Al Harris

Rent-to-own for the toddler set

Rather than splurging on the latest toys this holiday season, local entrepreneur Shannon McAfee wants you to rent them.

The Pipeline: 12.9.11

Another monster Pipeline, with lots of restaurant leases. Plus a recycling company leased 17,000 square feet and a church paid $600,000 for 7 acres in Henrico.

Now with more poles

Business is good at a local pole-dancing studio — so good that the studio is moving to a bigger location.

Interbake factory ready to rewrite its recipe

After sitting vacant for five years and attracting vagrants and graffiti, an iconic Richmond building is now in the hands of local owners who plan to nurse it back to life.

Frozen yogurt trend is red hot

Another challenger with big ambitions is getting ready to enter the frothy frozen yogurt business with its first location in Chesterfield.

Q&A: Former lawyer isn’t out to pasture

After a long legal career, attorney Ry Marchant is taking a stab at a resurrecting a location that would challenge even the most experienced restaurateur. And he’s investing $1.4 million to make sure it’s done right.

Pipeline: Commercial Real Estate Round Up for 12.2.11

A massive pipeline this week, with two Richmond businesses expanding with tens of thousands more square feet. Plus Advance Auto Parts is adding two locations and more action on from local restaurants.