The fate of Baja Bean, Carytown serves New Zealand beef, and dates for 2012 Restaurant Week

We got word this week about whether Baja Bean was going to stay in the Fan, Jake Crocker comes even closer to monopolizing Main and Stafford, and just down the road, Julep’s owner is putting the finishing touches on new restaurant, Mint.

January 26, 2012; 10:13 AM • by RVANews staff

The rumor mill was working hard the past few weeks with whisperings that Baja Bean would not renew their lease. Those rumors were officially squashed Tuesday afternoon and it is now official: Baja will be staying at the corner of Main and Lombardy in The Fan. You can be sure that their massive patio will be full by 3pm come the first sign of spring.

We all jumped for joy this summer when we learned that Amy Cabaniss, the owner of Julep’s, would be taking over the old Davis and Main location in the Fan. Judging from the looks of the photo above, it looks like The Mint is coming along just fine–with a possible February opening around the corner. *Fingers crossed*

Speaking of new Fan restaurants, RVANews chatted with Jack Crocker about how his Uptown Market and Deli were coming along. He had been hoping for an October opening, but due to a few speeds bumps it is now looking like a late February opening. This will be the third restaurant Crocker will own at the Main and Stafford intersection. Crocker’s Corner, anyone?

According to Richmond.com, Burger Bach will be opening in the old Ellwood’s Cafe at the beginning of February. The restaurant will have a Kiwi focus with all of the grass-fed beef coming from New Zealand, a country that doesn’t base their beef industry on factory farming. There will also be hormone-free chicken, fish burgers, as well as beer and wine imported from New Zealand. The man behind the vision is Mike Ripp. He is part of the Ripp family of restaurateurs most famously know for Can Can and the nineteen Arby’s locations in metro Richmond.

Restaurant Week 2012! Did visions of menus just dance through your head?! 2012 Restaurant Week dates have officially been announced: Spring Restaurant Week will be April 23 – 29 and the Fall edition will be October 22 – 28. Mark your calendars!

photo by Fionnuala Bradley