Davis & Main, a Fan restaurant located at its namesake intersection, has been closed indefinitely, despite the sign in the window that reads “Closed Today.”
Owner Robert Nolan has been trying for some time to sell the establishment, which he has owned since 2002.
A writer for RVA News tracked down Nolan on Friday, but didn’t get a definitive answer as to when the romantic dinner spot would reopen, or if at all:
When I inquired about the restaurant’s plans for the immediate future, he remarked that Davis & Main may open on Monday. It may not. He told me that this was not the first time that he had closed the restaurant, a furlough of sorts. When I asked as to his specific reasons: saving money, staffing issues, etc. he nodded and said “all of them.”
The ambiguity of his remarks makes me wonder as to the certitude of Davis & Main’s future.
A local restaurant owner who asked not to be named informed BizSense that employees were told Friday that the restaurant was closed for good.
Davis & Main, a Fan restaurant located at its namesake intersection, has been closed indefinitely, despite the sign in the window that reads “Closed Today.”
Owner Robert Nolan has been trying for some time to sell the establishment, which he has owned since 2002.
A writer for RVA News tracked down Nolan on Friday, but didn’t get a definitive answer as to when the romantic dinner spot would reopen, or if at all:
When I inquired about the restaurant’s plans for the immediate future, he remarked that Davis & Main may open on Monday. It may not. He told me that this was not the first time that he had closed the restaurant, a furlough of sorts. When I asked as to his specific reasons: saving money, staffing issues, etc. he nodded and said “all of them.”
The ambiguity of his remarks makes me wonder as to the certitude of Davis & Main’s future.
A local restaurant owner who asked not to be named informed BizSense that employees were told Friday that the restaurant was closed for good.
Too bad, I really like that place. Nice ambiance, decent food and comfortable bar.
Unfortunately, not surprising in this robust Obama economy. That was a really nice place to go.
what a disappointment – they were known for their great burgers……
The Fan will have lost a jewel. What a great, classy place. I hope they find a way to keep it open. My wife and I stopped in there by chance on our anniversary about ten years ago for a final drink and we’ve enjoyed coming back ever since. Good food with A+ ambiance.
Maybe the Palin One Nation tour will roll through town and save it. James, you can ring the bells just like Paul Revere did to alert us of her arrival.
I know that D&M had a loyal following, but I never could understand why. I didn’t see anything on the menu, at the bar, or in the ambiance that made it stand out from other options within walking distance. Ate there twice, wasn’t impressed, never went back. I’m sorry their closing will put the owner out of business, and the employees out of work … but I’m not sure why the current occupant of 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. should shoulder any of the blame. There are a host of restaurants in the blocks near D&M that are doing quite well. I’d… Read more »
Another victim of the Great Bush Recession. Hope I survive after years of the supply side myth.
So long middle class.
Bush Recession? Give me a break, it’s the Obama’s Depression inducing policies, coupled with the Democrat controlled Richmond City government’s meals tax scheme that is putting these resturants out of business.
I’m not surprised, I fear. Every time I ate there, no one else was there. And the food really didn’t inspire an urge to hurry back. Fine, but as someone said above, plenty of places with the same food, better done, in the neighborhood.
I won’t miss it, but hope another restaurant replaces it.
Are we really turning this into another political argument?
Seriously, grow up guys. It actually gets old to some of us.
But back to the topic:
I’ve never been there, but its always a bit sad to hear a local business go under. Hopefully, for the sake of the employees, they can pull through this.
Bush hasn’t been in office for over 2 years, Y’all. Dont blame him. Blame Obama and his “obamacare” . Its sickening.
Davis & Main was my favorite restaurant for many years–great atmosphere & music, outstandingly reliable, tasty & healthy food, especially excellent fish, and the never-to-be-forgotten Kahlua cake with chocolate mint ice cream. All of the employees and even the owners over the years have been friends. I enjoyed having a significant birthday party there in 2010. Very sad indeed to see it go. (And as everyone knows, it was Bush whose negligence & unfunded wars helped bring on the recession & rising national debt, and Republican strategeries continue to fuel both–unless your brain has been out-Foxed.)
Everyone is entitled to their opinion. I felt this was a favorite restaurant of mine for many reasons. I was always very pleased with the cuisine & service and spent many special times there. I really couldn’t care less that there were/are other “similar” restaurants nearby. Perhaps I will visit them sometime should the mood strike me. In addition, I do not see the need to break into a political debate. It is unfortunate, for Richmond to lose any classy fan restaurant for whatever reason. I will miss D&M a great deal.
I was so disappointed to see that my all time favorite restaurant had closed. I never once had a bad meal there. I loved the dim coziness, the fresh flowers on the table, the bread, and the best service. Being that I was a server for many years, I tended to be very critical of service, but servers at Davis and Main were great. I’m glad that I had many opportunities to enjoy that great place. I hope that one day it can be reopened.