Elizabet Bandazian plans to open an Armenian restaurant in Carytown. Photos by Michael Thompson.
After a deal in the Devil’s Triangle fell through, an Armenian eatery is now taking its chances in Carytown.
Elizabet Bandazian plans to open Coriander, an Armenian grill, at 3125 W. Cary St. in November. Bandazian has a five-year lease on the 800-square-foot space.
The property had for two years been home to Selosa, but the deli closed down last week, said real estate agent and Elizabet Bandazian’s husband, Raffi Bandazian.
Raffi Bandazian had been trying to sell the business for Selosa owner Seran Kerneklian. Kerneklian could not be reached for comment.
In 2012, Elizabet Bandazian tried to open Coriander in the Boone’s Food Bazaar at 704 N. Sheppard St. But the grocery store closed before a deal could be finalized. Much of the equipment bought for the Devil’s Triangle Coriander will be used for the Carytown location.
“The whole goal is to have service fast as possible,” Bandazian said. “In and out.”
Coriander will serve Armenian salads, lamajun (a savory Armenian pie), sandwiches and kebabs. The eatery will be open for lunch and early evening service. Most of the items will be vegetarian or vegan.
“These are things we eat everyday and we make it,” she said. “We want to put them in the business because no one has had it before.”
Bandazian said her recipes were used by vendors at last month’s St. James 56th Annual Armenian Food Festival. While Coriander was on hiatus, she did luncheons and events and was pleased with the response she got for her food.
She would not say how much it will cost to open an eatery in one of Richmond’s most competitive restaurant corridors.
“It’s not easy to please,” Bandazian said, “but people want to try new things.”
Elizabet Bandazian plans to open an Armenian restaurant in Carytown. Photos by Michael Thompson.
After a deal in the Devil’s Triangle fell through, an Armenian eatery is now taking its chances in Carytown.
Elizabet Bandazian plans to open Coriander, an Armenian grill, at 3125 W. Cary St. in November. Bandazian has a five-year lease on the 800-square-foot space.
The property had for two years been home to Selosa, but the deli closed down last week, said real estate agent and Elizabet Bandazian’s husband, Raffi Bandazian.
Raffi Bandazian had been trying to sell the business for Selosa owner Seran Kerneklian. Kerneklian could not be reached for comment.
In 2012, Elizabet Bandazian tried to open Coriander in the Boone’s Food Bazaar at 704 N. Sheppard St. But the grocery store closed before a deal could be finalized. Much of the equipment bought for the Devil’s Triangle Coriander will be used for the Carytown location.
“The whole goal is to have service fast as possible,” Bandazian said. “In and out.”
Coriander will serve Armenian salads, lamajun (a savory Armenian pie), sandwiches and kebabs. The eatery will be open for lunch and early evening service. Most of the items will be vegetarian or vegan.
“These are things we eat everyday and we make it,” she said. “We want to put them in the business because no one has had it before.”
Bandazian said her recipes were used by vendors at last month’s St. James 56th Annual Armenian Food Festival. While Coriander was on hiatus, she did luncheons and events and was pleased with the response she got for her food.
She would not say how much it will cost to open an eatery in one of Richmond’s most competitive restaurant corridors.
“It’s not easy to please,” Bandazian said, “but people want to try new things.”
Congratulations, Liz!
Congrats Liz. This will be an awesome dining option for #RVA. Open F-A-S-T so I can start eating at Coriander asap. I’ve had the opportunity to sample Liz’s wares & they are fantastic! PS: Liz is also a heckuva entrepreneur who will rock in Carytown.
Looking forward to something different and delicious! 🙂
hope to dine with you soon