UPDATE: The Republic reopens, OMG Cafe is for sale, Ipanema nears the end of its renovations

Tax issues closed one restaurant and renovations closed another, meanwhile Church Hill welcomes a new restaurant and Richmond gets all “shaka-brah” in the kitchen.

July 13, 2012; 8:25 AM • by RVANews staff

Update – July 13th, 8:25 AM

The Republic restaurant and bar is operating under bankruptcy protection. A filing yesterday to the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Richmond stated that the current owner, Tony Hawkins, was unaware of previous tax debts the business inherited after he took over one year ago. Hawkins attorney, Roy M. Terry Jr., said that approximately $300,000 in federal, state, and city taxes are owed.

The restaurant had been closed for nine days. Filing for bankruptcy protection allowed Hawkins to reopen yesterday.

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Original – July 12th, 9:01 AM

Last week, many were shocked to discover that The Republic had closed for taxation issues. After a nine-day hiatus, they are open again. Owner Tony Hawkins posted the following statement on the restaurant’s website:

“I would like to take this time to thank you all for the support and prayers in our time of need. I had no idea that this establishment means so much to so many. It would have been easy to close last week and move on with life. After the support I received from the staff, patrons and family, I knew I could not let these doors close for good. It’s with a smiling face and happy heart that I inform you we will be back open for business Wednesday July 11th at 12pm. I encourage everyone to stop by for a drink, some food or just to say hello. I speak for the entire staff when I say, we have missed you dearly and can not wait to see your smiling face. Once again, thank you for all your support and we look forward to seeing you soon.”

The Republic is open from 11am to 2am Monday through Sunday.

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According to Church Hill People’s News, OMG Cafe on 25th Street is on sale for $70,000. Before you get your checkbooks out, please note that the $70,000 is just for the business–not for the actual building. The owners have yet to provide any details, but so far it seems like they are still serving food. We’ll keep you posted.

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Also in Church Hill, Anthony’s on the Hill opened last Thursday at 2824 E. Broad Street, the same block as The Hill Cafe. They specialize in Italian cuisine with a slew of pizzas on the menu. Check out their Facebook page for menus and food pics.

Tuesday – Thursday • 5:00 – 10:00 PM
Saturday • 5:00 – 11:00 PM
Sunday • 5:00 – 10:00 PM

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The much anticipated Uptown Market and Deli has also opened up across the street from FW Sullivan’s. We spoke with Jack Crocker earlier this week about the opening and found out more about his group’s third space at the intersection of Main and Stafford.

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Ipanema Cafe, Richmond’s favorite vegetarian restaurant, is closed for renovations. They’ve posted a bunch of images of the construction on their Facebook, and people have responded with a lot of thoughts and feelings about the old, familiar bar being replaced. Don’t worry, Ipanema fans, they’ll reopen on July 16th.

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Richmond clearly loves to dine out, but say you want to invite your favorite chef and your favorite friends over to your favorite space for a lovely one-of-a-kind home cooked meal? Kitchensurfing can help with that! The online service allows chefs to create a profile and then regular Joes like us to hire them for freelance gigs. Kitchensurfing coordinates the payment and feedback process. The goal is to create unique and intimate hangouts with good friends over good food.

Kitchensurfing’s Max Siegal, was on hand (his first time in Richmond, and he said he was a bit smitten) earlier this week to help execute RVA’s very first Kitchensurfing-supported event. The featured chef was Pizza Tonight’s Stephanie Lebow, with Ardent Craft Ales providing the beer. A good time was had by all! Kitchensurfing currently only pairs chefs to food lovers in New York, but is looking to expand. Keep your eyes (and mouths) open for more details.

photo by Ashley Jenkins