts for almost all of the 18th century. In 1791, there was only a small grouping of rural houses, which formed a community named Scuffletown; believe it or not, the name apparently comes from a militia “scuffle” that occurred there during the American Revolution - one that involved infamous American traitor, Benedict Arnold. About a decade after the formation of Scuffletown, a few lavish country houses, like the Hermitage and the Columbia House, were being built for the city’s affluent. However, it was not until 1817 that serious proposals were made to develop the area. At the time, a group of Richmond investors and land speculators led by a wealthy man named John Harvie gathered together and made grand designs to construct a new town in the area. They named it “Sydney.” Unfortunately, they could not have anticipated the financial downturn that loomed on the horizon. The Panic of 1819 led to the definitive scrapping of the Sydney plans, but the basic street grid from those plans survived and provided the groundwork for the later development of the Fan.
from rural to urban
After plans for Sydney were abandoned, the area remained a rural outpost with only a few settlements along the major roads heading out of the city. All was quiet until about 1890. By then, the nation’s Second Industrial Revolution was gaining steam. It was a time of factories, railroads, and most of all, economic opportunity. Richmond’s borders began growing westward as people flocked to the city, drawn by the call of industrial jobs. As a result, the market for new homes boomed. It was so intense that investors snatched up entire city blocks in one clip! Construction initially started around present-day Monroe Park and quickly overflowed onto Grace St. and Franklin St. in response to the high demand. Gradually, the lines of the fan shape that we know and love today emerged. More and more people were drawn by the attractive brick row houses and budding public transportation system, and subsequently, schools, like the William Fox School, and churches, like the Tabernacle Baptist church, were built to accommodate the area’s increasing residents. By the turn of the century, the district had filled with Richmond’s fashionable middle class, a trend that continued through the social reform of the Progressive Era and into the decadence of the Roaring Twenties.
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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.
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.
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