Keep hearing that the new pizza joint at 2824 East Broad Street is open, but haven’t been able to get by to get the details. Anybody know the official name, hours, website, menu, etc?
199 comments
SEW01/26/2011 at 8:49 AM
I find it off that the folks who opened this place wouldn’t notify CHPN since it seems to get a great deal neighborhood readers and would generate some traffic in the restaurant.
In any case, I wish them the best of luck and look forward to trying some of their food!
I think they are trying to ease into opening, to find their groove, which is smart. Also, there will be tables in about two weeks, but not yet, so a big crowd at this point would be sort of awkward. We checked it out Tuesday night. I think I could develop an unfortunate addiction to the waffle fries.
they’re open from 11-10 every day and it’s called buffington and wine’s. there’s a menu up in the window and they have some to take home too- i ate there last night, and it was delicious 🙂
they said it would be about 3 weeks until they got tables in there and started serving wine and beer, so right now it’s pretty much carryout.
I wish the best of luck to the business, and wholeheartedly hope they succeed.
But I gotta say, the “franks and fries” part of their offerings seems to pretty widely miss the mark of what I suspect most people were hoping for from this place. Anyone care to bet how long they stay on the menu?
That said, I hope the pizza’s good, and I’ll be giving it a try in the next day or two. But they’ve got some stiff competition in that department from Sette.
Here’s the tic tac info! They are sweet potato tots, rolled in cinnamon sugar, and served with a drizzle of honey & a sprinkle of powdered sugar. YUM!!!
Agree with PaulF, reminds me of It Must Be Heaven’s menu of ice cream and crab soup, ok, maybe it’s not that bad. It actually sounds like some delicious and creative stuff. How come no one has mentioned the tie to Buzzy’s? I actually saw him behind the counter when I drove by the other night. Do they own this place or what up?
Has anyone spoken to Buffington or wine? We did, and ordered a Paul Bunyan and a White Rabbit. It was incredible. Apparently they are working on wine and beer that should be coming in a few weeks. By the way, the official name is Buffington and Wine’s pies, Fries, and franks. The pizza is great!
bsmart #18, what is the crust like on the pies? Just curious, many thanks!
Menu looks interesting, and I will try to stop by for something this coming weekend if not sooner. PaulF #14 and Brett #16, I don’t think it’s as mixed up as ice cream and soup. It sounds to me like they are just trying to keep it simple with three or four things dressed different ways. I hesitate to be critical until I’ve eaten there.
And hey I’ve gotta give them credit for inventing a bleu cheese and pineapple hot dog, if you choose those options for dogs. I never would have thought of that but I love pineapple bleu cheese burgers (when I can get them, the only person I can remember offering them was Nick at the old Joe’s Inn, and I don’t know if they even offer them anymore!!!!)
They have applied for a wine a beer license which includes, unfortunately, to go sales. The neighbors are really saddened by that. They remember how that went when it was a grocery store. Public drunkenness, cars double parked, loud music, etc.
Lisa, do you really think it will come to that? I don’t see Bob or Victor as the type that would let that sort of thing happen. The police have already been in there and since they have such a good relationship with Buzzy’s there shouldn’t be any problems at this place. Also, is there anywhere within walking distance you can go to get a nice bottle of wine or some quality beer (Amstel, Guinness etc) and it not be the Market? I’m not crapping on the Market, I buy my beer and wine there but choices are nice. I’ve known Bob for 20 years and don’t see this place becoming anything like that. And before anyone says “but Me, you don’t live in Church Hill” let me tell you that I do live, walk my dog, run and work in Church Hill and have for many years.
I didn’t recall the name accurately (it had been a month or so since I talked with one of the owners) but the other owner, I was told is Cpt.Buzzy’s owner. One would think that he could be trusted to not let things get out of hand with the ABC license. We have plenty of places that have ABC in our area and are good stewards of the community: Aziza, Sette, GlobeHopper,Honeywhytes, The Hill…to name a few
Good luck to them. We’ll definitely come give them a try when they are settled.
@#25: none of the places you mention have an ABC off license, which this place does.
I agree, as I think most neighbors do, that the current owners will be responsible with their license. The concern is that should the business not be successful, the off license could transfer to a new owner, who might not be quite as interested in the peacefulness of the neighborhood as they are in making whatever sales they decide are necessary to stay in business.
@James: I believe Victor told me the pies were 16″. As he put it: “just as good but $10 cheaper than Bottom’s Up.” And even if I’m wrong about the size, I definitely remember thinking cost + size was great value for pizzas with such high-quality ingredients. Maybe the best value is the “slice,” which is actually a quarter of a pizza. (!)
I haven’t tasted anything yet, but I’ve seen and smelled it and can’t wait till I have a free evening for it. Good luck, guys!
Just for the record, liquor licenses are not transferable.There is a process each applicant must complete. If a company or property changes hands, the application begins again.
good news for everyone looking for beer on the hill, family supermaket at 24th and jefferson now has a very legit beer selection, many nice micros to chose from.
#30 is only partially correct. If the business transfers in whole…name and everything…the liquor license would transfer with it–the application process would not be necessary. So, if Buffington sold the place to a new owner who was going to operate it as Buffington’s Pies, Fries and Franks…the liquor license would go to the qualified new owner (as in, passes background check and otherwise qualified by ABC standards). The neighbors should be concerned. This is a potentially dangerous situation for the neighborhood. The hill has not had a strong track record for business survival. One never knows what the future holds. A new owner may not have the same level of respect for the neighbors. Get restrictions in place now.
The name….it helped us figure out what they sell..uhhhhhh. We tried their pizza, and found it fantastic. The renovation of that corner has definitely helped, remember the buiding before? They’ve done a great job.
Thank you #32. Their application for an unrestricted and off-premises ABC license can’t be judged in the same way as a sit down resturant. The neighbors have been down this road before at this very corner. They would appreciate folks support to speak against the granting of that ABC license.
One would think that the “issues” that were dealt with when this location was a corner store would not be the same. I’m not sure but I would imagine that the owners would not be selling 20s or 40s of Red Bull, Mickey’s, or MD 20/20. My guess would be that the owners would run a little more upscale kind of business.
Agree with you 100% New Guy. The best way for us to make sure the liquor license isn’t a problem is to make sure the place is packed and busy with good people who care about the community.
I also didn’t get the sense that they’ll be carrying Nighttrain in their wine selection so the deadbeats aren’t likely to do their shopping here. $15 bottles of wine aren’t usually what the folks who want to drink on the corner go for…
@lisa I am a neighbor, and a very close one to the new restaurant. I live half a block away. I am NOT “really saddened” by the ABC off. I am thrilled! I do not think you speak for all neighbors.
Just read the menu. Oh boy, pizza, hot dogs, fries and onion rings! It’s college all over again only our arteries are 20 years older. Is this really what our demographic wanted?
Some posts really miss the point here. Let’s take this slow and step by step.
1. Businesses with off-premises ABC licenses have historically been problematic in Church Hill-including this same location. 2. Businesses, in general, have not had a history of longevity in Church Hill. 3. ABC licenses, in many cases, ARE transferable to a new owner. 4. A new owner (and the current owner) with a beer and wine ABC license absolutely has the right to sell any type of wine and beer they see fit to drive their business. Every business I know of is in business to make a profit. 5. Once an ABC license is granted, it’s difficult to revoke. 6. A business owner with the best of intentions has no control over the actions of their patrons once outside the premises. 7. Without regulation, the fate of a neighborhood is left to chance or will. 8. You can’t unspill the milk.
LOL at all the panic over to-go sales. There is no way to regulate without restricting the sales of fine beer and wine. You can require 6-pack or greater sales, but that kills the market for good brew in 22oz sizes. You can limit to 12oz, but again, many fine craft beers are sold in 22oz or 750ml sizes. How about we just have a little faith in a long time business owner on Church Hill. I am sure that even if this business plan fails, the current owner cares about the neighborhood enough to keep this from ending up like another trashy corner convenient store. I think some people are really overreacting.
yeah Lisa I only live a few houses down and would love to see an ABC Off license. What are you afraid of? If someone wanted a beer to start trouble they could walk a couple of blocks over to blue wheeler and do so… this place won’t bring trouble to broad. If anything it will help.
you should be more worried about the prissy white lady that always let’s her frou frou dogs poop on the sidewalk because she’s too high society to get dooky hands.
I had lunch and dinner there yesterday. The Fatty was a delicious bratwurst. Natural casing and tasty. I had it with kraut and brown mustard. Onion rings were hot and crispy with honey mustard on the side.
For dinner it was a large pizza with pepperoni and mushrooms. The crust is medium-thickness. The sauce is a spicy tomato with good flavor. Lots of cheese. My only complaint was not enough pepperoni (but in truth no pizza has enough for me).
Let’s not worry about worst case scenarios shall we? How about we support a local business that has invested time, money and sweat in our neighborhood. Or do you want that boarded up POS that used to be there?
@43/44 Respectfully, your views are naive. It appears that neither of you are homeowners or otherwise financially invested in this neighborhood. If you rent your place, I understand your viewpoint-you have nothing to lose. I’d like to pose a question. If you’re a homeowner, you’ve most likely purchased homeowners insurance to protect yourself against catastrophic loss-right? Chances are, you’ll never need it to that extent. But, you buy it just in case. Regulation is much the same as insurance…without it, you expose yourself to risk that could be avoided. There’s a far greater chance that a business will fail in Church Hill than your house burning down. Why is it so hard to digest that neighbors are concerned? Problems with off-premises ABC licenses in Church Hill are historic. This very location was problematic years ago. As for the Blue Wheeler, have you looked around there lately? Have you seen the trash in yards, on the street and sidewalks? Is that what you’d like to see on Broad Street? It’s been down that road before. Without thoughtful regulation, it could easily happen again.
“Let’s not worry about worst case scenarios shall we? How about we support a local business that has invested time, money and sweat in our neighborhood. Or do you want that boarded up POS that used to be there?”
I don’t think anyone wants this business to not succeed. It appears as though you enjoyed your experience there with no mention of alcohol. Having off-premises ABC privileges is not a measure of success for a business offering a great core product. The goal is peaceful co-existence.
As a matter of the majority of the close neighbor are very concerned about off premise beer and wine sales. It’s short sited to think the problems that occured before now at this location cannot happen again. We are the ones who experinced it!
I think the ABC off paranoia is unnecessary, but was hoping for a different kind of concept in this space. I’ve long thought that a really great deli with good sandwiches and sides, a nice selection of cheeses, deli meats, wine, and single-serving micro-brews would work in that space. You could do take-out, delivery, sell meats/cheese at the counter, and do in-house salads and sandwiches. I’m worried that the pizza market in our neighborhood is a bit over-saturated with Settee, Azziza’s, and Bottom’s Up so close. Please listen Bob and Mary Ann 🙂
I will eventually own my home, and the only reason I rented was to see if this neighborhood would be worth living in. However, there is so much negativity and people shouting for restrictions on any new business here, I am not sure this place will ever improve. I also don’t like the insinuation that renters don’t care about the future of this community. Church Hill is the only place I have lived in since I moved here, and I wish to remain part of this neighborhood. I also take better care of the property and surroundings than my landlord did.
OK, I get the whole anti off-premise sales protest to any new convenience store. However, as I stated before, this is an upper end wine and beer supplier who has already done a lot to improve this community. I do know enough about ABC licenses to know that they are not as easily transferred as some are making it out to be. I have met the owner at Buzzy’s and trust him to do what is best for this community. Besides, if he carries the right craft beers, I will have no problem helping keep the place in business.
I have lived north of Broad for over twenty years near both the Blue Wheeler and the Chimbo Market and have no problems with ABC off. Yes, I am a homeowner.
“I am not sure this place will ever improve” James…the neighborhood has improved over the years with the investment of “time, money and sweat” (as cited by #45)by the property owners in this neighborhood. It’s those same people who’ve created a nicer place that you’re willing to consider home and Buff’s wants to open a business in. You should be more thoughtful of their concerns and not just dismiss them out of your own selfish desires. You can’t seem to move beyond the fact that because you believe in this owner, all will remain the same in the future. If this business was sold as Buffington’s, the liquor license would go with it. I urge you to check your knowledge of ABC regulations. You’re misinformed.
laura, do you ever have anything positive to say. I know the laws quite well. It doesn’t only have to be sold under the same name to keep an off-premise license. It also has to remain as a restaurant. There is no way it will ever become a ghetto 40 shop. The reason this neighborhood has improved is due to businesses like Buzzy’s and the Hill Cafe, that make the area more attractive to middle and upper class people. What have you personally done to improve this area? My guess is absolutely nothing (complaining and spreading negativity doesn’t count). Personally, I did not like the idea of another pizza place up in this area. The only saving grace for the business was the concept of walking down the street and buying a bottle of wine or bomber of craft ale. Take away those sales, and I am not sure the business will survive. Let’s think about how we can help this business survive and try to relax on heavy restrictions. If you care about the community, you will want this business to survive. If you want this business to survive, you will encourage off-premise wine/beer sales.
@49: agreed 100%. However, I’ve heard some news recently that we may be getting just that very soon. Keep an eye out around Marshall and 27th around summer time…
#53 I don’t believe they have a special use permit to operate as a restaurant. If people are eating at tables it’s an unauthorized use.
Trust in this owner has nothing to do with the issue of potentail problems as much as future owners. Businesses do tend to fail here, so a new owner in the near future may be closer than we think.
We all want businesses to thrive on the Hill but we have a limited population to support it. The Hill Cafe draws on people outside the hood not just locals. that makes a big difference in terms of survival.
James…how little you know of the area’s history…The urban pioneers started the ball rolling in the Hill way before the Hill Cafe and most certainly Buzzy’s was ever thought of. Your profound ignorance continues to baffle me. You (and Amy N-B in 49) are making the case that concerns the neighborhood. You said: “and I am not sure the business will survive.” Exactly the point…many neighbors do not want fast and loose access to off-premises ABC licenses. One guaranteed money maker at that location would be a “ghetto 40 shop” and you’re crazy to think nobody would be willing to take a crack at that. And as for my contribution to the Hill…James, I own several Church Hill properties with assessed values in excess of $2 million. All have been renovated to make the place you love a better place to live. I’m also a landlord so I do know alot about renters. That’s my contribution…what’s yours other than being a blow hard?
Now that the building has been renovated, it’s unlikely to sit idle again. Somebody will look for opportunities to make that space (whatever it will be) profitable. And beer, cigarettes, lottery tickets, junk food, rolling papers, etc…is just one way to do it. Visit any of the ghetto-marts in the Hill, you’ll figure it out quickly.
Well said James. Alarmist attitudes tend to be counterproductive. Give these guys a chance and lend them your support so the can succeedand grow for the betterment of the community.
laura, if you are such a pillar of the Church Hill community, then why do you show constant negativity towards your neighbors. It is also pretty ignorant how you talk down on renters. I know enough of the Hill’s history from talking with my neighbors (and my neighbors are part of the Church Hill Association, a group that makes a real difference). They all admit that the real changes in this area have been within the last 10 years, and they are very thankful to the new businesses that helped things along the way. Renovating and renting property does not make you part of the solution to the problems up here, it just makes you an entrepreneur who found an opportunity to profit on an up and coming area. As for my contribution, I volunteer with the Tricycle Gardens group, donate to the hill association, and most importantly I pay my taxes. As a business professional, I also help to increase the average income of the area (pretty important, since the normal renters are just college students). I would say renters and single home owners are more important than multiple property owners. We are the ones spending money at local retailers, walking the streets, and keeping an eye out for our neighbors. You could be complaining from a big house out in the West End, while we are out here every day. Some people just want something to whine about…
James – It’s strange that you should mention CHA as having made a “real differnece” since they have historcally been mostly against change or growth. It’s one of several reasons most people up here are not members.
@59 “Renovating and renting property does not make you part of the solution to the problems up here, it just makes you an entrepreneur who found an opportunity to profit on an up and coming area.”…WOW, another profound statement. You’re a lost cause young man.
@60 Better luck to you…maybe you’ll be able to break through his hat of tin foil.
@58 Alex is correct. Unless someone else gets the space first, Dogwood Market and Deli will be in the retail space at the corner of 27th and Marshall that was renovated by Monument Construction. The concept is exactly what @49 Amy N-B described, plus fresh baked local breads and a small selection of produce. We’re working with NVNV and the SBA to get loans. Our goal is to open this summer, but these things tend to take longer than expected! haha…we appreciate your patience : )
I think it is important that we do not allow a small segment of the Church Hill community to speak as if they are representing the entire neighborhood. From the comments posted on this blog alone, it is apparent that the negative views about this ABC permit ARE NOT in the majority.
Yes laura, I am wrong. I am sure you renovated those houses just to make the Hill a better place. And I am sure you don’t make any money off of your renters. A regular charity, you are. Tin foil hat? I don’t get it. There is no conspiracy theory here. Just a few negative people that want to argue about a problem that doesn’t exist. I still don’t even believe that you live in Church Hill.
As a newer Church Hill homeowner (yes, Laura, homeowner..not renter), I’m thrilled to see business like this and Kendra Feather’s possible restaurant pop up. Hopefully, the positive statements here will outweigh the negative and more businesses will actually want to head to the hill.
I will just add my vote of support to Buffingtons. Haven’t had a chance to try it out yet but am happy that a business has gone into that building. And I am VERY happy to hear the pending news about 27th and Marshall!!!
As a native Richmonder who’s lived 46 years in all area of this city, I can assure you that it’s attitudes like “Laura’s” that HOLDS BACK this city from possible great things. You hear new people that come here say things like “we’re stuck in the past” and “nobody takes chances”….or my favorite, “That’s the way we’ve always done it before” all the time. People love the city but are flummoxed by the old attitudes of some of it’s natives. Laura, I hope you realize that you are more part of the problem than part of the solution. This isn’t 1974 baby, It’s time to move on. I can’t wait to get a pie and a bottle of wine for under $30.00, then pick up a six pack of Fat Tire (yes, they will start distributing in VA in 2011)for the rest of the evening, all from the guy on the corner. That kicks ass.
We got our first pie (white sauce) the other night and IMO, the crust (my favorite part) was perfect…not too thin, not to thick, and very tasty. We plan to return and try different combinations of toppings and the red sauce.
Reading through this thread, I’m left with a feeling of confusion. It doesn’t seem to me that anyone, including Laura, etc., has indicated that they don’t want a viable business operating in this location. So we can all agree that having a business here is good. I do understand the concerns noted-they seem valid. It’s easy for others to dismiss the NIMBY factor until its their backyard in question. The location of the pizza joint is in a residential area where no businesses have operated for years. Has anyone considered asking what the neighbors immediately surrounding the business what they would like to see? They will be the ones impacted the most by this business. I live several blocks away from the place so I don’t have a dog in the fight. I can understand the desire for more business in the area but there are defined commercial corridors already in Church Hill-namely 25th Street. Folks who simply live in the Church Hill area and want more business should not disregard the viewpoints of those truly impacted-folks within a blocks distance from the site. I would imagine businesses opening on 25th street would be welcomed with open arms and have no opposition to anything. It begs the question..why are startups not looking at 25th street to open more business? I think it’s simple…it’s not quite as nice as 28th and Broad. How did 28th and Broad get so nice? It was on the backs of the homeowners who invested in the area. I think the immediate neighbors should weigh in.
Collin-The new restaurant is on 29th & Broad (not 28th). I live in the immediate vicinity, and I am very happy to have B&W’s so close, and I am very happy that they will have a nice selection of beer and wine. And you are incorrect in saying that no business have operated in the vicinity for years. It is one block form the Hill Cafe (29th & Broad), and there have been several failed attempts at a take-out joint on 29th ST., just behind B&W’s. In the 18 years I have been in Church Hill, it has been great to see Buzzy’s and now B&W’s open. Hooray for us!
Collin, I live 3 blocks from Buffington’s. While I realize I am not right next door, I consider it part of my immediate neighborhood. This business is only a block from the Hill Cafe, so it isn’t strange that a business would open there. I would say Broad Street in general is set up for businesses. Broad already has the Patrick Henry, It Must Be Heaven, Buzzy’s, and Hill Cafe. 25th really has very little. Also, the only open retail locations on 25th tend to be a couple blocks north of Broad. So, I don’t think it has as much to do with being on 28th street as it does to be on Broad.
Many rebuttals to your comments James, but one to the statement – “This business is only a block from the Hill Cafe, so it isn’t strange that a business would open there. I would say Broad Street in general is set up for businesses.”, I would have to say that the immediate neighbors have tolerated the loud patrons of the Hill Cafe, therefore probably aren’t real keen on another alcohol related business. Having said that, as Colin stated, no one is against business moving to the location, but this neighborhood should stop dismissing/attacking neighbors who have valid complaints and work together some compromise with respect for both.
#71-Pardon me, I mixed up the blocks-29th and Broad is wonderful too. #74-Agreed Sunny. A more civil discussion has a greater likelihood of leading to a positive end for all involved. I’ve found some of the commentary on this thread disturbing, to say the least. Years ago in Church Hill, there was no rush for development on either the housing or business front. Most of Richmond tried to ignore it in hopes that it would go away. Many of those who came before took significant financial risk when nobody else was willing. House-by-house, block-by-block, and street-by-street the face of Church Hill was re-emerging from a dilapidated, drug infested, sore spot in the city. This transformation was initiated by many of my neighbors. It wasn’t accomplished through magic-it was through the love of a historic area, willingness to take financial risk, and a pioneering spirit. There were no guarantees for them. Slowly, businesses recognized an opportunity to add value and yes, make a profit (God forbid). It appears they’ve collectively created a desirable urban enclave on the edge of downtown. The area is now ripe for business. Business developers see an area where people feel safe to walk the streets with their dogs at all hours of the day or night. Women feel confident to jog and exercise in the streets at 5am. Couples with small children walk home safely from an evening out for ice cream. Many comments here seem to disregard the very homeowners that made this possible. People are quick to dismiss their concerns as non-sense. Where were these commenters when Church Hill was abandoned? Furthermore, telling a woman who apparently invested hundreds of thousands of dollars into a risky area that she is backward thinking and shouldn’t expect an honest return on her investment is simply embarrassing. It appears that she’s made a wonderful contribution to the area that helps to attract others seeking quality housing. Yet, she and others are attacked for no apparent reason. God forbid they have an interest in protecting their investments by asking for responsible development. Short-sighted one liners do nothing to further the discussion. Nobody is saying that business should not exist and thrive. It’s possible for that to happen and still make everyone happy. Why can’t we work toward that end?
Has anyone looked at the shop? Obviously these guys are trying to open a pizza place that’s a bit above, priced a bit below….Have you eaten there? Have you talked to them about their plans? We’ve done both, and are truly excited. The pizza was great. I find it interesting that the neighborhood doesn’t seem to want to see these guys succeed when they’ve done such a great job thus far. By the way, they specifically told us that no singles or 40’s will be sold there. A blue wheeler it is definitely not. Quality pie it definitely is.
Thank you Collin for your remarks. I am on the same block as this business. My neighbors, on this same block and on the immediate surrounding blocks, for the most part, do not want off premise beer sales at this location. We have lived with the results and don’t want to live it again. There will be a next owner at some point. No one is ‘after’ these owners or against businesses opening on the Hill. If the beer were to be comsumed there we wouldn’t be having this conversation.
I admit I haven’t read all of the above comments, but has anyone asked the owners to add a condition to the license that no single units of alcohol be sold for off-premise consumption? The owner could voluntarily ask the ABC agent to add that condition or others to the license and it would likewise bind future owners of the business if the license ever transfers. I recommend adding at least the following conditions:
No single units No forties No smoking materials No split cases
If these permanent conditions are added to the license, it would remedy the REASONABLE objections of the neighbors regarding future owners. There’s no helping the hysterical, however.
Collin, I think you must be new to these forums. laura was never attacked. She chose to attack renters and state here worth to add some sort of backing to her argument. Others, myself included, met her posts with skepticism. We also took the defensive position, since this same laura has expressed no compassion or care for any of her neighbors in her history of posting on CHPN. Personally, I don’t even believe she owns multiple properties. I have no problem with compromises, but I do have a problem with this concept that any off premise alcohol sales will lead to a negative outcome. What if, god forbid, someone wanted to open a wine and cheese shop in the location. Would that be met with the same negativity and aggression? I would welcome such a place right next door to my house. Alas, there are only residential properties on my block, so I must hope for the best with the shops on Broad. If we lived in Carytown, this argument wouldn’t be happening.
Need I remind anyone that they live in a city? That there’s gonna be crime, a seedy element, noise that comes with these living circumstances? YES, it is inevitable. Please find me a city of similar size that has eradicated these elements and I’ll find you a camel that’s been shoved through the eye of a needle. I just don’t get what people expect with this city anymore. Especially the fortunate ones who live near Broad Street in church hill or worse those who live in the fan. When will you be happy with the extremely easy and enjoyable lives you lead? Until there’s no poor souls left to remind you how good you have it? Please pick up your ivory towers and move to Henrico. Leave us decent people to fend for ourselves.
#82- With all due respect, I won’t be drawn into your specious arguments. Please don’t anticipate that I will respond to you unless you take a decidedly respectful and inclusive tone with your neighbors.
I put my money where my mouth was Saturday night and ordered two pizza’s. I tell you my mouth and my guests mouths sure were glad we did. Keep up the awesome pizzaness! And yes I live less than a block from B&W’s and WELCOME them to the neighborhood!
I hear the concerns from both sides on the ABC issue but I think at this point unless we want another failed business we should all be pulling for the license. The time to oppose it would have been before these guys got up and running. The wine and beer sales are likely critical to their business plan at this point. ABC on won’t do much to help that since they have room for only a few tables.
In reply to laura: omg posts really miss the point here. Let’s take this slow and step by step.
1. Any data on this assertion or just your empirical observation? If it is your own observation, you have already expressed bias, so we much reject this assertion. 2. How about we just grant you this point. Don’t say we never gave you anything. 3. Since you are making this assertion, how about you provide us with the instances in which a liquor license is transferable. This seems to be the big area of contention, yet you provide no proof or clarification regarding the issue. 4. Sure they do, but is it too much to ask for a little goodwill to a person who, like you, invested in the neighborhood? Golden rule and all…(.) 5 & 6. Boy, never took a class in forming logical arguments did we? Look up “Slippery slope”. Also, rejected. 7. No, just to the ABC Board. 8. Ah, the down home wisdom. Thanks for your “two cents”. I’ll reply in kind. Your arguments are like “lipstick on a pig”.
Also, before you frame a reply go ahead and look up “ad hominem”. You tend to use those attacks quite frequently, they do not engender a good discussion, nor do they rally people around your assertions.
Fair enough Collin. If you don’t have the common sense to read around these forums a bit, please don’t comment on my posts. I think I have been more than respectful to my neighbors. I thank each and every one of the that help make CH a better place to live. However, the person you are defending here does nothing but send her negativity out to the people who live in Church Hill. I do not have to respect her until she shows some respect for her neighbors. If you spent 5 minutes to reread this news thread, you would see that my posts were rather polite until a certain person directly talked down to me.
OK, I thought the whole ABC license thing sounded a little strange, so I did a little research. It very clearly states on the VA ABC site the no ABC license (on or off premise sales) is transferable from business to business or person to person. So, even if this business was sold to a new owner under the same name, operating the same business, the new owner would have to apply for a new ABC license.
Went with my husband Sunday afternoon for a pizza and it was fantastic – the crust is excellent! They were doing a brisk business at around 2 pm on Sunday. I look forward to future visits.
@91 Once again, you’ve made a broad generalization and you’ve misinterpreted the law. As you stated, an ABC license cannot be transfered from one PERSON to another PERSON. And one BUSINESS cannot transfer a license to another, different BUSINESS. However, a corporation that remains intact and transfers ownership, everything the corporation holds remains in-tact including the ABC. A corporation is not a person and it’s not another business. It’s an entity all on its own. The law is complex and should not be interpreted by those who know nothing about it. You should do your homework. From the Code of Virginia: § 4.1-212 (A)(11) and (A)(16) of the Code of Virginia have been amended to allow for the transfer of an ABC license upon application by a bona fide purchaser of a licensed premises under certain conditions.
Is this the same Laura who basically said she’d physically assault someone who told her to follow the law and pick up after her dog?
If so, the disdain for her fellow residents seriously undermines any claim she may make regarding having an interest in what’s best for those who live in the neighborhood; yet I’m sure her interest in making as much money off CH residents is alive and well.
Laura, thanks for proving my point. This business is owned by a person. A corporation can’t have a license tranferred to them from a person. In fact, according to the december news letter, if a new corporation takes more than 10% ownership, they have to notify the ABC. You have an ignorant argument, and you were wrong. Just admit it and move on. You never mentioned corporations until I called BS on your claims. Besides, you are really reaching if you think any corporation will be taking over that business. All the ghetto corner stores are owned by private owners. The ABC laws are not complicated if you know how to read.
Luke, this is the same laura. Fine upstanding citizen.
Back on topic, we finally got a pie from this place. We had the white rabbit, and it was fantastic. I am sure I gained a few pounds eating it, but the sauce and topings were perfect. We talked to the owner a while and he is a really nice guy. He seems focused on using high quality ingredients and he loves this community. I am going to get him in contact with my friends that work for the local craft beer distributor and see if they can carry some tasty brew. The wines sound like they will he worth picking up. Can’t wait till they are all stocked up!
Laura- Please don’t feed into this idiotic banter with a response. There are already processes in place to get this handled. This forum won’t help anybody solve anything.
@102-CollinLaura- Please don’t feed into this idiotic banter with a response. There are already processes in place to get this handled. This forum won’t help anybody solve anything..
All Laura has contributed is the motivation for me to eat @buffingtons and ask him what I can do to support him in the ABC licensing process. I’m sure more than a few others that were indifferent will be doing the same. Thanks!
zekeus, this is true. We ate there last night just to help support them. I am also hooking Victor up with some good beer distributor reps that will guarantee the highest quality beverages. If it comes down to a vote, just based on the discussions I have had with my neighbors, I am sure they will be keeping their off premise license.
Collin, thank you for adding nothing to this discussion. Also, I know for a fact that your line of “processes in place to get this handled” is pure BS. They have their license, and they are slightly limited on what they can sell. All they are waiting on is getting in touch with local distributors and decided what to bring in for the grand opening. The time to protest was about a month ago, when the application for ABC license was posted. I love that Collin refers to our discussion as idiotic banter when laura was the one that did no research until after we showed that she was wrong. Sounds like he is looking for a date and trying to get on her good side.
James there has not been a hearing notice for the granting (or not) of their ABC license as yet. As of now that can’t sell any wine or beer. The hearing may be this month or next.
The immediate neighbors did “weigh in” a few years ago, Collin, and that’s why we now have a pizza joint there instead of the nice gourmet market that was originally planned.
Palpot, please tell me where your high school is, because they must have awesome pizza. I would also like to hear what you feel is a better pizza place. I mean, personally, I think Azizas is the best in the east end, but the price keeps me from eating there. Buffingtons is my favorite for the price so far.
Click Pal Pot’s weblink. They have a pizza blog! I’m sure he could tell you where better pizza is and if they say it is wack I believe him. The menu looks horrible. Their “version of a margherita” is NOTHING remotely close to a margherita.
Well, he liked Stuzzi, and they are my pick for best Pizza in RVA. However, I am not sure you can judge a place on one slice in their first week of operation. I will reserve my judgment of the red sauce pizza until I have one. However, the white pizza was fantastic. And that is coming from someone who has live in Northern Italy. The east end has a crappy selection of pizza joints in general, so I have to be nice to this place.
Sorry, I had a slice the other day and it was DREADFUL. Bland, flavorless…and maybe the worst crust I think I’ve ever had. It was indeed very “school lunch” like….The whole operation seemed very amateurish. The two women working the counter could not have been any friendlier but sorry, why pay $8.00 for a slice and a Coke when you can go to Papa’s…or Aziza’s…or The Pizza Place and get a superior product for less?
They get their dough from the same place as Bottoms Up, BTW. And I think they do a better job cooking it. So, if you hate this place, you will really hate Bottoms Up.
Seems I need to list that I’m a homeowner (a block away, in fact) to be taken seriously on this thread.
Couldn’t agree more with #111. I am a native New Englander, so maybe my taste in pizza is akin to Richmonders taste in BBQ. If you were in New England and had BBQ that the locals thought was great, but was actually awful by your palate, you’d be annoyed too. Buffington’s pizza reminds me of Ellio’s. It is AWFUL. Just look at it! Cheddar mixed with mozzarella?? Greasy? Chewy? Ugh….disgusting.
The point of any business is always to make money though, so I guess with all of the raving reviews of their pizza, Bottom’s Up (also awful) has some stiff competition.
As for the ABC carry-off license conversation, I already have Blue Wheeler trash in my front yard. I don’t need another store having carry-out liquor. What is this, South Central, LA? How are you people in support of a carry-out license?
And is it too much to ask for one restaurant on the Hill to actually have good food? Buzzy’s food is disgusitng, The Hill Cafe is horribly overrated, and don’t get me started on Church Hill Soul Food. Restauranteurs of Richmond: come to the Hill! I will singlehandedly make your establishment profitable!
Hill Homeowner, the ABC off-premise license is only for Beer and Wine, not liquor. I am not sure why you are talking about LA. Carytown and the Fan both have many establishments with carry out beer and wine, and these neighborhoods are arguably the nicest and safest in Richmond City. It isn’t about the fact that they can sell it, but what is actually sold. The Blue Wheeler sells cheap 40’s and crappy beer. This location will be selling higher end wine and beer. There is no way that it will be popular with the lower class thugs that tend to trash the neighborhood. I am not sure what part of New England you are from, but most of the cities I have been to have plenty of carry out wine and beer. Many will even re-cork opened bottles of wine for you to take home.
James, do you think a place that puts cheddar cheese on their pizza is going to be able to sell classy wine and beer?
I want a business to thrive in that location, and the idea of carryout pizza is good, but make the product well, and the issue about carryout alcohol goes away. Attract the low end with greasy, chewy, microwaved pizza, and they will want an Old English to go with it, not a $12 bottle of Pinot. Put out a good product with local, fresh ingredients, and the customer looks differently and my lawn stays free of broken bottles of Cook’s.
#122- I was born and raised in and around NYC and LOVE various pizzas from ALL over the United States. There’s actually some REALLY GOOD pizza here not only in Richmond, but also just in our neighborhood alone! It isn’t even about local palates and preferences. Buffington’s pizza is simply not good. Way too much of whatever flavorless topping they called “cheese”. I’m okay with a sprinkling of cheddar in the overall mix but this seemed to be comprised of a 50-50 ratio. It was HORRIBLE. What’s worse though, is the crust.
AS for the carry-out ABC, I’m not worried in the least (and I too, live near the ABlue Wheeler) Thugs and other undesirables don’t drink Belgian tripels, IPA’s and Hefeweizens.
Am I missing something? How exactly does this place selling beer and wine for “carry out” differ in any way from the sale of beer and wine for “carry out” at every grocery store in this city, including the one right down the hill from us?
A grocery store sells a full catalog of beer and wine, and the nimbys are not out in force to protest, but a small restaurant with a few good beer and wine choices available for people who wish to grab something quickly on their way out after picking something up or on their way home, and it’s suddenly the opening of the slippery slope to “hood rats” turning their millions of dollars in slumlord properties…err rental housing into future crack houses?
Hill Homeowner, you should honestly talk to the owner before making assumptions. The cheapest beer he will have will be Amstel Light. As Drew said, thugs are not going to be buying Belgian Pales and IPA’s. And lets not start this nasty rumor about microwaved pizza. Buffingtons uses the same standard conveyor pizza oven that I used back when I was working at a small pizzeria. It is not a microwave. In fact, it is probably one of the most widely used pizza ovens in the USA. I don’t really feel like going into a pizza lesson, but the crust is not bad. It is not Napalitano style, as you would find native to NYC. The two main styles brought over from Italy were Napalitano (thin and crisp crust) and Genovese/Sicilian(chewy focaccia like crust). Aziza’s and Stuzzi both feature authentic Napalitano style pizza, while Buffingtons and Bottoms Up go for something closer to Sicilian style. Taste is subjective and everyone has their own palates. Just understand that the crust is not just some cheap crap they pulled out of the freezer. It is pretty true to style Sicilian dough made by a local bakery. I hear this argument in every city where Sicilian or Genovese style pizza is served. You need to approach it more like focaccia than the old popular NY thin crust pizza. I am with you guys on the yellow cheeses. They have no place on a pizza. Thankfully, my White Rabbit only contained white cheese.
#128 “Taste is subjective and everyone has there own palates.” -> Very good point. Reading some of the previous posts leads me to believe CH is a breeding ground for pizza snobbery.
Okay, a forty ounce at Blue Wheeler costs less than $2 and can be paid for with small change. A micro brew beer six pack usually goes for $7.00 and up. The people that buy forty ounces ARE NOT going pay that much for a quick buzz. There is a difference.
Also, Bottoms Up has their crusts specially made for them through Weiman’s bakery. It is not for sale to other establishments. I suppose B&W may have set up a similar arrangement, but I am sure it is not the exact same crust.
#127- “Am I missing something? How exactly does this place selling beer and wine for “carry out” differ in any way from the sale of beer and wine for “carry out” at every grocery store in this city, including the one right down the hill from us?” The difference is all the other places are not smack in the middle of a residential neighborhood like Buffington’s is. I am a neighbor of Buffington’s and I don’t support the prospect of off-premises beer sales in a residential neighborhood. The supermarket is a different story…it’s a different game.
We had the Paul Bunyan on Tuesday night and both thought it was good. Best pizza I’ve ever eaten? Maybe not, but totally solid and in no way “disgusting” IMHO. I was happy to have a quick carry out option after 9PM (tried Alamo- they were closed) and I’m sure we’ll return. And the carry out microbrews, if it happens, will make that all the more likely. Friends of mine on that block have carried out several times as well and also thought the pizza was good.
One Response to “B&E on 32nd Street” posted by Steven at February 2, 2011 2:53 pm [#]: I live down the street. There’s a lot of action on this block due to the Blue Wheeler Market. I neighborhood watch frequently and call the police when needed. If we work together, we can hopefully get the area looking nice and hopefully prevent anything further. If anyone is interested in cleaning the block up let me know(trash clean up, grass cutting, etc.)I’ve been doing this on the 400 block the last year by myself. Lovely! Yep…this is what 29th and Broad needs.
It’s frustrating how you are trying to equate this new place and a the ghetto mart Blue Wheeler. I have to go off the hill to buy decent beer or wine, would love to keep my money in the hands of small businesses in the neighborhood.
@138 if the pizza joint gets an off-premises beer and wine license, can you explain what the difference will be between the two (other than being 3 blocks away from one another)?
You live in the CITY! If “thugs” and “drinkers” bother you go live in Henrico where they don’t allow black people and drinking is all done is secret. Your alcoholism isn’t any more respectable/acceptable because you are play $5 more per six pack. STOP trying to gentrify CH and squeeze poor folks and native Richmonders out.
@ laura – oh for Pete’s sake. We are talking two different establishments now. Do you know Bob? If you do, I think you can support that he will be quick to address any issues that arise. And I, like Calvin and a few others, am looking forward to walking a few blocks to buy a nice bottle of wine.
laura – social bigot, neo-prohibitionist, and violently aggressive dog lover. She is a different kind of animal. Too weird to live, and too rare to die.
I have to say that I am very disappointed in the lack of civility on several peoples part. The answers to these things are never simple, especially when city hall is involved. The best we can do is offer our support to this new restaurant and voice our concerns now while we have the opportunity. I for one have tried their pizza and find it good, but not great and I find it too expensive for what you get. They do get their crust from Weiman’s, like Bottoms Up, but it is thinner, which I prefer. I have spoken to one of the owners (not Bob) and he seems very nice and very enthusiastic. This is good, because quite frankly I find Captain Buzzy’s food terrible. I was concerned when I found out there was a connection between the two restaurants. I wish them success.
I don’t expect a gourmet deli, but I do expect a certain level or quality in the food I buy at any restaurant and Buzzy’s is sorely lacking in that department. Why does it matter where you live to ask for that? I used to be restaurant manager, I know attention to detail when I see it. It has nothing to do with snobbery and I really think you guys need to take it down a notch.
Hello, This is Bob Buffington and Victor Wine. We have been very busy setting up and renovating our shop, and now are taking the time to answer questions that have been posed by the community, and give a bit of information regarding our business.
Number one….ABC licenses are non-transferable. I salute the person who pointed that out correctly, instead of guessing(James). We plan to serve Wine, and have a great selection chosen. Micro-brews to go will be of the utmost quality, and also we plan to have two draft selections. We will never sell 40’s, singles, and never will a brown bag containing alcohol be drank outside our establishment. No liquor will be sold, we just think that a glass of wine and/ or beer is nice with pizza. No tobacco will be sold either…just so you know. Our ABC license is pending, and we may have to put another rest room in to comply with all regulations…. because that is what we do.
About our product. We do indeed have our crusts baked and delivered daily from Weimans bakery. It is about half as thick as , say, Bottoms up. Feel free to call them. We use fresh ingredients, have dark opal basil flown in from California for our red-wine /basil red sauce. Hot dogs…Fries…? They are treats, people like a good dog, and good fries, and we sell them. Don’t like cheddar,why order a pizza that has cheddar on it? Don’t like as many toppings…ask for less. We will accommodate your request.Please realize that we are trying to put out a product of high quality for a reasonable price. Any toppings we have, we will make you the pie, the fries, or the frank…
Lastly, to those who hate our food, and think that because you’ve created you own blog, or twitter page, with your self imposed “foodie” title, and like to take the approach of throwing insults, cursing on a public blog because you can in your anonymity, and referring to our food as %!*#, or “7-11 frozen pizza, take it as a valuable learning experience, you no longer have to waste your time here. To those who have some kind of beef with “Buzzy’s”, oh, well…sounds personal, or jealous..
To all others who have shown us such love and support, we would like to thank you. We’ve had a great opening week, and thankfully some of you appreciate that a boarded up, run down market has been renovated (the renovation received 6 “golden hammer” nominations), and there is now another choice for food in the Hill. We are also always open for suggestions…Thank you so much for our opening success and we hope to continue improving our business. Obviously, just starting out, we will be working out some kinks and honing our business. Thanks again.
Hello once again. We wanted to add that from now on, in our never ending desire to better our business, we welcome your compliments, concerns,or suggestions. However, we would appreciate a direct call or visit to Buffington and Wine’s Pies, Fries and Franks. Our number is(804)864-2835, and we are at 2824 E Broad Street. Thank you
Those of us who love your food, your continued presence in the neighborhood, your desire to hook us on something other than caffeine, Buzzie’s sweet treats & great sandwiches… we salute you 🙂
This post has degenerated into what the “collective” does not want instead of staying on point and recognizing that which has been given to them to enjoy… another great local place (run by great people) to grab a bite, a brew or a glass. How wonderful is that.
Forgive them. They forget that the old place was an eyesore and vacant for years and their want for something better there.
They forget that we are all neighbors from time to time, that businesses are more often than not, run by people with feelings, a dream and the best of intentions. They know not of what they do.
Good to hear you chime in, Victor and Bob. I got in touch with the distributor, and you should expect some calls soon. They are good people and should be able to help get you the best brews for CH. I wish you guys all the best and you can expect to see us in there once a week for some good eats (and hopefully some beer/wine soon). If you need support or signatures to get your ABC-off license, let me know. I have several neighbors around me that would love to have this take out option.
Bob & Victor? What is your background with pizza? What makes you any more of an expert on pizza than a blogger or foodie who has dedicated time studying the food?
Sign me up for helping on a petition drive if you need one also. Been enjoying the fries and pies so far and am glad you guys are giving us one more option.
I appreciate Bob and Victor answering our questions about your food and concerns about the ABC license. I wish you both the best of luck with this venture. I must point out that you would do well to heed the example of Nordstrom and follow the mantra “the customer is always right” whether you agree with them or not. Take the advice, don’t take it, whether anonymous or not, but do not talk down to people that might be your customers. It makes me much less likely to give you the benefit of the doubt with respect to this new restaurant, despite your fresh enthusiasm. I am certainly not jealous of Captain Buzzy’s. I just choose not to eat there because I do not find the food worth the cost and I don’t drink coffee. I have had several of my neighbors say they much prefer Globetrotters down the hill. Take that information for what it is worth. It sounds to me like you are on the right track with the new restaurant regarding the quality of the ingredients, but customer service is also part of the equation. That includes being rude to prospective customers. You need a thick skin to work in the hospitality industry. Good luck!
“150. posted by Bob Buffington/Victor Wine at February 3, 2011 4:14 pm [#]:
Hello once again. We wanted to add that from now on, in our never ending desire to better our business, we welcome your compliments, concerns,or suggestions. However, we would appreciate a direct call or visit to Buffington and Wine’s Pies, Fries and Franks. Our number is(804)864-2835, and we are at 2824 E Broad Street. Thank you”
After that post, I cannot believe that you guys would continue to post on here! Come on, he is encouraging you to contact him directly! Go for it! Visit the place and talk to them!
I am a foodie, and still think the white pizza was fantastic. And cheddar does not belong on a roast beef sandwich. Swiss, kraut, and russian dressing are the key toppings for roast beast. 🙂
Ate there last night and I’m pretty impressed. Yes, they put cheddar on their pizza but it’s not overkill and I actually liked it. (Take it from someone that doesn’t like cheddar all that much!)
They seem to be trying to get their battle rhythm down and everyone seemed a little unsure of what to do to keep things moving. I don’t fault them for that one bit considering they have JUST opened. With a few more weeks of refinement and their ABC license up and running, I think they’ll have the chance to do some good business!
Regardless of how the food might taste, or not taste, the question remains- why do you need ABC-off capabilties? The Hill Cafe does not have this, and the vast majority of the Bottom and/or Fan restaurants also do not have this. Why not just skip this and serve food that is good and people like and be done with it? Also why is the neightborhood surprised by this ABC-off request by the bare minumum window posting and not a process of approaching the local community in an open discusion on pros/cons, a plan and so forth? I know local businesses survive on local support, so why not encourage discussion among those potentially impacted nearby? I’m not opposed or doing cartwheels in support, just asking some questions… I dont think there is anything wrong with people asking questions. 🙂
Cheddar belongs on roast beef. Try the roast beef and cheddar at Aziza’s. It’s great. Swiss, kraut, and russian dressing are the key toppings for a reuben, which uses corned beef, not roasted beef. And please stop using the word “foodie”. Somebody who really considers themselves knowledgeable about good food shouldn’t care about that stupid title. The food at B&W is shameful. I’ve tried it 3 times. Atrocious would be a better word I think. They aren’t even making their own dough people! I’m sure this multimillion dollar bread baking giant (Weiman’s), really puts the proper TLC into each ball of dough that get’s shipped there. Get a clue. Lord help us if somebody were to actually open a restaurant that served high quality food in Church Hill besides Millie’s. Half the people up here think that meatloaf, burgers and pre-packaged shoestring fries are the hot ticket. They’ll probably keep this place afloat. I can make better everything they serve there at my house.
J0030, many places in the fan and carytown have ABC-off licenses. Also, the bottom actually has a wine and beer shop. Buffingtons is obviously looking to take advantage of the market up here on the Hill. There is no place up here to buy good beer or wine to take home for consumption. It is not so unusual. In fact, even capitol alehouse downtown has an ABC-off license. The Hill Cafe is 3x the size of this pizza place, and they have a full bar. I sort of wonder if there was such a fuss when they decided to build the market at the bottom of 25th. After all, they sell cheap beer along with some good beer (not much). Personally, that place effects my block more than any other business.
You should really try roast beef on a rueben. Much better than corned beef. Besides, imo white cheeses are always better on beef. Cheddar is too strong and easily overtakes the flavor of the beef. Once again, this is proof that palates are different. I also find it humorous that you mentioned millies. Overpriced from my point of view.
@165-J0030 Well stated—agreed. One of the major issues is their complete lack of transparency right from the start. Many businesses opening in a residential area go out of their way to ensure those neighbors in the immediate impact area are kept informed about plans and intentions. Inviting neighbors to community meetings, door-to-door visits, letters, etc. , all would have given the neighbors some insight into the plans. As far as I know, none of this took place. To the neighborhood, it appears as though these owners have been trying to “Fly under the radar” with the ABC issue. The ABC requires that a public notice of a pending ABC application to be posted on the front of the building for a minimum of 10 days. This business posted the notice in the most inconspicuous place possible on the 29th street side of the business at the lowest and furthest corner from the front. They also posted the notice on January 24th, the date of their application, and removed the notice on February 2nd- exactly 10 days minimum. A business looking to gain community support doesn’t try to hide their intentions from anyone. This business also modified their application to a wine and beer “on and off” license. Did they bother to let the neighbors know? No. It never happened. Next, the owners go on to assert that ABC licenses are not transferable on CHPN. This is blatantly false. ABC licenses can very well be transferred under the conditions that some posters already mentioned on this thread. If you don’t believe it, call the ABC…There are very simple future scenarios where this license could move to different control. When the owners make false statements, should the neighborhood trust their intentions or future business modifications will be in the neighborhood’s best interests? Businesses change hands every day for numerous reasons [owner illness or retirement, moving on to different interests, lack of ROI, etc.]. The neighborhood as a whole needs protection from the interests of an individual.
elena, there is only one way a license can be transferred. A corporation changing ownership (by 10% or more) can transfer the ABC license to another corporation. However, since this is a privately held ABC license, it cannot be transferred. It is very clearly stated on the VA ABC site. In fact, if you just look up the question “can ABC licenses be transferred” you will get the FAQ page. The answer is NO. The only reason any license can be transferred, is because there was a single amendment made to allow corporations to transfer their license to new ownership. That means if a store like Krogers got purchased by another corporation (say Giant bought them and reopened using the same store name), then they could still sell wine and beer with their existing license. If you found anything that states differently, please post up a link. I have searched all the legal pages, and cannot find anything to back up what you are saying.
I also forgot to note that the corporation can be bought out by less than 10% and they don’t have to contact the ABC. However, ownership changes greater than 10% warrant notification to the VA ABC.
@167- You stated:”even capitol alehouse downtown has an ABC-off license. The Hill Cafe is 3x the size of this pizza place, and they have a full bar”. I believe the core issue here is zoning. Capital Ale House downtown does have an ABC wine and beer on and off license. The business is also located in a business and commercial zone-not a residential district. The Hill Cafe has an ABC wine and beer on and a MB license. They can’t sell for takeout consumption. And, Hill Cafe is largely not a problem [with alcohol]in the neighborhood. I want to be careful not to speak for all neighbors because I know some have other issues with the Hill such as noise, etc. The Market at Tobacco Row has an ABC wine and beer off but is located in a business commercial corridor where residential zoning is the exception…not the majority. None of the examples mentioned are comparable to 29th and Broad. The zoning immediately around Buffington’s is almost 100% residential. I see that you seem to avoid including some great examples of ABC wine and beer off right here in our neighborhood namely, Clay Street Market, the market at 24th and Jefferson, and the Blue Wheeler. Why would Buffington’s be any different than these businesses? Can you be more specific about how the Market at Tobacco Row at 24th and Main affects your quality of life at 26th and Grace?
@173 James, I believe you are misinterpreting what you’re reading on the ABC website. Buffington’s owners registered the entity as “Buffs Pies, Fries and Franks”. If it were sold as “Buff’s, Pies, Fries and Franks”, the license would be sold with the entity [provided the new owners of the entity pass a background check]. You seem to be adamantly refuting a fact. You should call and speak with the Virginia ABC for clarification. Their phone number is 804-213-4400. Here’s what the website verbiage means: An indivual, “John Smith” cannot transfer an ABC license to another individual, “Emily Small”. And a business “The Corner Store” cannot transfer an ABC license to another business “Bill’s Lunch Shack”. I’m not sure where you’re coming up with the “corporation” stuff but it’s not found in the Code of Virginia. I’m not writing here to provide a legal education; I’ll leave that to those who are in the business. However, I wanted to jump in and clarify some erroneous information.
@168 – Not denying that roasted beef would be tasty. And the Roast Beef and Cheddar at Aziza’s is made with white cheddar. Try it. Millie’s can be overpriced, especially when it comes to brunch (I believe everyone should learn how to cook an egg). But them with Aziza’s, put out the best food in the area hands down. It is humorous that anyone would think otherwise.
#173 brings up a GREAT issue about zoning. If you look throughout Church Hill, there is MIXED zoning, meaning that multifamily dwellings, businesses, and single family houses are all intermixed with each other. It has always been this way up here (that’s why corner lots like Buffington’s are set up to be storefronts).
If you don’t like the fact that you could wind up living next door to a business, you need to find a new place to live. This section of the city always has and probably always will have mixed use. In fact, mixed use development is not only a trend, it might well help revamp the 9 Mile corridor.
So, PLEASE stop bitching about a new business that is 1) trying really hard to set up shop, 2) improving the look of the community since it restored an old boarded up eyesore into something nice to look at, and 3) hasn’t caused a SINGLE DAMN ISSUE yet (except for maybe serving some food that some people don’t like).
Geez, save your energy and pent up rage for when the place becomes a problem. Then you, everyone else, and even I will re-visit the issue and put our energies towards fixing it.
I don’t need to comment about Blue Wheeler or any other ghetto market. They are trashy because of the people they attract. They sell cheap beer and junk food. Buffingtons will be selling good wine and beer. As stated before, the thugs who create the trash and other issues will not be buying a $9 six pack of Stone beer or other craft ales. Residential zoning doesn’t matter for ABC-off licenses in Carytown/Fan areas, so why is it such a hot topic here. Besides, Broad is mixed residential and commercial use, just like you would find in a city (we do still live in a city). The Market has many less than desirable customers that sometimes wander through the 25th and 26th street blocks on the way back to N. Church Hill. There have been many times when I have found empty soda cans or food containers around this block. I am not complaining, but from some of the comments on here, I am surprised people haven’t looked to shut that place down. Oh wait, the only ones that deal with it are close to 25th, and most of us look for a more positive approach. I really just wish people would stop comparing a location wanting to sell upper end wine and beer with places like the Blue Wheeler. It is a poor argument and has nothing to do with this new business. The Blue Wheeler is not only a place selling cheap malt liquor and 40’s, it is also not in the best area. That part of CH is still not the safest at night and the problems around there go beyond the simple fact that you can buy beer at the corner store.
@178- You stated: “They sell cheap beer and junk food. Buffingtons will be selling good wine and beer.” Do you have some sort of a written guarantee from Buffington’s that would indicate they will only sell “good wine and beer” now and into the future? If so, please share it.
@178 You stated: “The Market has many less than desirable customers that sometimes wander through the 25th and 26th street blocks on the way back to N. Church Hill. If the “undesirables” living in North Church Hill are traveling all the way down to the Market at Tobacco Row, why wouldn’t they save a few steps and stop off at 29th & Broad? It is, in fact, closer to North Church Hill. Well, even closer would be Clay Street Market, the Blue Wheeler and the market at 24th and Jefferson. Isn’t 29th and Broad located between the Market at Tobacco Row and the above-mentioned markets when traveling into North Church Hill? You also stated: “The Blue Wheeler is not only a place selling cheap malt liquor and 40?s, it is also not in the best area. That part of CH is still not the safest at night and the problems around there go beyond the simple fact that you can buy beer at the corner store.” Interesting. Would you mind providing a few examples of the problems you describe? Just curious.
@ You said:”(we do still live in a city).” I’m not certain here but, is Windsor Farms in the City of Richmond? I wonder if they would allow off premises wine and beer sales if a SUP were granted?
@elena, my examples are all on this site. Read around a bit. There is still a fair amount of crime in the area around the blue wheeler, and many people post on here that they had to call the police on random suspicious people in the area. I also run through there at night. While I am not afraid of the riffraff I have seen in that area, I can see why some neighbors complain. Windsor Farms is a bad comparison. Church hill is a mixed use urban neighborhood with businesses and residential properties. Windsor farms is a purely residential (non-urban) neighborhood with no restaurants or bars. Just because a place is within the city limits does not make it an urban neighborhood. @unConcernedHillian Undesirable people are both black and white. I would consider them the random people that walk around tossing their trash in our neighborhood. Why is it always a black vs white thing with some people? How do you know what color I am? And I don’t know exactly where these people are walking to. I just know I caught one guy tossing his coke can in the bushes next to my house.
Hope Buffington’s is geared up for the Super Bowl. We plan to order our first pizzas from them tomorrow afternoon. Hoping this is the first visit of many in the future. Good luck to you! I am glad to see a new business in the neighborhood!!
Interesting. I know many of the neighbors who live around the Blue Wheeler and I assure you, they’re not “riffraff”. So I wonder why the random suspicious people seem to be in a neighborhood where they don’t live. Hmmmm. Perplexing. So all of Church Hill is a mixed use urban neighborhood? Again, interesting. I don’t recall seeing any mixed use activity south of Broad St on the Hill. Also, I don’t see any from 29th and Broad all they way until it dead ends. I have seen a very concentrated sampling of a half dozen low impact businesses near 25th and Broad. There’s an occasional example among the hundreds of residential structures. I guess that’s what makes it mixed use and not residential? So you’ve implied that the Fan is a good example of a mixed use neighborhood. Both West and Monument Aves are in the Fan, would these be mixed use too? Is there a term such as “drizzled use” to describe the concentration of businesses along Broad?
I had the pleasure of patronizing Buffington and Wines this afternoon for a beef frank with fresh jalapenos and kraut and a side of waffle fries smothered in chunky guacamole. I was pleasantly surprised by the efficiency of the staff, the diversity of toppings, and the effort put into renovating the previously dilapidated property. I look forward to sampling the pies and fresh squeezed lemonade on future visits.
james – how is the life of an unemployed blog nut case? i used to think Laura was the biggest roid on the hill but dude give it a break. jeezzzz W G’vs A F
Seer, I am just coversing with elena. There is no hostility, so I am not sure how you can compare me to laura. This is a forum, so why are you are shocked that I reply frequently. If you are going to waste time on the internet (it is the weekend), might as well do it on the neighborhood site. Why do you choose to insult me and call me an unemployed nut case? I work my ass off. The only reason why I am not living a mile from the beach right now is because of my career. I wonder what you do for a living that makes you feel like you can judge others in this way.
Why not call this place “Buffington and Wine’s, Pies, Franks, and Fries” ? It would slightly improve a cheesy name by at least making it rhyme. Not that the name really matters much….
First off, I had my first pizza from this place today. Called up just before the game and it was ready in 15 minutes. The staff was super friendly and the White Rabbit was delicious, a perfect accompaniment to the big game.
I have to agree that I wish there was a more civil discussion here, as these are complex issues that really do affect our neighborhood as a whole.
I don’t pretend to know anything about ABC law. However, I have to agree that a place selling $15 pizzas and looking to sell higher end craft beer/decent wine would have a limited impact on surrounding neighbors.
So the main argument seems to be over what happens if the business fails, is sold, and a new owner with the acquired ABC license begins to sell cheap malt liquor. Can the ABC permit be issued in a form that would limit the possibility of that happening? Perhaps simply non-transferable? It would seem like that would set the neighbors at ease.
That sad, I can see on a daily basis the impact of corner stores selling cheap booze. 26th and Grace is not exactly in the main retail zone of the Blue Wheeler (even if you run through at night). It does have a very significant impact on the neighborhood, as do the other corner stores. I see kids on their walk to school have to pass right by guys already drinking at 9am. Not exactly the kind of role model behavior they need. And I often wonder why those stores are allowed in close proximity to the school.
It’s kind of a chicken or the egg argument in terms of the “undesirables”. Would they still be there if the corner stores were offices, salons, spas, yoga studios, art galleries, bookstores, dry cleaners, restaurants?
In my neck of the woods, I would absolutely love to see a restaurant open in a formerly vacant space, keeping the lights on and bringing foot traffic until 10pm.
Perhaps we need a neighborhood meeting with the ABC folks in regards to new permit processes in mixed use zones?
Meanwhile, it seems like Buffington and Wine have great intentions, and I genuinely hope they are successful in this venture. It could benefit the neighborhood a great deal.
Ordered my first pizza on Sunday. The White Rabbit, which was pretty good. Good sauce, good crust. The cheese was a bit thick, but other than that, no complaints… except for the fact that when I got home I noticed that someone (a hungry employee?) had already cut a small slice out of the pizza, then loosely arranged the surrounding slices to cover it up. There definitely weren’t 360 degrees represented in that pie. When I pay $17 for a bunch of toppings dumped on dough, I expect I’m paying for the cost of production in many ways, but do I have to surrender a slice to feed the employees now, too?
I have tried every pizza place in Richmond, practically, and the pizza here is the best, seriously. I LOVE pizza, and I can’t say enough about their crust, toppings, sauces, etc. I tried the White Rabbit (unbelievably good) and a cheese and pepperoni. The pizzas are huge (16 inches) and they load a ton of cheese on it. I’m so happy they are here, and I hope they do well b/c I want to be able to order their pizzas a lot!
The only down size is that it will be hard to lose weight with this place in the neighborhood.
I was in Church Hill a couple of weeks ago, looking at homes for sale. Stumbled upon Buffington’s and was thrilled with it! I thought if I buy a place near there I’d have this great place to walk to and have a desert or grab a bottle of wine. If felt like Utopia to me!
All of you, whether renters, owners, and lifelong residents have something to be so proud of a neighborhood that has diversity, color, and a damn good pizza place! You all rock, I can’t wait to get there!
199 comments
I find it off that the folks who opened this place wouldn’t notify CHPN since it seems to get a great deal neighborhood readers and would generate some traffic in the restaurant.
In any case, I wish them the best of luck and look forward to trying some of their food!
It opened Monday. My husband and I plan to visit this evening.
If that is the old convenience store…I heard from a guy who says he’s a partner that it is going to be called
Pie,Fries & Dogs
I think they are trying to ease into opening, to find their groove, which is smart. Also, there will be tables in about two weeks, but not yet, so a big crowd at this point would be sort of awkward. We checked it out Tuesday night. I think I could develop an unfortunate addiction to the waffle fries.
“Pies, Fries, and Franks.”
Possibly the least creative restaurant name since “The Eatery.”
they’re open from 11-10 every day and it’s called buffington and wine’s. there’s a menu up in the window and they have some to take home too- i ate there last night, and it was delicious 🙂
they said it would be about 3 weeks until they got tables in there and started serving wine and beer, so right now it’s pretty much carryout.
Here’s the menu: MENU (PDF)
Had a pie last night- White Rabbit.
Fantastic!
Really nice of them to give a shout out to the other neighborhood restaurants on their menu!
Can’t wait to give them a try!
I think I’ll try it out tonight…I’ve been anxiously awaiting this moment.
tic tacs are on the menu? whats up with that! for 3.25?
please explain.
@heythere–We asked about the tic tacs. From what I remember, they are sort of sweet potato tater tots, served with powdered sugar.
tic tacs are sweet treats.
I wish the best of luck to the business, and wholeheartedly hope they succeed.
But I gotta say, the “franks and fries” part of their offerings seems to pretty widely miss the mark of what I suspect most people were hoping for from this place. Anyone care to bet how long they stay on the menu?
That said, I hope the pizza’s good, and I’ll be giving it a try in the next day or two. But they’ve got some stiff competition in that department from Sette.
Here’s the tic tac info! They are sweet potato tots, rolled in cinnamon sugar, and served with a drizzle of honey & a sprinkle of powdered sugar. YUM!!!
Agree with PaulF, reminds me of It Must Be Heaven’s menu of ice cream and crab soup, ok, maybe it’s not that bad. It actually sounds like some delicious and creative stuff. How come no one has mentioned the tie to Buzzy’s? I actually saw him behind the counter when I drove by the other night. Do they own this place or what up?
put it on the pizza
Has anyone spoken to Buffington or wine? We did, and ordered a Paul Bunyan and a White Rabbit. It was incredible. Apparently they are working on wine and beer that should be coming in a few weeks. By the way, the official name is Buffington and Wine’s pies, Fries, and franks. The pizza is great!
bsmart #18, what is the crust like on the pies? Just curious, many thanks!
Menu looks interesting, and I will try to stop by for something this coming weekend if not sooner. PaulF #14 and Brett #16, I don’t think it’s as mixed up as ice cream and soup. It sounds to me like they are just trying to keep it simple with three or four things dressed different ways. I hesitate to be critical until I’ve eaten there.
And hey I’ve gotta give them credit for inventing a bleu cheese and pineapple hot dog, if you choose those options for dogs. I never would have thought of that but I love pineapple bleu cheese burgers (when I can get them, the only person I can remember offering them was Nick at the old Joe’s Inn, and I don’t know if they even offer them anymore!!!!)
So how big are the pizzas? They are pretty pricey, so I hope the size is reasonable.
They have applied for a wine a beer license which includes, unfortunately, to go sales. The neighbors are really saddened by that. They remember how that went when it was a grocery store. Public drunkenness, cars double parked, loud music, etc.
Lisa, do you really think it will come to that? I don’t see Bob or Victor as the type that would let that sort of thing happen. The police have already been in there and since they have such a good relationship with Buzzy’s there shouldn’t be any problems at this place. Also, is there anywhere within walking distance you can go to get a nice bottle of wine or some quality beer (Amstel, Guinness etc) and it not be the Market? I’m not crapping on the Market, I buy my beer and wine there but choices are nice. I’ve known Bob for 20 years and don’t see this place becoming anything like that. And before anyone says “but Me, you don’t live in Church Hill” let me tell you that I do live, walk my dog, run and work in Church Hill and have for many years.
Can’t say I’ve ever seen deep fried twinkies other than at the state fair or a carnival. I guess that’s the atmosphere they’re going for?
Had a hotdog and an order of waffle fries last night. Both were tasty. Can’t wait to try the pizza!!
I didn’t recall the name accurately (it had been a month or so since I talked with one of the owners) but the other owner, I was told is Cpt.Buzzy’s owner. One would think that he could be trusted to not let things get out of hand with the ABC license. We have plenty of places that have ABC in our area and are good stewards of the community: Aziza, Sette, GlobeHopper,Honeywhytes, The Hill…to name a few
Good luck to them. We’ll definitely come give them a try when they are settled.
@#25: none of the places you mention have an ABC off license, which this place does.
I agree, as I think most neighbors do, that the current owners will be responsible with their license. The concern is that should the business not be successful, the off license could transfer to a new owner, who might not be quite as interested in the peacefulness of the neighborhood as they are in making whatever sales they decide are necessary to stay in business.
So, here’s to the current owners’ success.
@James: I believe Victor told me the pies were 16″. As he put it: “just as good but $10 cheaper than Bottom’s Up.” And even if I’m wrong about the size, I definitely remember thinking cost + size was great value for pizzas with such high-quality ingredients. Maybe the best value is the “slice,” which is actually a quarter of a pizza. (!)
I haven’t tasted anything yet, but I’ve seen and smelled it and can’t wait till I have a free evening for it. Good luck, guys!
For a 16″ pizza, the prices are pretty damn good.
Thanks for the menu, John. YUM!
Just for the record, liquor licenses are not transferable.There is a process each applicant must complete. If a company or property changes hands, the application begins again.
good news for everyone looking for beer on the hill, family supermaket at 24th and jefferson now has a very legit beer selection, many nice micros to chose from.
#30 is only partially correct. If the business transfers in whole…name and everything…the liquor license would transfer with it–the application process would not be necessary. So, if Buffington sold the place to a new owner who was going to operate it as Buffington’s Pies, Fries and Franks…the liquor license would go to the qualified new owner (as in, passes background check and otherwise qualified by ABC standards). The neighbors should be concerned. This is a potentially dangerous situation for the neighborhood.
The hill has not had a strong track record for business survival. One never knows what the future holds. A new owner
may not have the same level of respect for the neighbors. Get restrictions in place now.
Ditto Shawn. I grabbed some Brooklyn Brown last week. Great selection!
The name….it helped us figure out what they sell..uhhhhhh. We tried their pizza, and found it fantastic. The renovation of that corner has definitely helped, remember the buiding before? They’ve done a great job.
Thank you #32. Their application for an unrestricted and off-premises ABC license can’t be judged in the same way as a sit down resturant. The neighbors have been down this road before at this very corner. They would appreciate folks support to speak against the granting of that ABC license.
Lisa,
One would think that the “issues” that were dealt with when this location was a corner store would not be the same. I’m not sure but I would imagine that the owners would not be selling 20s or 40s of Red Bull, Mickey’s, or MD 20/20. My guess would be that the owners would run a little more upscale kind of business.
Just something to think about!
Dearest Neighbors,
Stop contemplating worst-case scenarios and enjoy a pizza pie…some beer and/or wine in a week or two.
Agree with you 100% New Guy. The best way for us to make sure the liquor license isn’t a problem is to make sure the place is packed and busy with good people who care about the community.
I also didn’t get the sense that they’ll be carrying Nighttrain in their wine selection so the deadbeats aren’t likely to do their shopping here. $15 bottles of wine aren’t usually what the folks who want to drink on the corner go for…
@lisa
I am a neighbor, and a very close one to the new restaurant. I live half a block away. I am NOT “really saddened” by the ABC off. I am thrilled! I do not think you speak for all neighbors.
The Bunyan be the bomb!
Just read the menu. Oh boy, pizza, hot dogs, fries and onion rings! It’s college all over again only our arteries are 20 years older. Is this really what our demographic wanted?
Some posts really miss the point here. Let’s take this slow and step by step.
1. Businesses with off-premises ABC licenses have historically been problematic in Church Hill-including this same location.
2. Businesses, in general, have not had a history of longevity in Church Hill.
3. ABC licenses, in many cases, ARE transferable to a new owner.
4. A new owner (and the current owner) with a beer and wine ABC license absolutely has the right to sell any type of wine and beer they see fit to drive their business. Every business I know of is in business to make a profit.
5. Once an ABC license is granted, it’s difficult to revoke.
6. A business owner with the best of intentions has no control over the actions of their patrons once outside the premises.
7. Without regulation, the fate of a neighborhood is left to chance or will.
8. You can’t unspill the milk.
LOL at all the panic over to-go sales. There is no way to regulate without restricting the sales of fine beer and wine. You can require 6-pack or greater sales, but that kills the market for good brew in 22oz sizes. You can limit to 12oz, but again, many fine craft beers are sold in 22oz or 750ml sizes. How about we just have a little faith in a long time business owner on Church Hill. I am sure that even if this business plan fails, the current owner cares about the neighborhood enough to keep this from ending up like another trashy corner convenient store. I think some people are really overreacting.
yeah Lisa I only live a few houses down and would love to see an ABC Off license. What are you afraid of? If someone wanted a beer to start trouble they could walk a couple of blocks over to blue wheeler and do so… this place won’t bring trouble to broad. If anything it will help.
you should be more worried about the prissy white lady that always let’s her frou frou dogs poop on the sidewalk because she’s too high society to get dooky hands.
I had lunch and dinner there yesterday. The Fatty was a delicious bratwurst. Natural casing and tasty. I had it with kraut and brown mustard. Onion rings were hot and crispy with honey mustard on the side.
For dinner it was a large pizza with pepperoni and mushrooms. The crust is medium-thickness. The sauce is a spicy tomato with good flavor. Lots of cheese. My only complaint was not enough pepperoni (but in truth no pizza has enough for me).
Let’s not worry about worst case scenarios shall we? How about we support a local business that has invested time, money and sweat in our neighborhood. Or do you want that boarded up POS that used to be there?
@43/44 Respectfully, your views are naive.
It appears that neither of you are homeowners or otherwise financially invested in this neighborhood. If you rent your place, I understand your viewpoint-you have nothing to lose.
I’d like to pose a question. If you’re a homeowner, you’ve most likely purchased homeowners insurance to protect yourself against catastrophic loss-right? Chances are, you’ll never need it to that extent. But, you buy it just in case. Regulation is much the same as insurance…without it, you expose yourself to risk that could be avoided. There’s a far greater chance that a business will fail in Church Hill than your house burning down.
Why is it so hard to digest that neighbors are concerned? Problems with off-premises ABC licenses in Church Hill are historic. This very location was problematic years ago.
As for the Blue Wheeler, have you looked around there lately? Have you seen the trash in yards, on the street and sidewalks? Is that what you’d like to see on Broad Street? It’s been down that road before. Without thoughtful regulation, it could easily happen again.
“Let’s not worry about worst case scenarios shall we? How about we support a local business that has invested time, money and sweat in our neighborhood. Or do you want that boarded up POS that used to be there?”
I don’t think anyone wants this business to not succeed. It appears as though you enjoyed your experience there with no mention of alcohol. Having off-premises ABC privileges is not a measure of success for a business offering a great core product. The goal is peaceful co-existence.
As a matter of the majority of the close neighbor are very concerned about off premise beer and wine sales. It’s short sited to think the problems that occured before now at this location cannot happen again. We are the ones who experinced it!
I think the ABC off paranoia is unnecessary, but was hoping for a different kind of concept in this space. I’ve long thought that a really great deli with good sandwiches and sides, a nice selection of cheeses, deli meats, wine, and single-serving micro-brews would work in that space. You could do take-out, delivery, sell meats/cheese at the counter, and do in-house salads and sandwiches. I’m worried that the pizza market in our neighborhood is a bit over-saturated with Settee, Azziza’s, and Bottom’s Up so close. Please listen Bob and Mary Ann 🙂
I will eventually own my home, and the only reason I rented was to see if this neighborhood would be worth living in. However, there is so much negativity and people shouting for restrictions on any new business here, I am not sure this place will ever improve. I also don’t like the insinuation that renters don’t care about the future of this community. Church Hill is the only place I have lived in since I moved here, and I wish to remain part of this neighborhood. I also take better care of the property and surroundings than my landlord did.
OK, I get the whole anti off-premise sales protest to any new convenience store. However, as I stated before, this is an upper end wine and beer supplier who has already done a lot to improve this community. I do know enough about ABC licenses to know that they are not as easily transferred as some are making it out to be. I have met the owner at Buzzy’s and trust him to do what is best for this community. Besides, if he carries the right craft beers, I will have no problem helping keep the place in business.
I have lived north of Broad for over twenty years near both the Blue Wheeler and the Chimbo Market and have no problems with ABC off. Yes, I am a homeowner.
“I am not sure this place will ever improve” James…the neighborhood has improved over the years with the investment of “time, money and sweat” (as cited by #45)by the property owners in this neighborhood. It’s those same people who’ve created a nicer place that you’re willing to consider home and Buff’s wants to open a business in. You should be more thoughtful of their concerns and not just dismiss them out of your own selfish desires.
You can’t seem to move beyond the fact that because you believe in this owner,
all will remain the same in the future.
If this business was sold as Buffington’s, the liquor license would go with it. I urge you to check your knowledge of ABC regulations. You’re misinformed.
laura, do you ever have anything positive to say.
I know the laws quite well. It doesn’t only have to be sold under the same name to keep an off-premise license. It also has to remain as a restaurant. There is no way it will ever become a ghetto 40 shop. The reason this neighborhood has improved is due to businesses like Buzzy’s and the Hill Cafe, that make the area more attractive to middle and upper class people. What have you personally done to improve this area? My guess is absolutely nothing (complaining and spreading negativity doesn’t count).
Personally, I did not like the idea of another pizza place up in this area. The only saving grace for the business was the concept of walking down the street and buying a bottle of wine or bomber of craft ale. Take away those sales, and I am not sure the business will survive. Let’s think about how we can help this business survive and try to relax on heavy restrictions.
If you care about the community, you will want this business to survive. If you want this business to survive, you will encourage off-premise wine/beer sales.
@49: agreed 100%. However, I’ve heard some news recently that we may be getting just that very soon. Keep an eye out around Marshall and 27th around summer time…
#53 I don’t believe they have a special use permit to operate as a restaurant. If people are eating at tables it’s an unauthorized use.
Trust in this owner has nothing to do with the issue of potentail problems as much as future owners. Businesses do tend to fail here, so a new owner in the near future may be closer than we think.
We all want businesses to thrive on the Hill but we have a limited population to support it. The Hill Cafe draws on people outside the hood not just locals. that makes a big difference in terms of survival.
James…how little you know of the area’s history…The urban pioneers started the ball rolling in the Hill way before the Hill Cafe and most certainly Buzzy’s was ever thought of. Your profound ignorance continues to baffle me. You (and Amy N-B in 49) are making the case that concerns the neighborhood. You said: “and I am not sure the business will survive.” Exactly the point…many neighbors do not want fast and loose access to off-premises ABC licenses. One guaranteed money maker at that location would be a “ghetto 40 shop”
and you’re crazy to think nobody would be willing to take a crack at that.
And as for my contribution to the Hill…James, I own several Church Hill properties with assessed values in excess of $2 million. All have been renovated to make the place you love a better place to live. I’m also a landlord so I do know alot about renters. That’s my contribution…what’s yours other than being a blow hard?
Now that the building has been renovated, it’s unlikely to sit idle again. Somebody will look for opportunities to make that space (whatever it will be) profitable. And beer, cigarettes, lottery tickets, junk food, rolling papers, etc…is just one way to do it. Visit any of the ghetto-marts in the Hill, you’ll figure it out quickly.
Well said James. Alarmist attitudes tend to be counterproductive. Give these guys a chance and lend them your support so the can succeedand grow for the betterment of the community.
Alex @54- That is the best news I’ve heard all day! Do you have any more details? Can you say which one of the 4 old laundromats are you referring to?
laura, if you are such a pillar of the Church Hill community, then why do you show constant negativity towards your neighbors. It is also pretty ignorant how you talk down on renters. I know enough of the Hill’s history from talking with my neighbors (and my neighbors are part of the Church Hill Association, a group that makes a real difference). They all admit that the real changes in this area have been within the last 10 years, and they are very thankful to the new businesses that helped things along the way. Renovating and renting property does not make you part of the solution to the problems up here, it just makes you an entrepreneur who found an opportunity to profit on an up and coming area.
As for my contribution, I volunteer with the Tricycle Gardens group, donate to the hill association, and most importantly I pay my taxes. As a business professional, I also help to increase the average income of the area (pretty important, since the normal renters are just college students). I would say renters and single home owners are more important than multiple property owners. We are the ones spending money at local retailers, walking the streets, and keeping an eye out for our neighbors. You could be complaining from a big house out in the West End, while we are out here every day. Some people just want something to whine about…
James – It’s strange that you should mention CHA as having made a “real differnece” since they have historcally been mostly against change or growth. It’s one of several reasons most people up here are not members.
@59 “Renovating and renting property does not make you part of the solution to the problems up here, it just makes you an entrepreneur who found an opportunity to profit on an up and coming area.”…WOW, another profound statement. You’re a lost cause young man.
@60 Better luck to you…maybe you’ll be able to break through his hat of tin foil.
@58 Alex is correct. Unless someone else gets the space first, Dogwood Market and Deli will be in the retail space at the corner of 27th and Marshall that was renovated by Monument Construction. The concept is exactly what @49 Amy N-B described, plus fresh baked local breads and a small selection of produce. We’re working with NVNV and the SBA to get loans. Our goal is to open this summer, but these things tend to take longer than expected! haha…we appreciate your patience : )
I think it is important that we do not allow a small segment of the Church Hill community to speak as if they are representing the entire neighborhood. From the comments posted on this blog alone, it is apparent that the negative views about this ABC permit ARE NOT in the majority.
Yes laura, I am wrong. I am sure you renovated those houses just to make the Hill a better place. And I am sure you don’t make any money off of your renters. A regular charity, you are.
Tin foil hat? I don’t get it. There is no conspiracy theory here. Just a few negative people that want to argue about a problem that doesn’t exist. I still don’t even believe that you live in Church Hill.
Clay – can’t say more yet but keep an eye on that area. More coming soon.
As a newer Church Hill homeowner (yes, Laura, homeowner..not renter), I’m thrilled to see business like this and Kendra Feather’s possible restaurant pop up. Hopefully, the positive statements here will outweigh the negative and more businesses will actually want to head to the hill.
I will just add my vote of support to Buffingtons. Haven’t had a chance to try it out yet but am happy that a business has gone into that building. And I am VERY happy to hear the pending news about 27th and Marshall!!!
As a native Richmonder who’s lived 46 years in all area of this city, I can assure you that it’s attitudes like “Laura’s” that HOLDS BACK this city from possible great things. You hear new people that come here say things like “we’re stuck in the past” and “nobody takes chances”….or my favorite, “That’s the way we’ve always done it before” all the time. People love the city but are flummoxed by the old attitudes of some of it’s natives.
Laura, I hope you realize that you are more part of the problem than part of the solution. This isn’t 1974 baby, It’s time to move on. I can’t wait to get a pie and a bottle of wine for under $30.00, then pick up a six pack of Fat Tire (yes, they will start distributing in VA in 2011)for the rest of the evening, all from the guy on the corner. That kicks ass.
We got our first pie (white sauce) the other night and IMO, the crust (my favorite part) was perfect…not too thin, not to thick, and very tasty. We plan to return and try different combinations of toppings and the red sauce.
Reading through this thread, I’m left with a feeling of confusion. It doesn’t seem to me that anyone, including Laura, etc., has indicated that they don’t want a viable business operating in this location. So we can all agree that having a business here is good. I do understand the concerns noted-they seem valid. It’s easy for others to dismiss the NIMBY factor until its their backyard in question. The location of the pizza joint is in a residential area where no businesses have operated for years. Has anyone considered asking what the neighbors immediately surrounding the business what they would like to see? They will be the ones impacted the most by this business. I live several blocks away from the place so I don’t have a dog in the fight. I can understand the desire for more business in the area but there are defined commercial corridors already in Church Hill-namely 25th Street. Folks who simply live in the Church Hill area and want more business should not disregard the viewpoints of those truly impacted-folks within a blocks distance from the site. I would imagine businesses opening on 25th street would be welcomed with open arms and have no opposition to anything. It begs the question..why are startups not looking at 25th street to open more business? I think it’s simple…it’s not quite as nice as 28th and Broad. How did 28th and Broad get so nice? It was on the backs of the homeowners who invested in the area. I think the immediate neighbors should weigh in.
Collin-The new restaurant is on 29th & Broad (not 28th). I live in the immediate vicinity, and I am very happy to have B&W’s so close, and I am very happy that they will have a nice selection of beer and wine. And you are incorrect in saying that no business have operated in the vicinity for years. It is one block form the Hill Cafe (29th & Broad), and there have been several failed attempts at a take-out joint on 29th ST., just behind B&W’s. In the 18 years I have been in Church Hill, it has been great to see Buzzy’s and now B&W’s open. Hooray for us!
Collin, I live 3 blocks from Buffington’s. While I realize I am not right next door, I consider it part of my immediate neighborhood. This business is only a block from the Hill Cafe, so it isn’t strange that a business would open there. I would say Broad Street in general is set up for businesses. Broad already has the Patrick Henry, It Must Be Heaven, Buzzy’s, and Hill Cafe. 25th really has very little. Also, the only open retail locations on 25th tend to be a couple blocks north of Broad. So, I don’t think it has as much to do with being on 28th street as it does to be on Broad.
Amen Colin! Nicely put.
Many rebuttals to your comments James, but one to the statement – “This business is only a block from the Hill Cafe, so it isn’t strange that a business would open there. I would say Broad Street in general is set up for businesses.”, I would have to say that the immediate neighbors have tolerated the loud patrons of the Hill Cafe, therefore probably aren’t real keen on another alcohol related business. Having said that, as Colin stated, no one is against business moving to the location, but this neighborhood should stop dismissing/attacking neighbors who have valid complaints and work together some compromise with respect for both.
Richmond: The only city I’ve ever been in where residents think they’re living in the suburbs.
I have to agree with Mike. After living in Chicago, I feel like it is another world out here. Must be a southern thing.
#75 I have thought the same thing many times myself.
#71-Pardon me, I mixed up the blocks-29th and Broad is wonderful too. #74-Agreed Sunny. A more civil discussion has a greater likelihood of leading to a positive end for all involved. I’ve found some of the commentary on this thread disturbing, to say the least.
Years ago in Church Hill, there was no rush for development on either the housing or business front. Most of Richmond tried to ignore it in hopes that it would go away. Many of those who came before took significant financial risk when nobody else was willing. House-by-house, block-by-block, and street-by-street the face of Church Hill was re-emerging from a dilapidated, drug infested, sore spot in the city. This transformation was initiated by many of my neighbors. It wasn’t accomplished through magic-it was through the love of a historic area, willingness to take financial risk, and a pioneering spirit. There were no guarantees for them. Slowly, businesses recognized an opportunity to add value and yes, make a profit (God forbid). It appears they’ve collectively created a desirable urban enclave on the edge of downtown.
The area is now ripe for business. Business developers see an area where people feel safe to walk the streets with their dogs at all hours of the day or night. Women feel confident to jog and exercise in the streets at 5am. Couples with small children walk home safely from an evening out for ice cream.
Many comments here seem to disregard the very homeowners that made this possible. People are quick to dismiss their concerns as non-sense. Where were these commenters when Church Hill was abandoned? Furthermore, telling a woman who apparently invested hundreds of thousands of dollars into a risky area that she is backward thinking and shouldn’t expect an honest return on her investment is simply embarrassing. It appears that she’s made a wonderful contribution to the area that helps to attract others seeking quality housing. Yet, she and others are attacked for no apparent reason. God forbid they have an interest in protecting their investments by asking for responsible development. Short-sighted one liners do nothing to further the discussion. Nobody is saying that business should not exist and thrive. It’s possible for that to happen and still make everyone happy. Why can’t we work toward that end?
Has anyone looked at the shop? Obviously these guys are trying to open a pizza place that’s a bit above, priced a bit below….Have you eaten there? Have you talked to them about their plans? We’ve done both, and are truly excited. The pizza was great. I find it interesting that the neighborhood doesn’t seem to want to see these guys succeed when they’ve done such a great job thus far. By the way, they specifically told us that no singles or 40’s will be sold there. A blue wheeler it is definitely not. Quality pie it definitely is.
Thank you Collin for your remarks. I am on the same block as this business. My neighbors, on this same block and on the immediate surrounding blocks, for the most part, do not want off premise beer sales at this location. We have lived with the results and don’t want to live it again. There will be a next owner at some point. No one is ‘after’ these owners or against businesses opening on the Hill. If the beer were to be comsumed there we wouldn’t be having this conversation.
I admit I haven’t read all of the above comments, but has anyone asked the owners to add a condition to the license that no single units of alcohol be sold for off-premise consumption? The owner could voluntarily ask the ABC agent to add that condition or others to the license and it would likewise bind future owners of the business if the license ever transfers. I recommend adding at least the following conditions:
No single units
No forties
No smoking materials
No split cases
If these permanent conditions are added to the license, it would remedy the REASONABLE objections of the neighbors regarding future owners. There’s no helping the hysterical, however.
Collin, I think you must be new to these forums. laura was never attacked. She chose to attack renters and state here worth to add some sort of backing to her argument. Others, myself included, met her posts with skepticism. We also took the defensive position, since this same laura has expressed no compassion or care for any of her neighbors in her history of posting on CHPN. Personally, I don’t even believe she owns multiple properties.
I have no problem with compromises, but I do have a problem with this concept that any off premise alcohol sales will lead to a negative outcome. What if, god forbid, someone wanted to open a wine and cheese shop in the location. Would that be met with the same negativity and aggression? I would welcome such a place right next door to my house. Alas, there are only residential properties on my block, so I must hope for the best with the shops on Broad. If we lived in Carytown, this argument wouldn’t be happening.
Need I remind anyone that they live in a city? That there’s gonna be crime, a seedy element, noise that comes with these living circumstances? YES, it is inevitable. Please find me a city of similar size that has eradicated these elements and I’ll find you a camel that’s been shoved through the eye of a needle. I just don’t get what people expect with this city anymore. Especially the fortunate ones who live near Broad Street in church hill or worse those who live in the fan. When will you be happy with the extremely easy and enjoyable lives you lead? Until there’s no poor souls left to remind you how good you have it? Please pick up your ivory towers and move to Henrico. Leave us decent people to fend for ourselves.
#82- With all due respect, I won’t be drawn into your specious arguments. Please don’t anticipate that I will respond to you unless you take a decidedly respectful and inclusive tone with your neighbors.
#81, good point. Someone that’s already connected with the owners should follow-up on this.
I put my money where my mouth was Saturday night and ordered two pizza’s. I tell you my mouth and my guests mouths sure were glad we did. Keep up the awesome pizzaness! And yes I live less than a block from B&W’s and WELCOME them to the neighborhood!
I hear the concerns from both sides on the ABC issue but I think at this point unless we want another failed business we should all be pulling for the license. The time to oppose it would have been before these guys got up and running. The wine and beer sales are likely critical to their business plan at this point. ABC on won’t do much to help that since they have room for only a few tables.
The Church Hill Creed:
-No Echo Harbor.
-No multi-family housing.
-No skate park.
-No off premise alcohol sales.
-Renters are inferior.
Take a look around you, residents of CH. You live in the heart of the City of Richmond, yet you seem to oppose many amenities of urban living.
In reply to laura: omg posts really miss the point here. Let’s take this slow and step by step.
1. Any data on this assertion or just your empirical observation? If it is your own observation, you have already expressed bias, so we much reject this assertion.
2. How about we just grant you this point. Don’t say we never gave you anything.
3. Since you are making this assertion, how about you provide us with the instances in which a liquor license is transferable. This seems to be the big area of contention, yet you provide no proof or clarification regarding the issue.
4. Sure they do, but is it too much to ask for a little goodwill to a person who, like you, invested in the neighborhood? Golden rule and all…(.)
5 & 6. Boy, never took a class in forming logical arguments did we? Look up “Slippery slope”. Also, rejected.
7. No, just to the ABC Board.
8. Ah, the down home wisdom. Thanks for your “two cents”. I’ll reply in kind. Your arguments are like “lipstick on a pig”.
Also, before you frame a reply go ahead and look up “ad hominem”. You tend to use those attacks quite frequently, they do not engender a good discussion, nor do they rally people around your assertions.
Fair enough Collin. If you don’t have the common sense to read around these forums a bit, please don’t comment on my posts. I think I have been more than respectful to my neighbors. I thank each and every one of the that help make CH a better place to live. However, the person you are defending here does nothing but send her negativity out to the people who live in Church Hill. I do not have to respect her until she shows some respect for her neighbors. If you spent 5 minutes to reread this news thread, you would see that my posts were rather polite until a certain person directly talked down to me.
OK, I thought the whole ABC license thing sounded a little strange, so I did a little research.
It very clearly states on the VA ABC site the no ABC license (on or off premise sales) is transferable from business to business or person to person. So, even if this business was sold to a new owner under the same name, operating the same business, the new owner would have to apply for a new ABC license.
http://google.virginiainteractive.org/search?q=cache:8ArV7mrgTRoJ:www.abc.virgini…
If you scroll down to the ABC officer inspection section, it tells about having a different owner under a previous owner’s ABC license.
Case closed. Now we can go back to enjoying a nice new business on the hill.
On topic, the pizza here is AWESOME. They are definitiely in soft opening phase and working out kinks. Looking forward to them hitting their stride.
Went with my husband Sunday afternoon for a pizza and it was fantastic – the crust is excellent! They were doing a brisk business at around 2 pm on Sunday. I look forward to future visits.
One of the downsides of freedom is that sometimes people do things you don’t like.
Fortunately, beer is awesome, pizza is awesome, and America is awesome, so we will win. This is a city. Deal.
Am I the only one that thought the pizza was just OK? Adequate, but no revelation.
The food as always been the weak link at Buzzy’s too.. so I hope they’ll be able to take things up a notch.
I have tried several of the items and found them good. Any issues, I mentioned to the owners and they quickly corrected to MY taste.
On the beer issue, talked with Bob… and he put into the permit that he will not be selling singles. It will be at the least.. mix six packs of beer.
Also heard a red box will eventually be inside the place.
Hope this helps clear up some of the issues.
Is this a take out place only or sit down and eat too?
@91 Once again, you’ve made a broad generalization and you’ve misinterpreted the law. As you stated, an ABC license cannot be transfered from one PERSON to another PERSON. And one BUSINESS cannot transfer a license to another, different BUSINESS. However, a corporation that remains intact and transfers ownership,
everything the corporation holds remains in-tact including the ABC. A corporation is not a person and it’s not another business. It’s an entity all on its own. The law is complex and should not be interpreted by those who know nothing about it.
You should do your homework.
From the Code of Virginia:
§ 4.1-212 (A)(11) and (A)(16) of the Code of Virginia have been amended to allow for the transfer of an ABC license upon application by a bona fide purchaser of a licensed premises under certain conditions.
Is this the same Laura who basically said she’d physically assault someone who told her to follow the law and pick up after her dog?
If so, the disdain for her fellow residents seriously undermines any claim she may make regarding having an interest in what’s best for those who live in the neighborhood; yet I’m sure her interest in making as much money off CH residents is alive and well.
@97 Lisa. At the present time, it’s just take out.
Laura, thanks for proving my point. This business is owned by a person. A corporation can’t have a license tranferred to them from a person. In fact, according to the december news letter, if a new corporation takes more than 10% ownership, they have to notify the ABC. You have an ignorant argument, and you were wrong. Just admit it and move on. You never mentioned corporations until I called BS on your claims. Besides, you are really reaching if you think any corporation will be taking over that business. All the ghetto corner stores are owned by private owners. The ABC laws are not complicated if you know how to read.
Luke, this is the same laura. Fine upstanding citizen.
Back on topic, we finally got a pie from this place. We had the white rabbit, and it was fantastic. I am sure I gained a few pounds eating it, but the sauce and topings were perfect. We talked to the owner a while and he is a really nice guy. He seems focused on using high quality ingredients and he loves this community. I am going to get him in contact with my friends that work for the local craft beer distributor and see if they can carry some tasty brew. The wines sound like they will he worth picking up. Can’t wait till they are all stocked up!
Laura- Please don’t feed into this idiotic banter with a response. There are already processes in place to get this handled. This forum won’t help anybody solve anything.
@102-Collin Laura- Please don’t feed into this idiotic banter with a response. There are already processes in place to get this handled. This forum won’t help anybody solve anything..
All Laura has contributed is the motivation for me to eat @buffingtons and ask him what I can do to support him in the ABC licensing process. I’m sure more than a few others that were indifferent will be doing the same. Thanks!
My husband and I went last night and got the Jackie-O – yum yum! We are looking forward to frequenting this establishment!
zekeusmaximus, I couldn’t agree more!
zekeus, this is true. We ate there last night just to help support them. I am also hooking Victor up with some good beer distributor reps that will guarantee the highest quality beverages. If it comes down to a vote, just based on the discussions I have had with my neighbors, I am sure they will be keeping their off premise license.
Collin, thank you for adding nothing to this discussion. Also, I know for a fact that your line of “processes in place to get this handled” is pure BS. They have their license, and they are slightly limited on what they can sell. All they are waiting on is getting in touch with local distributors and decided what to bring in for the grand opening. The time to protest was about a month ago, when the application for ABC license was posted.
I love that Collin refers to our discussion as idiotic banter when laura was the one that did no research until after we showed that she was wrong. Sounds like he is looking for a date and trying to get on her good side.
James there has not been a hearing notice for the granting (or not) of their ABC license as yet. As of now that can’t sell any wine or beer. The hearing may be this month or next.
According to the owner, they will be selling wine in a couple weeks. Maybe he was confused?
Hey Laura – Hey James the lastest pizza “joint” on 25th is feeling a little left out. How about throwning a little poision their way?
The immediate neighbors did “weigh in” a few years ago, Collin, and that’s why we now have a pizza joint there instead of the nice gourmet market that was originally planned.
110 posts and I cannot take any of them seriously. The pizza here is fucking AWFUL. My high school served better shit than this.
Palpot, please tell me where your high school is, because they must have awesome pizza. I would also like to hear what you feel is a better pizza place. I mean, personally, I think Azizas is the best in the east end, but the price keeps me from eating there. Buffingtons is my favorite for the price so far.
Click Pal Pot’s weblink. They have a pizza blog! I’m sure he could tell you where better pizza is and if they say it is wack I believe him. The menu looks horrible. Their “version of a margherita” is NOTHING remotely close to a margherita.
I agree. I had the Chuck E. and it was terrible and if you’re a pizza place and can’t get a cheese pizza right…
Well, he liked Stuzzi, and they are my pick for best Pizza in RVA. However, I am not sure you can judge a place on one slice in their first week of operation. I will reserve my judgment of the red sauce pizza until I have one. However, the white pizza was fantastic. And that is coming from someone who has live in Northern Italy. The east end has a crappy selection of pizza joints in general, so I have to be nice to this place.
yeah bad sex is better than no sex
Sorry, I had a slice the other day and it was DREADFUL. Bland, flavorless…and maybe the worst crust I think I’ve ever had. It was indeed very “school lunch” like….The whole operation seemed very amateurish. The two women working the counter could not have been any friendlier but sorry, why pay $8.00 for a slice and a Coke when you can go to Papa’s…or Aziza’s…or The Pizza Place and get a superior product for less?
They get their dough from the same place as Bottoms Up, BTW. And I think they do a better job cooking it. So, if you hate this place, you will really hate Bottoms Up.
Nay-sayers, this place has only had its soft opening. Give them the time to get on their feet.
#10 Neighbor
I don’t think you must have been around at that time. This statement coulnd’t be further from the truth.
Lisa,
I couldn’t agree more…additionally, I think the neighborhood as a whole would much rather have had a nice gourmet market than a pizza/hot dog place.
Not that this place is “bad” there at all. I was hoping, though, for a nice gourmet market!
Seems I need to list that I’m a homeowner (a block away, in fact) to be taken seriously on this thread.
Couldn’t agree more with #111. I am a native New Englander, so maybe my taste in pizza is akin to Richmonders taste in BBQ. If you were in New England and had BBQ that the locals thought was great, but was actually awful by your palate, you’d be annoyed too. Buffington’s pizza reminds me of Ellio’s. It is AWFUL. Just look at it! Cheddar mixed with mozzarella?? Greasy? Chewy? Ugh….disgusting.
The point of any business is always to make money though, so I guess with all of the raving reviews of their pizza, Bottom’s Up (also awful) has some stiff competition.
As for the ABC carry-off license conversation, I already have Blue Wheeler trash in my front yard. I don’t need another store having carry-out liquor. What is this, South Central, LA? How are you people in support of a carry-out license?
And is it too much to ask for one restaurant on the Hill to actually have good food? Buzzy’s food is disgusitng, The Hill Cafe is horribly overrated, and don’t get me started on Church Hill Soul Food. Restauranteurs of Richmond: come to the Hill! I will singlehandedly make your establishment profitable!
Hill Homeowner, the ABC off-premise license is only for Beer and Wine, not liquor. I am not sure why you are talking about LA. Carytown and the Fan both have many establishments with carry out beer and wine, and these neighborhoods are arguably the nicest and safest in Richmond City. It isn’t about the fact that they can sell it, but what is actually sold. The Blue Wheeler sells cheap 40’s and crappy beer. This location will be selling higher end wine and beer. There is no way that it will be popular with the lower class thugs that tend to trash the neighborhood. I am not sure what part of New England you are from, but most of the cities I have been to have plenty of carry out wine and beer. Many will even re-cork opened bottles of wine for you to take home.
James, do you think a place that puts cheddar cheese on their pizza is going to be able to sell classy wine and beer?
I want a business to thrive in that location, and the idea of carryout pizza is good, but make the product well, and the issue about carryout alcohol goes away. Attract the low end with greasy, chewy, microwaved pizza, and they will want an Old English to go with it, not a $12 bottle of Pinot. Put out a good product with local, fresh ingredients, and the customer looks differently and my lawn stays free of broken bottles of Cook’s.
#122- I was born and raised in and around NYC and LOVE various pizzas from ALL over the United States. There’s actually some REALLY GOOD pizza here not only in Richmond, but also just in our neighborhood alone! It isn’t even about local palates and preferences. Buffington’s pizza is simply not good. Way too much of whatever flavorless topping they called “cheese”. I’m okay with a sprinkling of cheddar in the overall mix but this seemed to be comprised of a 50-50 ratio. It was HORRIBLE. What’s worse though, is the crust.
AS for the carry-out ABC, I’m not worried in the least (and I too, live near the ABlue Wheeler) Thugs and other undesirables don’t drink Belgian tripels, IPA’s and Hefeweizens.
Seriously people? We got 123 posts about this? WTF.
Am I missing something? How exactly does this place selling beer and wine for “carry out” differ in any way from the sale of beer and wine for “carry out” at every grocery store in this city, including the one right down the hill from us?
A grocery store sells a full catalog of beer and wine, and the nimbys are not out in force to protest, but a small restaurant with a few good beer and wine choices available for people who wish to grab something quickly on their way out after picking something up or on their way home, and it’s suddenly the opening of the slippery slope to “hood rats” turning their millions of dollars in slumlord properties…err rental housing into future crack houses?
Hill Homeowner, you should honestly talk to the owner before making assumptions. The cheapest beer he will have will be Amstel Light. As Drew said, thugs are not going to be buying Belgian Pales and IPA’s.
And lets not start this nasty rumor about microwaved pizza. Buffingtons uses the same standard conveyor pizza oven that I used back when I was working at a small pizzeria. It is not a microwave. In fact, it is probably one of the most widely used pizza ovens in the USA. I don’t really feel like going into a pizza lesson, but the crust is not bad. It is not Napalitano style, as you would find native to NYC. The two main styles brought over from Italy were Napalitano (thin and crisp crust) and Genovese/Sicilian(chewy focaccia like crust). Aziza’s and Stuzzi both feature authentic Napalitano style pizza, while Buffingtons and Bottoms Up go for something closer to Sicilian style.
Taste is subjective and everyone has their own palates. Just understand that the crust is not just some cheap crap they pulled out of the freezer. It is pretty true to style Sicilian dough made by a local bakery. I hear this argument in every city where Sicilian or Genovese style pizza is served. You need to approach it more like focaccia than the old popular NY thin crust pizza. I am with you guys on the yellow cheeses. They have no place on a pizza. Thankfully, my White Rabbit only contained white cheese.
#128 “Taste is subjective and everyone has there own palates.” -> Very good point. Reading some of the previous posts leads me to believe CH is a breeding ground for pizza snobbery.
Okay, a forty ounce at Blue Wheeler costs less than $2 and can be paid for with small change. A micro brew beer six pack usually goes for $7.00 and up. The people that buy forty ounces ARE NOT going pay that much for a quick buzz. There is a difference.
Also, Bottoms Up has their crusts specially made for them through Weiman’s bakery. It is not for sale to other establishments. I suppose B&W may have set up a similar arrangement, but I am sure it is not the exact same crust.
131 comments on pizza! Mama mia, I gotta come to Church Hill!!!
(Seriously, though: W. T. F. ????)
OK. Let’s talk brats… YUM! Had a great brat on a bun, kraut, mild mustard with waffle fries. Can’t wait till they have wine and beer.
#127- “Am I missing something? How exactly does this place selling beer and wine for “carry out” differ in any way from the sale of beer and wine for “carry out” at every grocery store in this city, including the one right down the hill from us?”
The difference is all the other places are not smack in the middle of a residential neighborhood like Buffington’s is. I am a neighbor of Buffington’s and I don’t support the prospect of off-premises beer sales in a residential neighborhood. The supermarket is a different story…it’s a different game.
We had the Paul Bunyan on Tuesday night and both thought it was good. Best pizza I’ve ever eaten? Maybe not, but totally solid and in no way “disgusting” IMHO. I was happy to have a quick carry out option after 9PM (tried Alamo- they were closed) and I’m sure we’ll return. And the carry out microbrews, if it happens, will make that all the more likely. Friends of mine on that block have carried out several times as well and also thought the pizza was good.
Hey, Hill Homeowner, maybe we should start a club, albeit a small one! Couldn’t agree more with your assessment of the food up here.
One Response to “B&E on 32nd Street”
posted by Steven at February 2, 2011 2:53 pm [#]:
I live down the street. There’s a lot of action on this block due to the Blue Wheeler Market. I neighborhood watch frequently and call the police when needed. If we work together, we can hopefully get the area looking nice and hopefully prevent anything further. If anyone is interested in cleaning the block up let me know(trash clean up, grass cutting, etc.)I’ve been doing this on the 400 block the last year by myself.
Lovely! Yep…this is what 29th and Broad needs.
It’s frustrating how you are trying to equate this new place and a the ghetto mart Blue Wheeler. I have to go off the hill to buy decent beer or wine, would love to keep my money in the hands of small businesses in the neighborhood.
@138 if the pizza joint gets an off-premises beer and wine license, can you explain what the difference will be between the two (other than being 3 blocks away from one another)?
You live in the CITY! If “thugs” and “drinkers” bother you go live in Henrico where they don’t allow black people and drinking is all done is secret. Your alcoholism isn’t any more respectable/acceptable because you are play $5 more per six pack. STOP trying to gentrify CH and squeeze poor folks and native Richmonders out.
@ laura – oh for Pete’s sake. We are talking two different establishments now. Do you know Bob? If you do, I think you can support that he will be quick to address any issues that arise. And I, like Calvin and a few others, am looking forward to walking a few blocks to buy a nice bottle of wine.
laura – social bigot, neo-prohibitionist, and violently aggressive dog lover. She is a different kind of animal. Too weird to live, and too rare to die.
you go James!!!! right on bro!!!
I have to say that I am very disappointed in the lack of civility on several peoples part. The answers to these things are never simple, especially when city hall is involved. The best we can do is offer our support to this new restaurant and voice our concerns now while we have the opportunity. I for one have tried their pizza and find it good, but not great and I find it too expensive for what you get. They do get their crust from Weiman’s, like Bottoms Up, but it is thinner, which I prefer. I have spoken to one of the owners (not Bob) and he seems very nice and very enthusiastic. This is good, because quite frankly I find Captain Buzzy’s food terrible. I was concerned when I found out there was a connection between the two restaurants. I wish them success.
Buzzy’s is a coffeehouse, not a gourmet deli/restaurant. What do you expect, gellalee?
Do I live on River Road or Church Hill?? What is the deal?!
I don’t expect a gourmet deli, but I do expect a certain level or quality in the food I buy at any restaurant and Buzzy’s is sorely lacking in that department. Why does it matter where you live to ask for that? I used to be restaurant manager, I know attention to detail when I see it. It has nothing to do with snobbery and I really think you guys need to take it down a notch.
Hello,
This is Bob Buffington and Victor Wine. We have been very busy setting up and renovating our shop, and now are taking the time to answer questions that have been posed by the community, and give a bit of information regarding our business.
Number one….ABC licenses are non-transferable. I salute the person who pointed that out correctly, instead of guessing(James). We plan to serve Wine, and have a great selection chosen. Micro-brews to go will be of the utmost quality, and also we plan to have two draft selections. We will never sell 40’s, singles, and never will a brown bag containing alcohol be drank outside our establishment. No liquor will be sold, we just think that a glass of wine and/ or beer is nice with pizza. No tobacco will be sold either…just so you know. Our ABC license is pending, and we may have to put another rest room in to comply with all regulations…. because that is what we do.
About our product. We do indeed have our crusts baked and delivered daily from Weimans bakery. It is about half as thick as , say, Bottoms up. Feel free to call them. We use fresh ingredients, have dark opal basil flown in from California for our red-wine /basil red sauce. Hot dogs…Fries…? They are treats, people like a good dog, and good fries, and we sell them. Don’t like cheddar,why order a pizza that has cheddar on it? Don’t like as many toppings…ask for less. We will accommodate your request.Please realize that we are trying to put out a product of high quality for a reasonable price. Any toppings we have, we will make you the pie, the fries, or the frank…
Lastly, to those who hate our food, and think that because you’ve created you own blog, or twitter page, with your self imposed “foodie” title, and like to take the approach of throwing insults, cursing on a public blog because you can in your anonymity, and referring to our food as %!*#, or “7-11 frozen pizza, take it as a valuable learning experience, you no longer have to waste your time here. To those who have some kind of beef with “Buzzy’s”, oh, well…sounds personal, or jealous..
To all others who have shown us such love and support, we would like to thank you. We’ve had a great opening week, and thankfully some of you appreciate that a boarded up, run down market has been renovated (the renovation received 6 “golden hammer” nominations), and there is now another choice for food in the Hill. We are also always open for suggestions…Thank you so much for our opening success and we hope to continue improving our business. Obviously, just starting out, we will be working out some kinks and honing our business. Thanks again.
Buzzy’s is awesome and the new place is off to a strong start. Keep up the good work, Bob and Victor!!
Hello once again. We wanted to add that from now on, in our never ending desire to better our business, we welcome your compliments, concerns,or suggestions. However, we would appreciate a direct call or visit to Buffington and Wine’s Pies, Fries and Franks. Our number is(804)864-2835, and we are at 2824 E Broad Street. Thank you
Bob & Victor,
Those of us who love your food, your continued presence in the neighborhood, your desire to hook us on something other than caffeine, Buzzie’s sweet treats & great sandwiches… we salute you 🙂
This post has degenerated into what the “collective” does not want instead of staying on point and recognizing that which has been given to them to enjoy… another great local place (run by great people) to grab a bite, a brew or a glass. How wonderful is that.
Forgive them. They forget that the old place was an eyesore and vacant for years and their want for something better there.
They forget that we are all neighbors from time to time, that businesses are more often than not, run by people with feelings, a dream and the best of intentions. They know not of what they do.
#151 FTW
Good to hear you chime in, Victor and Bob. I got in touch with the distributor, and you should expect some calls soon. They are good people and should be able to help get you the best brews for CH. I wish you guys all the best and you can expect to see us in there once a week for some good eats (and hopefully some beer/wine soon). If you need support or signatures to get your ABC-off license, let me know. I have several neighbors around me that would love to have this take out option.
Bob & Victor? What is your background with pizza? What makes you any more of an expert on pizza than a blogger or foodie who has dedicated time studying the food?
Sign me up for helping on a petition drive if you need one also. Been enjoying the fries and pies so far and am glad you guys are giving us one more option.
I appreciate Bob and Victor answering our questions about your food and concerns about the ABC license. I wish you both the best of luck with this venture. I must point out that you would do well to heed the example of Nordstrom and follow the mantra “the customer is always right” whether you agree with them or not. Take the advice, don’t take it, whether anonymous or not, but do not talk down to people that might be your customers. It makes me much less likely to give you the benefit of the doubt with respect to this new restaurant, despite your fresh enthusiasm. I am certainly not jealous of Captain Buzzy’s. I just choose not to eat there because I do not find the food worth the cost and I don’t drink coffee. I have had several of my neighbors say they much prefer Globetrotters down the hill. Take that information for what it is worth. It sounds to me like you are on the right track with the new restaurant regarding the quality of the ingredients, but customer service is also part of the equation. That includes being rude to prospective customers. You need a thick skin to work in the hospitality industry. Good luck!
“150. posted by Bob Buffington/Victor Wine at February 3, 2011 4:14 pm [#]:
Hello once again. We wanted to add that from now on, in our never ending desire to better our business, we welcome your compliments, concerns,or suggestions. However, we would appreciate a direct call or visit to Buffington and Wine’s Pies, Fries and Franks. Our number is(804)864-2835, and we are at 2824 E Broad Street. Thank you”
After that post, I cannot believe that you guys would continue to post on here! Come on, he is encouraging you to contact him directly! Go for it! Visit the place and talk to them!
@143- My dear 102 year old grandmother used to tell me…”Laura, you can’t argue with an idiot.” That sweet old lady was never wrong a day in her life.
re: 148 Bob and Victor
Applause, applause! Love Captain Buzzy’s. Good luck with your new spot. Don’t need to taste your food to wish you well.
I would rather eat pizza off the floor of a “foodie’s” floor than Buffington’s again. Cheddar belongs on a roast beef sandwich, not pizza. Ever.
At least us “foodies” are off the hook from going to Buzzy’s and Buffington’s again. Thanks for pushing us out the door, Bob.
I am a foodie, and still think the white pizza was fantastic. And cheddar does not belong on a roast beef sandwich. Swiss, kraut, and russian dressing are the key toppings for roast beast. 🙂
Laura, your grandmother may have been a sweet old lady. You would do well to follow her example and stop insulting your neighbors.
Ate there last night and I’m pretty impressed. Yes, they put cheddar on their pizza but it’s not overkill and I actually liked it. (Take it from someone that doesn’t like cheddar all that much!)
They seem to be trying to get their battle rhythm down and everyone seemed a little unsure of what to do to keep things moving. I don’t fault them for that one bit considering they have JUST opened. With a few more weeks of refinement and their ABC license up and running, I think they’ll have the chance to do some good business!
Best of luck and thanks for that great pie!!
only 836 more to make 1000!!!
Regardless of how the food might taste, or not taste, the question remains- why do you need ABC-off capabilties? The Hill Cafe does not have this, and the vast majority of the Bottom and/or Fan restaurants also do not have this. Why not just skip this and serve food that is good and people like and be done with it? Also why is the neightborhood surprised by this ABC-off request by the bare minumum window posting and not a process of approaching the local community in an open discusion on pros/cons, a plan and so forth? I know local businesses survive on local support, so why not encourage discussion among those potentially impacted nearby? I’m not opposed or doing cartwheels in support, just asking some questions…
I dont think there is anything wrong with people asking questions. 🙂
Cheddar belongs on roast beef. Try the roast beef and cheddar at Aziza’s. It’s great. Swiss, kraut, and russian dressing are the key toppings for a reuben, which uses corned beef, not roasted beef. And please stop using the word “foodie”. Somebody who really considers themselves knowledgeable about good food shouldn’t care about that stupid title. The food at B&W is shameful. I’ve tried it 3 times. Atrocious would be a better word I think. They aren’t even making their own dough people! I’m sure this multimillion dollar bread baking giant (Weiman’s), really puts the proper TLC into each ball of dough that get’s shipped there. Get a clue. Lord help us if somebody were to actually open a restaurant that served high quality food in Church Hill besides Millie’s. Half the people up here think that meatloaf, burgers and pre-packaged shoestring fries are the hot ticket. They’ll probably keep this place afloat. I can make better everything they serve there at my house.
J0030, many places in the fan and carytown have ABC-off licenses. Also, the bottom actually has a wine and beer shop. Buffingtons is obviously looking to take advantage of the market up here on the Hill. There is no place up here to buy good beer or wine to take home for consumption. It is not so unusual. In fact, even capitol alehouse downtown has an ABC-off license. The Hill Cafe is 3x the size of this pizza place, and they have a full bar.
I sort of wonder if there was such a fuss when they decided to build the market at the bottom of 25th. After all, they sell cheap beer along with some good beer (not much). Personally, that place effects my block more than any other business.
You should really try roast beef on a rueben. Much better than corned beef. Besides, imo white cheeses are always better on beef. Cheddar is too strong and easily overtakes the flavor of the beef. Once again, this is proof that palates are different. I also find it humorous that you mentioned millies. Overpriced from my point of view.
@165-J0030 Well stated—agreed. One of the major issues is their complete lack of transparency right from the start. Many businesses opening in a residential area go out of their way to ensure those neighbors in the immediate impact area are kept informed about plans and intentions. Inviting neighbors to community meetings, door-to-door visits, letters, etc. , all would have given the neighbors some insight into the plans. As far as I know, none of this took place. To the neighborhood, it appears as though these owners have been trying to “Fly under the radar” with the ABC issue. The ABC requires that a public notice of a pending ABC application to be posted on the front of the building for a minimum of 10 days. This business posted the notice in the most inconspicuous place possible on the 29th street side of the business at the lowest and furthest corner from the front. They also posted the notice on January 24th, the date of their application, and removed the notice on February 2nd- exactly 10 days minimum. A business looking to gain community support doesn’t try to hide their intentions from anyone. This business also modified their application to a wine and beer “on and off” license. Did they bother to let the neighbors know? No. It never happened. Next, the owners go on to assert that ABC licenses are not transferable on CHPN. This is blatantly false. ABC licenses can very well be transferred under the conditions that some posters already mentioned on this thread. If you don’t believe it, call the ABC…There are very simple future scenarios where this license could move to different control. When the owners make false statements, should the neighborhood trust their intentions or future business modifications will be in the neighborhood’s best interests?
Businesses change hands every day for numerous reasons [owner illness or retirement, moving on to different interests, lack of ROI, etc.]. The neighborhood as a whole needs protection from the interests of an individual.
Real quick – does anyone know where “laura” works? I want to make sure I NEVER rent from her. EVER. Thanks.
elena, there is only one way a license can be transferred. A corporation changing ownership (by 10% or more) can transfer the ABC license to another corporation. However, since this is a privately held ABC license, it cannot be transferred. It is very clearly stated on the VA ABC site. In fact, if you just look up the question “can ABC licenses be transferred” you will get the FAQ page. The answer is NO. The only reason any license can be transferred, is because there was a single amendment made to allow corporations to transfer their license to new ownership. That means if a store like Krogers got purchased by another corporation (say Giant bought them and reopened using the same store name), then they could still sell wine and beer with their existing license. If you found anything that states differently, please post up a link. I have searched all the legal pages, and cannot find anything to back up what you are saying.
I also forgot to note that the corporation can be bought out by less than 10% and they don’t have to contact the ABC. However, ownership changes greater than 10% warrant notification to the VA ABC.
@167- You stated:”even capitol alehouse downtown has an ABC-off license. The Hill Cafe is 3x the size of this pizza place, and they have a full bar”. I believe the core issue here is zoning. Capital Ale House downtown does have an ABC wine and beer on and off license. The business is also located in a business and commercial zone-not a residential district. The Hill Cafe has an ABC wine and beer on and a MB license. They can’t sell for takeout consumption. And, Hill Cafe is largely not a problem [with alcohol]in the neighborhood. I want to be careful not to speak for all neighbors because I know some have other issues with the Hill such as noise, etc. The Market at Tobacco Row has an ABC wine and beer off but is located in a business commercial corridor where residential zoning is the exception…not the majority. None of the examples mentioned are comparable to 29th and Broad. The zoning immediately around Buffington’s is almost 100% residential. I see that you seem to avoid including some great examples of ABC wine and beer off right here in our neighborhood namely, Clay Street Market, the market at 24th and Jefferson, and the Blue Wheeler. Why would Buffington’s be any different than these businesses? Can you be more specific about how the Market at Tobacco Row at 24th and Main affects your quality of life at 26th and Grace?
@173 James, I believe you are misinterpreting what you’re reading on the ABC website. Buffington’s owners registered the entity as “Buffs Pies, Fries and Franks”. If it were sold as “Buff’s, Pies, Fries and Franks”, the license would be sold with the entity [provided the new owners of the entity pass a background check]. You seem to be adamantly refuting a fact. You should call and speak with the Virginia ABC for clarification. Their phone number is 804-213-4400. Here’s what the website verbiage means: An indivual, “John Smith” cannot transfer an ABC license to another individual, “Emily Small”. And a business “The Corner Store” cannot transfer an ABC license to another business “Bill’s Lunch Shack”. I’m not sure where you’re coming up with the “corporation” stuff but it’s not found in the Code of Virginia. I’m not writing here to provide a legal education; I’ll leave that to those who are in the business. However, I wanted to jump in and clarify some erroneous information.
174- correction: “Buff’s Pies, Fries, and Franks, Ltd.”
@168 – Not denying that roasted beef would be tasty. And the Roast Beef and Cheddar at Aziza’s is made with white cheddar. Try it. Millie’s can be overpriced, especially when it comes to brunch (I believe everyone should learn how to cook an egg). But them with Aziza’s, put out the best food in the area hands down. It is humorous that anyone would think otherwise.
#173 brings up a GREAT issue about zoning. If you look throughout Church Hill, there is MIXED zoning, meaning that multifamily dwellings, businesses, and single family houses are all intermixed with each other. It has always been this way up here (that’s why corner lots like Buffington’s are set up to be storefronts).
If you don’t like the fact that you could wind up living next door to a business, you need to find a new place to live. This section of the city always has and probably always will have mixed use. In fact, mixed use development is not only a trend, it might well help revamp the 9 Mile corridor.
So, PLEASE stop bitching about a new business that is 1) trying really hard to set up shop, 2) improving the look of the community since it restored an old boarded up eyesore into something nice to look at, and 3) hasn’t caused a SINGLE DAMN ISSUE yet (except for maybe serving some food that some people don’t like).
Geez, save your energy and pent up rage for when the place becomes a problem. Then you, everyone else, and even I will re-visit the issue and put our energies towards fixing it.
I don’t need to comment about Blue Wheeler or any other ghetto market. They are trashy because of the people they attract. They sell cheap beer and junk food. Buffingtons will be selling good wine and beer. As stated before, the thugs who create the trash and other issues will not be buying a $9 six pack of Stone beer or other craft ales. Residential zoning doesn’t matter for ABC-off licenses in Carytown/Fan areas, so why is it such a hot topic here. Besides, Broad is mixed residential and commercial use, just like you would find in a city (we do still live in a city).
The Market has many less than desirable customers that sometimes wander through the 25th and 26th street blocks on the way back to N. Church Hill. There have been many times when I have found empty soda cans or food containers around this block. I am not complaining, but from some of the comments on here, I am surprised people haven’t looked to shut that place down. Oh wait, the only ones that deal with it are close to 25th, and most of us look for a more positive approach. I really just wish people would stop comparing a location wanting to sell upper end wine and beer with places like the Blue Wheeler. It is a poor argument and has nothing to do with this new business.
The Blue Wheeler is not only a place selling cheap malt liquor and 40’s, it is also not in the best area. That part of CH is still not the safest at night and the problems around there go beyond the simple fact that you can buy beer at the corner store.
@178- You stated: “They sell cheap beer and junk food. Buffingtons will be selling good wine and beer.”
Do you have some sort of a written guarantee from Buffington’s that would indicate they will only sell “good wine and beer” now and into the future? If so, please share it.
djr, I do agree that Aziza’s is the best for food in the area. Millies was not ver impressive.
@178 You stated: “The Market has many less than desirable customers that sometimes wander through the 25th and 26th street blocks on the way back to N. Church Hill.
If the “undesirables” living in North Church Hill are traveling all the way down to the Market at Tobacco Row, why wouldn’t they save a few steps and stop off at 29th & Broad? It is, in fact, closer to North Church Hill. Well, even closer would be Clay Street Market, the Blue Wheeler and the market at 24th and Jefferson. Isn’t 29th and Broad located between the Market at Tobacco Row and the above-mentioned markets when traveling into North Church Hill?
You also stated: “The Blue Wheeler is not only a place selling cheap malt liquor and 40?s, it is also not in the best area. That part of CH is still not the safest at night and the problems around there go beyond the simple fact that you can buy beer at the corner store.”
Interesting. Would you mind providing a few examples of the problems you describe? Just curious.
It seems a lot of people on here have forgotten that drinking in public is illegal.
And about these so called “undesirables”, if black people scare you, you shouldn’t be living in a city.
What is it you suggest we do with these “less than desirable” people. Surely theres something the all mighty Church Hill Association could do.
@ You said:”(we do still live in a city).”
I’m not certain here but, is Windsor Farms in the City of Richmond? I wonder if they would allow off premises wine and beer sales if a SUP were granted?
@elena, my examples are all on this site. Read around a bit. There is still a fair amount of crime in the area around the blue wheeler, and many people post on here that they had to call the police on random suspicious people in the area. I also run through there at night. While I am not afraid of the riffraff I have seen in that area, I can see why some neighbors complain. Windsor Farms is a bad comparison. Church hill is a mixed use urban neighborhood with businesses and residential properties. Windsor farms is a purely residential (non-urban) neighborhood with no restaurants or bars. Just because a place is within the city limits does not make it an urban neighborhood.
@unConcernedHillian
Undesirable people are both black and white. I would consider them the random people that walk around tossing their trash in our neighborhood. Why is it always a black vs white thing with some people? How do you know what color I am? And I don’t know exactly where these people are walking to. I just know I caught one guy tossing his coke can in the bushes next to my house.
Hope Buffington’s is geared up for the Super Bowl. We plan to order our first pizzas from them tomorrow afternoon. Hoping this is the first visit of many in the future. Good luck to you! I am glad to see a new business in the neighborhood!!
Interesting. I know many of the neighbors who live around the Blue Wheeler and I assure you, they’re not “riffraff”. So I wonder why the random suspicious people seem to be in a neighborhood where they don’t live. Hmmmm. Perplexing. So all of Church Hill is a mixed use urban neighborhood? Again, interesting. I don’t recall seeing any mixed use activity south of Broad St on the Hill. Also, I don’t see any from 29th and Broad all they way until it dead ends. I have seen a very concentrated sampling of a half dozen low impact businesses near 25th and Broad. There’s an occasional example among the hundreds of residential structures. I guess that’s what makes it mixed use and not residential? So you’ve implied that the Fan is a good example of a mixed use neighborhood. Both West and Monument Aves are in the Fan, would these be mixed use too? Is there a term such as “drizzled use” to describe the concentration of businesses along Broad?
I had the pleasure of patronizing Buffington and Wines this afternoon for a beef frank with fresh jalapenos and kraut and a side of waffle fries smothered in chunky guacamole. I was pleasantly surprised by the efficiency of the staff, the diversity of toppings, and the effort put into renovating the previously dilapidated property. I look forward to sampling the pies and fresh squeezed lemonade on future visits.
james – how is the life of an unemployed blog nut case? i used to think Laura was the biggest roid on the hill but dude give it a break.
jeezzzz W G’vs A F
Seer, I am just coversing with elena. There is no hostility, so I am not sure how you can compare me to laura. This is a forum, so why are you are shocked that I reply frequently. If you are going to waste time on the internet (it is the weekend), might as well do it on the neighborhood site.
Why do you choose to insult me and call me an unemployed nut case? I work my ass off. The only reason why I am not living a mile from the beach right now is because of my career. I wonder what you do for a living that makes you feel like you can judge others in this way.
Why not call this place “Buffington and Wine’s, Pies, Franks, and Fries” ?
It would slightly improve a cheesy name by at least making it rhyme. Not that the name really matters much….
First off, I had my first pizza from this place today. Called up just before the game and it was ready in 15 minutes. The staff was super friendly and the White Rabbit was delicious, a perfect accompaniment to the big game.
I have to agree that I wish there was a more civil discussion here, as these are complex issues that really do affect our neighborhood as a whole.
I don’t pretend to know anything about ABC law. However, I have to agree that a place selling $15 pizzas and looking to sell higher end craft beer/decent wine would have a limited impact on surrounding neighbors.
So the main argument seems to be over what happens if the business fails, is sold, and a new owner with the acquired ABC license begins to sell cheap malt liquor. Can the ABC permit be issued in a form that would limit the possibility of that happening? Perhaps simply non-transferable? It would seem like that would set the neighbors at ease.
That sad, I can see on a daily basis the impact of corner stores selling cheap booze. 26th and Grace is not exactly in the main retail zone of the Blue Wheeler (even if you run through at night). It does have a very significant impact on the neighborhood, as do the other corner stores. I see kids on their walk to school have to pass right by guys already drinking at 9am. Not exactly the kind of role model behavior they need. And I often wonder why those stores are allowed in close proximity to the school.
It’s kind of a chicken or the egg argument in terms of the “undesirables”. Would they still be there if the corner stores were offices, salons, spas, yoga studios, art galleries, bookstores, dry cleaners, restaurants?
In my neck of the woods, I would absolutely love to see a restaurant open in a formerly vacant space, keeping the lights on and bringing foot traffic until 10pm.
Perhaps we need a neighborhood meeting with the ABC folks in regards to new permit processes in mixed use zones?
Meanwhile, it seems like Buffington and Wine have great intentions, and I genuinely hope they are successful in this venture. It could benefit the neighborhood a great deal.
@192- Well stated Boz. I, for one, really appreciate the thoughtful and intelligent dialog you’ve brought to the discussion about this issue.
Ordered my first pizza on Sunday. The White Rabbit, which was pretty good. Good sauce, good crust. The cheese was a bit thick, but other than that, no complaints… except for the fact that when I got home I noticed that someone (a hungry employee?) had already cut a small slice out of the pizza, then loosely arranged the surrounding slices to cover it up. There definitely weren’t 360 degrees represented in that pie. When I pay $17 for a bunch of toppings dumped on dough, I expect I’m paying for the cost of production in many ways, but do I have to surrender a slice to feed the employees now, too?
#194 – What did the manager say when you called in to complain?
No wonder so few restaurants open in Church Hill.
I have tried every pizza place in Richmond, practically, and the pizza here is the best, seriously. I LOVE pizza, and I can’t say enough about their crust, toppings, sauces, etc. I tried the White Rabbit (unbelievably good) and a cheese and pepperoni. The pizzas are huge (16 inches) and they load a ton of cheese on it. I’m so happy they are here, and I hope they do well b/c I want to be able to order their pizzas a lot!
The only down size is that it will be hard to lose weight with this place in the neighborhood.
Had the Paul Bunyan pizza yesterday for lunch. Stupendous! I could throw back shots just of the sauce.
I was in Church Hill a couple of weeks ago, looking at homes for sale. Stumbled upon Buffington’s and was thrilled with it! I thought if I buy a place near there I’d have this great place to walk to and have a desert or grab a bottle of wine. If felt like Utopia to me!
All of you, whether renters, owners, and lifelong residents have something to be so proud of a neighborhood that has diversity, color, and a damn good pizza place!
You all rock, I can’t wait to get there!
Does a Victor Wine have anything to do with this establishment? Whom is also a Massage Therapist?