Former ‘Top Chef’ bringing diner concept to Willow Lawn early next year

Chef Bryan Voltaggio opening eighth restaurant, first in Richmond, with third ‘Family Meal’ concept next year.

July 29, 2014; 3:44 PM • by Trevor Dickerson

A former ‘Top Chef’ contestant has his sights set on Richmond for his eighth restaurant location. Bryan Voltaggio, owner of Maryland and D.C.-based restaurants including VOLT, Lunchbox, Family Meal and RANGE, announced plans on Tuesday to bring a new casual dining concept to town in 2015.

Along with business partner Hilda Staples, Voltaggio plans to open his third Family Meal diner concept early next year within The Shops at Willow Lawn.

Voltaggio, the runner-up contestant on the sixth season of Bravo’s Top Chef, placed second to his brother, Michael Voltaggio on the cooking competition show. He was also a runner-up on the fifth season of Top Chef Masters, making him the first chef to compete on both programs. Voltaggio is also a James Beard Award finalist.

The noted chef’s Family Meal concept will offer modern twists on time-honored American classics and be open seven days a week for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Crowd favorites of the first Family Meal location in Frederick, Maryland include hoecakes with pimento cheese, maple bacon jam, and pickle relish; fried chicken served with buttermilk biscuits, pickles, and hot sauce; softshell crab with smoked crab, John Cope’s corn, tomato, and bacon; and more.

“My family frequently visits Family Meal in Frederick, and I wanted to bring that same place to the Richmond community,” said Voltaggio of his forthcoming location. “The full-service diner concept lends itself to local families, working professionals, visitors alike.”

Staples says she became acquainted with Richmond through her husband, who was born and raised in town.

“Although a big city, Richmond still has that small town feel that we love about Frederick, our hometown,” Staples said. “Having visited for most holiday family gatherings, I knew Richmond would be a great location for our more casual restaurant concept.”

The pair say the Family Meal concept uses the same innovative techniques and high-quality ingredients as Voltaggio’s flagship restaurant, VOLT, but in more approachable ways.

No word yet on where within the shopping center the restaurant will be located, but Willow Lawn property management company Federal Realty has classified it as an “anchor tenant.”