Bacon festival announced, Major Willy’s closes, and Mellow Mushroom now open

A new pizza place promises not to harsh Richmond’s mellow, a Shockoe bar surprises by deciding to close, and, if you love bacon, mark your calendars for June 9th.

May 23, 2013; 11:03 AM • by RVANews staff

It seems like all anyone wants to talk about this week is that 1) the cicadas are coming and 2) that Richmond will have its first Bacon Festival on June 9th! That’s right, a bacon festival (pause for dramatic effect). On Sunday June 9th, 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM head down to the 17th Street Farmers Market to rejoice in your love of bacon. Over 20 restaurants will be down there whipping up bacon-centric dishes and over 20 craft beers will be available for drinking. Beers are $6 and small plates are $3. CASH ONLY so please plan ahead. If you are writing this on your calendar now, go ahead and RSVP so that the folks putting this event can make sure they aren’t out of bacon by 1:00 PM.

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Major Willy’s, located at 115 S. 15th Street, is officially closed with no plans of reopening. Owner Dave McComas decided Monday to close the sports bar, former site of Stool Pigeons. It is reported that profits and revenue were on the rise, but McComas said cost was his reason for closing. Managing partner Chris Postlewaite was not consulted before the decision was made, and now he, along with other employees, is looking for a new job.

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Jackson Ward’s popular soul food spot, Mama J’s is converting their neighboring space at 415 N. 1st Street into an event space in order to keep up with customer demand. In an interview with Richmond BizSense, owner Velma Johnson said, “We have people calling in asking to rent out the restaurant for private parties. We don’t want to turn away our regular customers, especially on Friday and Saturday nights. This should help.” Once complete, the space will hold 49 people and will house its own kitchen. They are shooting for a June opening.

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It’s official, Mellow Mushroom is now open and ready for pizza eating in Carytown! We haven’t had the chance to swing by yet, but from what we can hear people are loving the new pie spot. On the menu is a plethora of pizzas, sandwiches, calzones, salads, and of course brews! Gluten-free dough is available, along with a good amount of vegan options. Mellow Mushroom is located in the former Plan 9 spot at 3012 W. Cary Street.

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Church Hill People’s News points out that Sarahfran’s Soulfood is now open for lunch and dinner at 412 N. 25th Street in Church Hill. Owner Elliott Cox describes the menu as “New Caribbean Soul Food.” Items include: wings, salmon croquettes, pork chops, country fried steak, chicken and waffles, and a red snapper fillet.

Cox has applied for an ABC license, but hasn’t received it yet. Sarahfran’s Soulfood is now open from 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM, with late-night hours added sometime in the near future.

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Just a reminder, beginning today RVANews will be sending out a weekly e-newsletter for all you food lovers to help you stay up to date. We’ll package the latest restaurant and dining news and conveniently deliver it straight to your inbox every Thursday afternoon. If that’s something that whets your appetite, go ahead and sign up here:

photo by Joel Kramer

May 23, 2013 11:03 AM 0