02.05.2024

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53º | Sunny | 6% chance of rain
Sunrise 7:10 a.m. | Sunset 5:37 p.m.

A tale of two roasters

Rostov’s and Reviresco: A tale of two Richmond roasters

A bag of coffee sits on a porch railing on a sunny day

Rostov’s sells coffee beans wholesale and by the half-pound. They’ll even grind it for you right in the store. | Photo by RICtoday

Richmond is for coffee lovers. Besides its myriad great local shops, River City beans are some of the best around.

When we asked our readers for their favorite local coffee roasters, we received a wide array of answers, including Afterglow, Lamplighter, Blanchard’s, and Roastology. The vast majority of the responses we received, however, were for two roasters — Rostov’s and Reviresco.

Rostov’s has been a Richmond roasting staple for 45 years, and Reviresco is a relatively new arrival, but both have found their home in Richmond’s thriving coffee ecosystem.

Rostov’s

Rostov’s was founded in Richmond in 1979 when Jay Rostov opened the store as Carytown Coffee & Teas. At the time, according to Rostov’s daughter Tammy, there were no coffee shops in Richmond. Plenty of restaurants and diners sold coffee, she said, but nobody really focused on it.

Tammy Rostov set up an iced tea stand in front of the shop when she was a kid. In 1999, she took over, and renamed the store in honor of her late father.

Rostov’s still roasts its coffee right in the middle of the store, using a 1930s Jabez Burns roaster. You can pick up beans, teas, and brewing equipment — or order a drink from the coffee bar in the back of the shop.

Reviresco

A yellow and blue coffee shop — Reviresco has been open on Lafayette Street since summer 2023.
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Photo by RICtoday

One of Richmond’s newest roasters, Reviresco is helmed by Steven and Melissa Dalton, two former teachers. The name comes from a Latin word meaning “to flourish again.”

The Daltons started roasting coffee in 2021 in a shared space in Lakeside, selling their beans online. Demand grew quickly, and soon Reviresco was looking for a space of its own. It found that space at 710 Lafayette St. near Malvern Gardens.

Since opening in July, the coffee shop has become a neighborhood favorite, and — as our inbox proved — its beans have become a Richmond staple.

Events

Monday, Feb. 5

The Talking Gourd | Monday, Feb. 5 | 6-8 p.m. | Fairfield Library, 1401 N. Laburnum Ave., Richmond | Free | Bring the kids to learn about Mother Africa’s global contributions and influence with Elegba Folklore Society.

Tuesday, Feb. 6

That 1 Guy | Tuesday, Feb. 6 | 7 p.m. | Richmond Music Hall, 623 E. Main St., Richmond | $15 | The Las Vegan one-man band is on the Alchemical Gnarality tour.

Wednesday, Feb. 7

Valentine’s Day Card Making | Wednesday, Feb. 7 | 4-5 p.m. | RPL Ginter Park Branch, 1200 Westbrook Ave., Richmond | Free | Head to the library to make your own card with crafty materials.
New to Richmond Meet Up | Wednesday, Feb. 7 | 6 p.m. | Gold Lion Community Cafe, 1012 Hull St., Richmond | Free entry | Register to meet other Richmonders and learn what the River City has to offer.

Thursday, Feb. 8

Breathing Life into Black Wombs | Thursday, Feb. 8 | 4-6 p.m. | VCU STEM Building, Room 110, 817 W. Franklin St., Richmond | Free | Dr. Anna LaQawn Hinton will discuss how disability and ableism impact issues key to reproductive justice.
“I Am Not Your Negro” | Thursday, Feb. 8 | 7 p.m. | The Byrd Theatre, 2908 W. Cary St., Richmond | $9 | See the 2016 documentary based on the writings of James Baldwin as part of the Byrd’s Black History Month series.

Friday, Feb. 9

Kendall Street Is For Lovers | Friday, Feb. 9 | 7 p.m. | The Broadberry, 2729 W. Broad St., Richmond | $15 | Spread the love with the Virginia jam band and special guest Deau Eyes.
VCU Men’s Basketball vs. Dayton | Friday, Feb. 9 | 7 p.m. | Siegel Center, 1200 W. Broad St., Richmond | $35-$45 | Cheer on the Rams at home against Dayton or watch on ESPN2.

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

Travel

Here’s your invite to a slice of paradise

Two people kayaking on the water while vacationing in Mount Pleasant, SC.

Plan your next getaway and “Make The Most of the Coast” in Mount Pleasant, SC. | Photo provided by Town of Mount Pleasant

It’s time to start planning your next vacay. Escape to the warmth of Mount Pleasant, SC for fresh air, sunshine, coastal views, and delicious food.

Nestled on the Charleston Harbor, Mount Pleasant is the largest coastal town in SC and the perfect destination for:

Outdoor activities
Picnics under sunsets
Kayaking and paddle boarding
Trying delicious Southern cuisine
And more

Plus, you don’t have to leave your pup at home — it’s a pet-friendly destination and a certified “Better City for Pets.”

Start planning your coastal getaway

News Notes

Coming Soon

The empty Berkeley Hotel space in Shockoe Slip will soon be filled by Chef’s Kitchen, an Italian-Indian fusion restaurant. Local restauranteur Radha Kamarajugadda is opening the eatery following the success of her Desi Bites franchise in Innsbrook. (Richmond BizSense)

Development

VUU has partnered with a New York-based development firm to build hundreds of residences for the general public. The new buildings will go up on a two-acre parcel on the north side of campus. (Richmond Times-Dispatch)

Outdoors

Looking to take a scenic and educational journey? Virginia State Parks has shared the Virginia Black History Month road trip, a cross-state itinerary focused on African-American history.

Real Estate

The Southside Community Development and Housing Corporation, a local coalition of nonprofits and community groups, has launched a Black homeownership program. Black homeownership is 25% behind white counterparts in Richmond — SCDHC aims to narrow that gap. (VPM)

Weather

Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow on Friday, meaning — according to him — spring will come early this year. Whether he’s right or wrong, there’s plenty to do outside in the meantime.

Answered

🎱 4 more pool places

12 places to play pool in Richmond

The Triple sign now points to tacos as well as billiards. | Photo by RICtoday

After we shared our roundup of local pool halls, several readers took their cue and tipped us off to their favorite spots to play. Here’s four more places to rack ‘em up in Richmond.

Fuzzy Cactus
This Brookland Park rock ‘n’ roll bar has more than just food and live music. Reader Ashley M. says you can play pool for just $1.

Huddle Up Sports Bar
In addition to pool tables, this Ashland bar features live music several nights a week.

Wild Rose Cafe
Located in Chester, Wild Rose has four pool tables. It also features two full bars, darts, and arcade games.

The Lakeside Tavern
Grab a bite and shoot a few games at this Henrico bar. Pro tip: Keep an eye open for karaoke and live music on the weekends.

More pool, please

The Buy

The Buy 2.05.24 (Affiliate + Six & Main)

These cowgirl boot stir sticks from Coco Cadeaux’s collection. They’re festive, pink, and perfect for your Galentine’s Day celebration (bonus: they’re also BPA free).

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The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
David

From the editor

I had a great time cheering on Keira D’Amato at PR RVA’s Olympic Trials watch party on Saturday morning. I’m not running a marathon any time soon, but this weekend has me thrilled for the Monument Avenue 10K this April.

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