Chef Mike Smith, left, and marketing director Dyllan Shaw. (J. Elias O’Neal)
After Szechuan didn’t catch on in a VCU-area restaurant space, a beer-centric tavern has quickly taken its place.
Ding’s Kitchen, which opened in late April at 711 N. Lombardy St., closed July 13 and has been converted into Tap 20 Tavern.
Dana Robinson, Tap 20 co-owner and general manager, said the new restaurant will open Saturday in the 2,600-square-foot space that sits in the strip center across from Kroger.
Ding’s Kitchen was established by Owen Ding and his wife, Amy. Owen Ding is an investor and co-owner in the Tap 20 venture. He would not discuss Ding’s Kitchen’s closure in detail.
Robinson said the surrounding area’s continued redevelopment and growth prompted them to reassess the concept for the restaurant.
“There is so much happening in the area, we that felt we needed something different,” she said.
Tap 20 will serve American fare, including beer-battered shrimp, salads, tacos and custom pasta bowls, executive chef Mike Smith said.
As its name implies, the restaurant will have 20 beers on tap, including several permanent and seasonal craft beers from local breweries including Legend, Hardywood and Ardent. It will add mixed drinks to the menu eventually, Robinson said.
Dyllan Shaw, marketing and sales director, said the restaurant plans to host activities to draw patrons, including trivia nights and a disc jockey.
With 60 seats spread throughout the bar, lounge and restaurant areas, Robinson said, the new establishment should be a draw to the area.
“We want this to be another option for young professionals that live and work in the area,” Robinson said. “We have five TVs where people can come and watch the games on Sunday … we want be to come here and be comfortable.”
Chef Mike Smith, left, and marketing director Dyllan Shaw. (J. Elias O’Neal)
After Szechuan didn’t catch on in a VCU-area restaurant space, a beer-centric tavern has quickly taken its place.
Ding’s Kitchen, which opened in late April at 711 N. Lombardy St., closed July 13 and has been converted into Tap 20 Tavern.
Dana Robinson, Tap 20 co-owner and general manager, said the new restaurant will open Saturday in the 2,600-square-foot space that sits in the strip center across from Kroger.
Ding’s Kitchen was established by Owen Ding and his wife, Amy. Owen Ding is an investor and co-owner in the Tap 20 venture. He would not discuss Ding’s Kitchen’s closure in detail.
Robinson said the surrounding area’s continued redevelopment and growth prompted them to reassess the concept for the restaurant.
“There is so much happening in the area, we that felt we needed something different,” she said.
Tap 20 will serve American fare, including beer-battered shrimp, salads, tacos and custom pasta bowls, executive chef Mike Smith said.
As its name implies, the restaurant will have 20 beers on tap, including several permanent and seasonal craft beers from local breweries including Legend, Hardywood and Ardent. It will add mixed drinks to the menu eventually, Robinson said.
Dyllan Shaw, marketing and sales director, said the restaurant plans to host activities to draw patrons, including trivia nights and a disc jockey.
With 60 seats spread throughout the bar, lounge and restaurant areas, Robinson said, the new establishment should be a draw to the area.
“We want this to be another option for young professionals that live and work in the area,” Robinson said. “We have five TVs where people can come and watch the games on Sunday … we want be to come here and be comfortable.”