The start date for recreational sales may be moved up to 2023 instead of 2024, but local entrepreneurs aren’t waiting to profit from cannabis consumers.
Virginia’s budding marijuana industry took root in Richmond and grew in 2021
Jack Jacobs
Jack joined BizSense in 2020, covering startups, retail, healthcare, public companies and nonprofits. He previously reported for the Virginia Gazette and Tidewater Review. He is a graduate of Christopher Newport University. Reach him at jack@richmondbizsense.com or 804-554-6545.
Order up: 2021 was a newsy year for restaurants in the Richmond region
New concepts were announced, local restaurateurs expanded their footprints, and plenty of old restaurant spaces were given new life.
Rusty Taco expanding into Short Pump
The Texas taco chain’s local franchisee said the success of its first location in Westchester Commons spurred plans for the new restaurant.
Gelati Celesti double dips in Short Pump
The local ice cream chain is increasing the size of its shop at 11805 W. Broad St., and it’s planning to open 15 new locations in the next five years.
Shamin Hotels unveils plan for bigger Embassy Suites at Stonebridge
The hotelier had proposed 50 fewer rooms and a smaller conference room in 2019 but decided to increase the scale of the project.
Chipotle first tenant signed for new portion of Midlothian retail center
The Mexican restaurant chain plans to open in spring 2023 at the Kroger-anchored Ivymont Square shopping center.
Avail Vapor’s stores go up in smoke amid haze of FDA red tape
The Richmond-based vaping retailer, which had nearly 100 stores in a dozen states a year ago, has sold or shuttered all of its locations.
Henrico-based imaging company acquired by Denver firm
Dynamic Mobile Imaging, which does X-rays in patients’ homes, merged with in-home health care provider DispatchHealth. Terms were not disclosed.
Pancake house flipping into former Applebee’s space in Henrico
The IHOP franchisee also plans to open 16 Popeyes locations in the region in the next five years.
1,700-acre tech park among proposed uses for Chesterfield site
The county plans to rezone the “Upper Magnolia Green” property for the tech park and a 700-acre area for single-family homes and public facilities.
