Because Norfolk is always evolving and changing, we want to make sure you don’t miss out on all the new talented chefs, baristas, boutique owners or pitmasters opening up businesses. Whether it’s trying an innovative dish or buying a new outfit, we’re always excited to try out the new locally-owned shops and restaurants. Although we cannot list every new entity that joins Norfolk’s culture, we encourage you to follow along with us on social media for more openings and happenings within the city!
Would you like your new business featured here? Email us with details.
January 2025
Gingham Bakehouse
Owner Czaja Silvasi started out making dinner rolls for family members, but quickly expanded her offerings to local farmers’ markets. Now, she’s opened a brick and mortar location in ICC Building 18 off North Center Drive near Sentara Leigh, selling quiche, pastries, bundt cakes, chicken salad, pimento cheese and other baked goodies. Her store is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
FR8House Coffee
The offerings at Norfolk’s Railyard District continue apace with this cafe offering “extraordinarily curated” coffees, teas, cocktails, breakfast dishes and pastries. Tuck into avocado toast, breakfast burritos and sandwiches from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily at 2330 Bowdens Ferry Rd.
Avenue Kitchen and Cocktails
With Chef Ford in the kitchen, every dish comes out a work of art at this new spot on Monticello Ave. near the Scope. Serving breakfast, lunch, dinner, brunch and cocktails, the atmosphere in Avenue is relaxed, with music playing for diners. Try wings, caesar salads, pizzas, stuffed chicken, Korean short ribs and a full bar serving hand-crafted cocktails.
Just Birdies
Another addition to the Railyard District is Just Birdies, a multi-sport simulator venue offering a variety of sports experiences, tasty food and great music. Just Birdies features simulators for golf, soccer, basketball, baseball and even Zombie Dodgeball, among others. Just Birdies also has a full kitchen with burgers, dogs, shareables as well as a bar.
NY Bagel Cafe
With one location already in Virginia Beach, this eatery recently expanded to Norfolk. The New York-style bagel cafe sits on the East end of Main St. near the courthouse and City Hall, serving breakfast and lunch. Bagels are the star here, but there’s plenty else to choose from, including a whole host of sandwiches (Philly Cheesesteak, pastrami, tuna, burgers, etc.) and full breakfast platters in a bright, spacious downtown setting.
November 2024
ILO Bistro
Situated in Freemason at 509 Botetourt St. and facing Brambleton, ILO Bistro is in the former Voila! Space. Serving seasonal favorites, local seafood, steaks, pasta, oysters and small plates, ILO is the brainchild of Chef Zack Close, formerly of Glass Light Hotel and a student of famed New York Chef Daniel Boulud. The restaurant is already packed nightly, with space at its bar a particular premium. Learn more at https://ilobistro.com/.
Donut Dugout
After a protracted effort to open in the former Naci’s Corner Cafe location in Ghent, Donut Dugout is finally selling (and selling out daily!) donuts at 1900 Granby St. near Doumar’s. According to its website, the Donut Dugout “makes our donuts fresh every day. From cake style to light n’ fluffy yeast.” The baseball-themed donut shop is open seven days a week from 6 a.m. until sellout. Learn more on the shop’s Facebook page.
MacArthur General Store
Formerly a longtime downtown pharmacy, MacArthur General Store generally retains the same setup it previously had in is 261 Granby St. spot, with a renewed focus on general household commodities from vitamins to toothpaste and chips and sodas. There is also a section devoted to organically-grown produce. Learn more at https://www.macarthurgeneralstore.com/.
Wands Books
When owner Morgan Wood meets a fellow book lover, he often quips that “we’re cut from the same cloth: buckram.” Indeed, you’ll find many volumes bound in the soft fabric along with paperbacks, hardbacks, manga and more in this new artist loft space at 2501 Fawn St. Flanked by The Annex performing hall and set squarely at the intersections of Lindenwood, Old Hunterville and the Railroad District, the area is home to photography and recording studios, makeup artists and a glass blower. Read our profile of Wands Books.
King’s Philly
If there’s one thing a town can’t have enough of, it’s shops serving up genuine Philly cheesesteaks. Which makes King’s Philly warmly welcomed on the Norfolk dining scene. Serving up classic Philly beef sandwiches, loaded mac and cheese, Korean fried chicken, fried okra and other surprises, King’s is located at 4295 E. Little Creek Rd. Learn more at https://kingsphilly.com/menu-restaurant/.
Honeysuckle Cafe
Good things are sometimes found off the beaten path. That’s exactly the case with Honeysuckle Cafe, tucked away at 813 W. 39th St. behind a 7-Eleven near the ODU portion of Colley Ave. The restaurant places a huge emphasis on community engagement and collaboration, partnering with chefs, artists and artisans to showcase some of the best food Norfolk has to offer. Honeysuckle’s lunch offerings were recently the subject of a very favorable review in the Virginian-Pilot, and its salads, sandwiches wraps and brunch are not to be missed. Learn more at https://honeysucklenfk.com/.
September 2024
Smashers
Young entrepreneur Henry Smith started Smashers as a food truck when he was only 17. Now at 20, he’s opened his first brick and mortar location at 1551 Premium Outlets Blvd. in Norfolk. Serving up smashburgers, fries, hot dogs, grilled cheese, milkshakes and chopped cheese sandwiches, Smashers invites burger lovers to “Come Get Smashed” seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Sakura
Teriyaki and sushi restaurant in Ghent, offering rolls, bento boxes, teriyaki meals, soups, salads and Asian appetizers. Located directly next door to the Naro Expanded Cinema at 1501 Colley Ave. Hours: Monday Closed, Tues.-Thur. 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Fri. & Sat. 11 a.m. – 9:30 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
The Annex
This 460-seat music venue at 2500 Church Street will host live music and community events. A joint venture between LAVA presents and Young Veterans Brewing Company, the Annex also features a kitchen and bar. Musicians set to perform in fall 2024 include Matthew Logan Vasquez, Kishi Bashi, Red Weather, Frankie Cosmos, Slater and more. See the full lineup.
Redefinery 216
Owner Danielle Dawley recently opened this 500-square foot showroom of “on trend, high-end consignment furniture and home decor.” Redefinery bills itself as environmentally focused and economically sound. Located at 216 W. 25th Street in a former gym.
Luna Azteca
The 757’s newest food truck is open every day from 11 a.m. at 3039 E. Ocean View Ave., and stays open until 2 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays for late-night cravings. Menu items include street tacos (try the al pastor!), burritos and quesadilla.
757 Creative ReUse Center
Located in MacArthur Mall, 757 Creative ReUse Center is a nonprofit dedicated to “providing accessible and affordable second-hand arts and crafts supplies, while reducing waste and promoting reuse. It also offers several upcoming classes including crocheting, tote bag creation, sewing, quilting and more. See the full schedule.
Norfolk Smokehouse and Seafood Company
Located at 1903 Shoop Ave. off Tidewater in the Lafayette-Winona neighborhood, Norfolk Smokehouse and Seafood Company offers homestyle meals with mac and cheese, collards, smoked brisket, meats and seafood. The restaurant is open Wednesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m.
July 2024
Norfolk Candle
Brandon Brinkley brings local’s favorite Norfolk Candle to Selden Market (208 E. Main St.) after operating previously on Granby Street and in pop-up markets. Norfolk Candle is housed in the former location of CLTRE. | Vegan Joint, which will focus on its Virginia Beach location going forward. Brinkley’s shop features sells candles, flags, greeting cards, sweaters, scarves, beanies and a full range of PRIDE collection items.
La Brioche
Pastry lovers breathed a collective sigh of relief when La Brioche finally reopened in its new Colley Ave. digs in late June. The Parisian cafe is known for its hand-made baguettes, croissants, pies and sandwiches, a tradition that will carry on in Ghent after a move from the NEON District this spring.
BLYSS ICE CREAM AND DESERTS
Right in time for the dog days of summer, Blyss Ice Cream and Deserts opened at 112 Granby St. in early June, serving ice cream cones, cups, sundaes and milkshakes in a variety of flavors. Vegan options available.
ROLLED UP
Directly next door to Blyss at 116 Granby St. you’ll find Rolled Up, a new eggroll joint serving some seriously unique flavors. At its June opening, the Asian-inspired eatery was crafting the following eggroll flavors:
- Steak cheesesteak
- Chicken cheesesteak
- Veggie
- Apple pie
- Chicken parmesan
- Chorizo queso
- Snickers
- Butterfingers
GRAN MAYA
Plaza del Sol may be gone, but Gran Maya is here to cheer us all up. With a successful restaurant in Virginia Beach, the Mexican eatery is expanding into the Ghent Market Shops at 2200 Colonial Ave. in Ghent (with a tease on its website that it will soon open a location on Big Bethel Road in Hampton). The menu includes traditional favorites such as fajitas, quesadillas, burritos and a visually stunning Pina Rellena made with a half of a pineapple.
SLOPPY SAILORS
Found at 4214 E. Little Creek Rd. near the East Ocean View Dirty Buffalo, Sloppy Sailors serves cheesesteaks, sandwiches, burgers, dogs, sloppy fries, salads, shakes and desert. Learn more here.
May 2024
Potted: Houseplant Cafe
Part cafe, part plant shop, Potted combines two great things under one roof: brewed tea and houseplants. Situated inside Selden Market at 208 E. Main St., Potted is open daily from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. except on Tuesdays, when it’s closed. The staff crafts milk, boba and more traditional teas, and also sells loose leaf tea for home brewing. The opposite wall features a small, but carefully curated selection of houseplants. Follow them on Instagram.
508 CraftHouse
Visitors to the Chelsea District have been eagerly awaiting the grand opening of 508 Crafthouse, which happened in late April. With dishes ranging from Oysters Rockefeller and jerked quail to bourbon lamb chops and scallop gnochi, the menu looks extremely promising, as does the weekly Sunday brunch. Located at 508 Orapax St., 508 Crafthouse is open Tuesday through Saturday 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Follow them on Instagram.
District Taco
Fans of this D.C.-based regional taco chain, rejoice! Found at 2700 Hampton Blvd. across from the up-and-coming Railyard project, this taco joint features the familiar setup found at places like Chipotle, Qdoba and Moe’s, but boasts that its dishes are made fresh from scratch daily. See the menu here.
Slow and Steady Bike Goods
Slow and Steady Bike Goods, located at 2406 Colley Ave. in a former bike shop space, is the newcomer to the city’s burgeoning cycling scene. Owners Joey and Fred have set out to create a “unique and inclusive space that serves as a hub for bike enthusiasts and the community. The shop offers everything from basic flat repairs to premium tune-ups with a quick turnaround. They also host several monthly rides, the details of which are posted at their shop and on social media. Follow them on Instagram.
Virginia ABC (RailYard Branch)
One final Railyard update to add this month: Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control has added a new, clean-as-a-whistle location to load up on libations at 1225 W. 25th St. The new Store expands the choices for those living in Ghent, West Ghent, Chelsea and the ODU neighborhoods. It celebrated its grand opening April 15.
April 2024
Amale Tre Focacceria
Operated by husband and wife partner Gabriele and Nicole Pianezze, Amale Tre Focacceria crafts mouthwatering foccacias, imported meats and cheeses and other Italian delights in Selden Market. Also serving homemade breads, pasts, sauces, deserts and more. You may know the pair from their popular La Cucina di Sophia food truck. A steady stream of customers at their kiosk tells you everything you need to know about the quality of their offerings.
Norfolk Naval Station Bus Tour
From $20. Get on board for an approximately 50 minute to one hour guided bus tour of Naval Station Norfolk – the world’s largest Naval installation. Our tour guide will provide a “Navy-approved” tour that includes the homes of the 1907 Jamestown Exposition, Chambers Field Air Station, the ships of the fleet and much more.
Crave Bakery & Coffee Bar
Camille Sheppard-Parrish has recently moved Crave Bakery from its Edinburgh location to the former Chocollage space at Boush and College in the Historic Freemason District. The bakery serves up coffee, pastries, ice cream and a full breakfast and lunch menu including croissants, toasts, waffles and more. 200 College Place.
Ordinaire
Located in the original Brothers restaurant space at 200 E. Plume St. in Downtown Norfolk, Ordinaire serves up a coastal Gullah-inspired menu. Appetizers include fried pickled okra, fried deviled eggs, boiled peanuts and entrees such as shrimp and grits, lamb chops, chicken and collar alfredo and more.
Studio Kuumba
This pop-up art studio and workspace began as a pop-up in Selden Market at 208 E. Main St. The concept is simple: pop in any time for simple free flow crafting like creating bookmarks, bracelets, paintings and more. Sign up for guided workshops by yourself or with a group. Also carries local art, jewelry and more, created by the owner and other talented artists. Now, the store is expanding to a full-fledged storefront.
Biscuit Belly
Slated to open mid-March in the ambitious Railyard at Lambert’s Point project is regional chain Biscuit Belly at 2401 Hampton Blvd. The eatery promises a “brunch menu filled with bold new twists on Southern favorites.”
StretchLab
Also found in the Railyard at Lambert’s Point, StretchLab offers “one-on-one, customized assisted stretching sessions. The stretches are given on our custom designed benches by Flexologists who will customize your stretch to your needs and talk you through your stretches.” Find it at 1225 W. 25th St.
Chicken Salad Chick
Load up on a dozen different types of chicken salad, served on bread, croissants or lettuce at this new Railyard entry. Find it at 1200 W. 26th St.
Cooking with Greens
Slated to open in early April 2024, Cooking with Greens is operated by Derak and Anita Green (get it?). What began as a Facebook page has transformed into a storefront in Selden Market where the Greens will sell seasonings, cookbooks, kitchenware and more. 208 E. Main St.
PJay’s Kitchen
Veteran-owned Granby Street spot for shrimp po’boys, slow-braised oxtail sandwiches, tacos and more. 323 Granby St.
The New F.R.E.D.
If you’ve spent any time downtown, you’ve likely seen F.R.E.D. roaming the streets, offering Free Rides Every Day to visitors. Downtown Norfolk recently unveiled a new, fancified battery-operated F.R.E.D. unit that transports up to 8 passengers with confort. Call 757-478-7233 to hitch a ride.
Victory Rover
Like F.R.E.D., Victory Rover has been a downtown staple for many years, but it’s worth noting that March 2024 marked the return of these ever-popular naval base harbor cruises at the Waterside. As things heat up, don’t miss the chance to see Mermaid City from a different vantage point – aboard a 149-passenger ship.
LoveWork AR Installation
As part of its “Love is in the Air” campaign, Norfolk International Airport recently unveiled its newest LOVEwork sign that features an Augmented Reality (AR) experience for those who scan the QR code. Check it out; it’s pretty neat!
Want to tell us about new business openings? Email us your tips.
