Editor’s Picks: BizSense’s best work from 2023

Of the more than 1,000 news stories BizSense reported in 2023, some stood out more than others.

While this year’s most-read list is one such measurement, there are a certain few that for other reasons meant the most to the hard-working BizSense newsroom.

These are the stories that were the product of diligent source work, document digging or simply featured excellent writing or colorful characters.

It takes a lot to churn out a quality niche publication on a daily basis in a region the size of Richmond. The fact that BizSense can do it five days a week is a testament to our engaged local business community and also the dedication of our seasoned group of reporters.

We hope you enjoy our list of Editor’s Picks below. And as we do this time each year, we wish to thank you, loyal reader, for habitually consuming our news, for dropping us a news tip when you hear something interesting around town and for helping BizSense thrive and grow for 15 years and counting.

Cheers to a great 2023 and a successful 2024…

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VCU Health, after FOIA request, reveals it paid $73M to back out of unbuilt downtown development

Rumors had been swirling for months about how much money VCU Health forked over as an exit payment for a massive, unbuilt downtown development. But it wasn’t until BizSense submitted a Freedom of Information Act request that the health system was finally forced to disclose the number it would have rather kept secret: $73 million. Our subsequent reporting showed that the meter on that tab is still running.

A rendering of the VCU Health-anchored office tower and complex that would have replaced the Public Safety Building. (BizSense file)

Shareholders speak out, call for new leadership as local REIT’s stock languishes

Local real estate investment trust Medalist Diversified REIT wasn’t pleased when its disgruntled shareholders began speaking out and reaching out to BizSense to shine a light on its poor performance and the lucrative fees its two top executives paid themselves. In the end, those two were forced out, a new CEO was installed and the company remains in flux.

One of the four billboard messages calling attention to Medalist’s performance. (BizSense file photo)

Lone holdout homeowners stand firm in middle of prime Manchester site

A quirky real estate story here about a couple who’s sitting on what perhaps is the most valuable 1,200-square-foot house in the city: it sits smack in the middle of a 7-acre assemblage in Manchester that’s being marketed for redevelopment. While the couple said they had no intention of selling, they’re also not naïve. “I mean everything’s for sale, right?” they said.

Lacey Cooke and Erik Colley bought 1006 McDonough last spring, not knowing that everything around it would soon go up for sale. (Photos courtesy of Erik Colley)

Richmond-area CBD companies expect business to take a hit as hemp regulations loom

Covering the cannabis beat over the last few years has been fascinating. This year the industry was hit by changes to the state’s CBD and hemp regulations. What resulted was a series of stories illustrating how local small businesses were scrambling to stay afloat, including by moving out of state.

Evan Somogyi, founder and owner of Kulture Smoke and Vape. (Jack Jacobs photo)

Shake Shack orders up first Chesterfield location

One of our most-read stories in 2022 was finding the location of the region’s first Shake Shack restaurant. While breaking the news this year of the burger chain’s plans for a second location in the area didn’t go quite as viral locally, it was still a tasty scoop to land.

Shake Shack is known for its burgers, chicken sandwiches, fries and shakes. (Courtesy of Shake Shack)

Kapeller Violins closing its doors at end of July after 45 years

There were several long-time, well-known local retailers that either closed or sold this year after decades in business. Among them was the particularly colorful tale of Kapeller Violins, which had been in business 45 years before closing its shop in Forest Hill. It’s cliché to say, but they don’t make shops like that anymore.

Jane Kapeller (right) had run the shop with her husband for decades. (BizSense file photo)

Weeks after closure, Isley Brewing sells rights to its most popular beer

Nearly every news outlet in town covered Isley Brewing’s brief social media post announcing its closure. But only BizSense took the story any further, eventually finding out about a deal to sell the rights and recipe to Isley’s most popular beer. It was a minor story in the grand scheme of things, but it shows that beating the streets and working sources will always trump social media regurgitation.

Choosy Mother debuted in 2014 and had been among Isley’s most-acclaimed brews. (BizSense file)

Community groups seek new ways to operate as Enrichmond collapse remains unresolved

It remains mostly a mystery as to what happened to all the money that was managed by Enrichmond Foundation on behalf of dozens of small community groups. And while the full story may never come to light, BizSense was able to show over the course of several stories this year how those groups were working to rebound from the scandal, including raising new funds.

RVA Clean Sweep, a litter-collection group, was among the victims of the Enrichmond saga. (Photo courtesy of RVA Clean Sweep)

Richmond developer, grandson compete tonight on ‘Lego Masters’ TV show

BizSense covers a lot of real estate developers. And we’ve covered the business of Lego, particularly its massive building block factory that’s being built in Chesterfield. Those two topics combined in the fun, feel-good story of David Levine and his grandson Ben Edlavitch, as they competed on the latest season of the ‘Lego Masters’ TV series.

Richmonders David Levine, left, and grandson Ben Edlavitch compete on the latest season of ‘Lego Masters.’ (Fox image)

‘Never be afraid to die’: Development community discusses Salomonsky’s influence

One of the best ways to sum up how Louis Salomonsky, a titan of the local real estate world, lived life prior to his death this year was to hear from those who were influenced by him. “He would say, ‘Never be afraid to die,’” Salomonsky’s eldest son Stephen recalled, shortly after his father’s death at age 84. “He wasn’t talking about dying and going to heaven. He was talking about the negotiating table.”

Louis Salomonsky died Aug. 31 after a long battle with pancreatic cancer. (BizSense file photo)