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What's next for Chesterfield's $173M Shoosmith Landfill cleanup

The bigger fights over test results, long-term funding and accountability are just beginning.

News

Virginia lawmakers are demanding the release of environmental test results at the bankrupt Shoosmith Landfill as work to stabilize the site moves forward, saying they want proof that it poses no public health risks.Why it matters: The Chesterfield landfill has become one of Virginia&#x27;s biggest environmental cleanup challenges, with an estimated $173 million cleanup cost that may ultimately fall to taxpayers.

Richmond's potato building gets the love it deserves

An architecture-loving creator spotlighted the quirky Markel Building and its baked potato inspiration.

Real Estate

Richmond&#x27;s baked potato-inspired office building is finally getting the love it deserves, thanks to a roving <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="architecture-loving content creator." data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/p/DadrEcutX2I/?hl=en" data-vars-content-id="feefba92-8865-4318-bfe4-37b437f379b2" data-vars-headline="Richmond&#x27;s potato building gets the love it deserves" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DadrEcutX2I/?hl=en" target="_blank">architecture-loving content creator.</a> Why it matters: Once maligned as one of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="&quot;10 ugliest buildings in the world" data-vars-click-url="https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/the-markel-building-richmond-virginia" data-vars-content-id="feefba92-8865-4318-bfe4-37b437f379b2" data-vars-headline="Richmond&#x27;s potato building gets the love it deserves" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/the-markel-building-richmond-virginia" target="_blank">&quot;10 ugliest buildings in the world</a>,&quot; The Markel Building is a local treasure and now at least one influencer seems to agree.

A make-your-own ramen bar in Short Pump has 100+ flavors

The Ramyum Zip has floor-to-ceiling shelves filled with over 100 different ramen flavors.

Food and Drink

There&#x27;s a newish make-your-own ramen bar in Short Pump.Why it matters: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Ramyun Zip" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/theramyunzip.richmond/" data-vars-content-id="73fbfe21-5cf8-4571-a1cb-0b608029bd52" data-vars-headline="A make-your-own ramen bar in Short Pump has 100+ flavors" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/theramyunzip.richmond/" target="_blank">Ramyun Zip</a> has floor-to-ceiling shelves filled with over 100 different ramen flavors.

Virginia's best-paying jobs are most exposed to AI, report says

Virginia ranks fifth for workplace AI adoption, putting many white-collar jobs at greater risk of change.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="AI" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/04/02/richmond-ai-job-impact-young-workers-entry-level-hiring-decline-virginia" data-vars-content-id="b85c5a9e-11c9-4835-8490-fecd80d34dd9" data-vars-headline="Virginia&#x27;s best-paying jobs are most exposed to AI, report says" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/04/02/richmond-ai-job-impact-young-workers-entry-level-hiring-decline-virginia" target="_self">AI</a> is rapidly reshaping Virginia workplaces and it&#x27;s doing so faster than previous technology shifts, according to a new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="report" data-vars-click-url="https://virginiaworks.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/AI-Implications-Report-June-2026-FINAL-LOCKED.pdf" data-vars-content-id="b85c5a9e-11c9-4835-8490-fecd80d34dd9" data-vars-headline="Virginia&#x27;s best-paying jobs are most exposed to AI, report says" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://virginiaworks.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/AI-Implications-Report-June-2026-FINAL-LOCKED.pdf" target="_blank">report</a> from the state&#x27;s workforce development agency. Why it matters: Virginia&#x27;s high-paying, higher education-backed jobs are the ones most vulnerable to AI-driven disruptions.

Benny's giant pizza lands in Scott's Addition

The Virginia pizza chain's second Richmond location also gives Scott's Addition another late-night food option.

Benny&#x27;s newest Richmond outpost is open in Scott&#x27;s Addition. Why it matters: There&#x27;s only one Virginia-based pizza chain that serves giant pizza slices and pies, and Richmond now has two locations.

Scandinavian candy shop opens this week in former Idle Hands space

We got a sneak peek of Trolley Car Sweets and Treats ahead of its Wednesday opening on Strawberry Street.

Trolley Car Sweets and Treats, the<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text=" Scandinavian candy shop" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/03/27/richmond-scandinavian-candy-store-idle-hands" data-vars-content-id="0fbb30d5-8aad-4058-bfcf-cbfde5ba2851" data-vars-headline="Scandinavian candy shop opens this week in former Idle Hands space" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/03/27/richmond-scandinavian-candy-store-idle-hands" target="_self"> Scandinavian candy shop</a> that took over the former Idle Hands space, opens Wednesday on Strawberry Street.Why it matters: We got a sneak peek inside, where roughly 100 Swedish and Scandinavian candies like gummies, marshmallows and licorice line the shelves.

Lucky AF opens in Short Pump Saturday, Forest Hill in August

The Short Pump restaurant launches this weekend, with another Lucky AF and a new Italian concept to follow.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Lucky AF&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2025/02/26/scoop-lucky-af-short-pump-bakers-crust" data-vars-content-id="c99faffa-91be-47a7-8ed1-309c00586118" data-vars-headline="Lucky AF opens in Short Pump Saturday, Forest Hill in August" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2025/02/26/scoop-lucky-af-short-pump-bakers-crust" target="_self">Lucky AF&#x27;s</a> newest Richmond-area location opens Saturday in the former Baker&#x27;s Crust space at Short Pump Town Center. Why it matters: It&#x27;s the first of three new local restaurants ownership group <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Eat Restaurant Partners" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2024/10/04/lucky-af-sushi-forest-hill-south-richmond" data-vars-content-id="c99faffa-91be-47a7-8ed1-309c00586118" data-vars-headline="Lucky AF opens in Short Pump Saturday, Forest Hill in August" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2024/10/04/lucky-af-sushi-forest-hill-south-richmond" target="_self">Eat Restaurant Partners</a> will open this summer — including another for Short Pump and one in Forest Hill.

Why Richmond's brewing powerhouses are teaming up

Hardywood's deal to brew Legend Brown Ale reflects the pressures facing craft breweries nationwide.

The partnership between two Richmond brewing powerhouses — Legend Brewing Co. and Hardywood Park Craft Brewery — announced last week comes amid a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="tumultuous time" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/04/21/sapporo-richmond-brewery-hub-stone-sale" data-vars-content-id="3bcc3958-a936-46e3-b187-55e43070ae8a" data-vars-headline="Why Richmond&#x27;s brewing powerhouses are teaming up" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/04/21/sapporo-richmond-brewery-hub-stone-sale" target="_self">tumultuous time</a> for the craft brewing industry. Why it matters: The deal for Hardywood to produce and distribute Legend&#x27;s flagship Brown Ale is as much about weathering the difficult craft beer environment as it is about collaboration.

Secret's Cocktail Garden opens in historic Jackson Ward building

The two-story venue will be both a Southern-Caribbean food restaurant and an entertainment space.

Secret&#x27;s, a new two-floor cocktail lounge, is opening Thursday in Jackson Ward.Why it matters: It&#x27;s taking over the century-old building that once housed one of Richmond&#x27;s oldest Black social clubs.

This Richmond drink comes in a World Cup trophy glass

A Richmond spot is serving boozy aguas frescas in take-home trophy cups, and rewarding customers who bring them back.

Things to Do

Sabrina here. I&#x27;ve found my new favorite drink in the city, and it&#x27;s at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Abuelita&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/abuelitasrva/" data-vars-content-id="d9de109e-7358-4c5a-8e68-8f2444ce79a6" data-vars-headline="This Richmond drink comes in a World Cup trophy glass" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/abuelitasrva/" target="_blank">Abuelita&#x27;s</a> on Midlo Turnpike.Why it matters: It&#x27;s served in a World Cup trophy glass, topped with Airhead candy and can be spiked with tequila.<ul><li>Oh, and there&#x27;s a 15% discount on your next Abuelita&#x27;s meal if you bring the glass back.</li></ul>

Roots Natural Kitchen opens new Innsbrook location

The Charlottesville-born bowl chain is celebrating with giveaways in Innsbrook.

The Innsbrook location for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Roots Natural Kitchen" data-vars-click-url="https://www.rootsnaturalkitchen.com/" data-vars-content-id="659c1d49-233c-4b46-8822-ba7b72253610" data-vars-headline="Roots Natural Kitchen opens new Innsbrook location" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.rootsnaturalkitchen.com/" target="_blank">Roots Natural Kitchen</a>, the Charlottesville-based fast-casual restaurant known for its salads and bowls, opens Saturday. Why it matters: Ahead of the opening, they&#x27;re hosting a scavenger hunt on Friday where locals can win free Roots for a year.

Richmond's newest pop-up bar skips the alcohol

Soft Times Lounge is launching Wednesday as a sober nightlife series bringing bar culture, but without booze.

No booze. Still a bar.<ul><li>That&#x27;s the idea behind <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Soft Times Lounge" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/softtimeslounge/" data-vars-content-id="c87a51e2-e5a4-4eae-b1a6-ff51e92cd54f" data-vars-headline="Richmond&#x27;s newest pop-up bar skips the alcohol" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/softtimeslounge/" target="_blank">Soft Times Lounge</a>, a new Richmond pop-up series launching Wednesday for those who want the energy of a night out, but without the alcohol.</li></ul>Why it matters: Richmond doesn&#x27;t have many dedicated <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="sober nightlife spaces" data-vars-click-url="https://www.facebook.com/events/2435886340264929/2435886360264927/" data-vars-content-id="c87a51e2-e5a4-4eae-b1a6-ff51e92cd54f" data-vars-headline="Richmond&#x27;s newest pop-up bar skips the alcohol" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.facebook.com/events/2435886340264929/2435886360264927/" target="_blank">sober nightlife spaces</a>, even as more and more people <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="dial back on drinking" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/08/13/alcohol-drinking-rate-low-health" data-vars-content-id="c87a51e2-e5a4-4eae-b1a6-ff51e92cd54f" data-vars-headline="Richmond&#x27;s newest pop-up bar skips the alcohol" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/08/13/alcohol-drinking-rate-low-health" target="_self">dial back on drinking</a> — or cut it out altogether.

Hang opens in Scott's Addition with $3 beers and $5 tacos

The spinoff from the Lunch.Supper team is promising "never-ending happy hour" prices.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Hang" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/hang_rva/" data-vars-content-id="a7c90214-cf37-4dbc-a991-9036b1febd49" data-vars-headline="Hang opens in Scott&#x27;s Addition with $3 beers and $5 tacos" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/hang_rva/" target="_blank">Hang</a>, Lunch.Supper&#x27;s new Tex-Mex concept spinoff in Scott&#x27;s Addition, is opening Tuesday with $3 beers, $5 tacos and $8 cocktails.Why it matters: &quot;We want it to be a never-ending happy hour,&quot; longtime Lunch.Supper manager Amanda Fritts told Axios.

Food and Drink 🍽

Benny's giant pizza lands in Scott's Addition

A make-your-own ramen bar in Short Pump has 100+ flavors

Scandinavian candy shop opens this week in former Idle Hands space

Lucky AF opens in Short Pump Saturday, Forest Hill in August

Why Richmond's brewing powerhouses are teaming up