New, 350-ticket music venue headed to The Fan

The owner of The Camel will open a second music venue and restaurant in The Fan.

April 1, 2014; 10:11 PM • by Ross Catrow

Rand Burgess, Lucas Fritz, and Matt McDonald announced Tuesday night that they will open a 350-ticket music venue and restaurant called The Broadberry.

The current owner of The Camel on Broad Street, teaming up with Lucas Fritz, The Camel’s Events Manager, and Matt McDonald of Joe’s Inn, is set to open a concert and special events venue at 2729 W. Broad Street. The Broadberry is scheduled to open in April 2014 where it will hold performances and events accommodating 350 tickets while offering a full service bar and kitchen.

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In addition to concerts, The Broadberry will house a full service restaurant. Executive chef Xavier Beverly, also the executive chef at The Camel, will be teaming up with Matt McDonald of Joe’s Inn, to develop The Broadberry’s menu. Xavier brings experience from his work with Zeus Gallery and Live to Eat Catering. The venue will provide a full menu from the kitchen during all business hours.

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The full press release follows:

Owner and Management of The Camel to Open New Mid-Size Music and Special Events Venue, The Broadberry

The current owner of The Camel on Broad Street, teaming up with Lucas Fritz, The Camel’s Events Manager, and Matt McDonald of Joe’s Inn, is set to open a concert and special events venue at 2729 W. Broad Street. The Broadberry is scheduled to open in April 2014 where it will hold performances and events accommodating 350 tickets while offering a full service bar and kitchen.

This location has a legacy in the music industry. In the 1980’s The Broadberry was home to Much More and then later, The Cellar Door. The location was a popular teen hangout hosting weekly dance parties as well as many well-known acts including The Ramones, Pat Benatar, Berlin, and John Prine.

The Camel, located at 1621 W. Broad St. (est. July 2008), is known as one of the best small rooms for musicians to perform in Richmond and will act as the sister venue to The Broadberry. The three have decided to team up to run a mid-capacity venue – something that Richmond is lacking.

“There are venues to fit smaller bands as well as The National for 1,500 people and the Coliseum for thousands but where is the middle guy? The Broadberry will accommodate 350, sell both presale (via Ticketfly) and door tickets and fill the void Richmond has experienced for far too long.” -Lucas Fritz, VP and Chief Operating Officer of The Broadberry.

The Camel and its staff are known as some of Richmond’s most passionate advocates for local music’s power to transform the city. The Camel has provided a performance venue for Richmond’s growing music scene and brought up-and-coming acts into town to perform. Lucas joined The Camel in the fall of 2010 as an intern, becoming Events Manager upon graduating from VCU’s Music Department. With his experience as a touring musician, Lucas brings a unique perspective to the booking process that has forged strong relationships with managers and artists alike.

The Broadberry is equipped to host concerts with a state of the art front of house sound system, on-stage monitor system, and lighting rig. A number of local recording studios including Minimum Wage Studios and Spacebomb Studios will be teaming up with The Broadberry to provide live recordings of shows at an artist’s request. There is a sizable outdoor patio that overlooks the Science Museum of Virginia. The Broadberry will have the capability to present shows attracting nationally touring and well known talent. Tickets to all Broadberry shows will be sold online, in advance of performances, as well as at the door.

Event scheduling has begun as The Broadberry hopes to announce a schedule of events before the grand opening. Interested bands, agents, and managers should contact Lucas Fritz via booking@thebroadberry.com.

In addition to concerts, The Broadberry will house a full service restaurant. Executive chef Xavier Beverly, also the executive chef at The Camel, will be teaming up with Matt McDonald of Joe’s Inn, to develop The Broadberry’s menu. Xavier brings experience from his work with Zeus Gallery and Live to Eat Catering. The venue will provide a full menu from the kitchen during all business hours.

The Broadberry will be available to host private events such as wedding receptions, corporate dinners, graduation parties, birthday parties and more. With a large open interior and flexible floor plan, private events can be easily personalized to cater to specific needs.

The Broadberry is seeking dedicated and driven people to join its staff. Positions available include: bartender, sound technician, line cook, chef, security, marketing/promotions director, special events coordinator, and bar backs. Interested parties should send a cover letter and resume to Lucas@thebroadberry.com.