Owned by Courtney Raihall, Solidago Studio helps make your memories long-lasting. | Photo provided by Solidago Studios
Meet a few local businesses shaping the scene here in the River City, and hear their recommendations for other small-biz brands you should check out.
Meet the makers
Bev’s Ice Cream, 2911 W. Cary St. | Opened 1998
“A colorful ice cream shop in Carytown dedicated to small-batch, homemade classic ice cream.”
The Lit Bae Bookshop, Locations vary | Opened 2024
“I run a pop-up bookshop and am able to share the joy of reading across the DMV. I also specialize in blind-date book offerings.”
Pass the mic. What other small businesses in RVA should everyone know about?
Bev’s Ice Cream: “One of my favorite date night spots is Level Sushi on Broad Street. The owner is so kind, and they have a great selection of food and drinks!”
The Lit Bae Bookshop: “Insomnia Book Company is another pop-up bookshop specializing in Black literature, both fiction and non-fiction.”
Mother’s Day Tea Experience | Tuesday, May 6-Saturday, May 17 | Times vary | The Queen’s Library Tea Room | $55+ | Sip on tea, delight in delectable treats, and adore the antiquated atmosphere at this library + tea room.
Thursday, May 8
Music at Main Street Station | 5:30-8 p.m. | Main Street Station | Free | Dance through the evening on an outdoor patio while trains come and go from above.
Haunted Capitol Hill Ghost Tour | Thursday, May 8-Friday, May 9 | 7:30 p.m. | Capitol Hill | $25 | Indulge in the eerie lore of Richmond’s Capitol Square with tales about the executive mansion, the 1811 theatre fire, and more.
Friday, May 9
20th Cap2Cap Bike Ride | Friday, May 9-Saturday, May 10 | 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. | Virginia Capital Trail | $50+ | Register for this bike ride fundraiser benefiting the Virginia Capital Trail Foundation.
Scott’s Shawarma, known for its Mediterranean falafel, kebabs, and burgers, is opening a second location in Jackson Ward. Get hungry for new menu items, including Charcoal Chicken, a brisket + lamb burger, and lentil soup. The grand opening will take place on Saturday, May 10 + feature 50% off all menu items. (Richmond Times-Dispatch)
Development
Urban Hope is creating space for long-term residents in East End’s rapidly developing neighborhoods. The team’s latest project? Converting a former church into an outlet for affordable housing units as well as an administrative hub + service location for the 25-year-old program. (The Richmonder)
Ranked
Richmond’s Star Hill Beer Hall & Rooftop won a Silver award for “Best Fruit Beer” in the 2025 World Beer Cup. The prize-worthy beer — Hey Girl, Hey — is a rosé + lager hybrid, and you can celebrate this local win by heading to Scott’s Addition and trying out the drink for yourself.
Richmonder
Brenda Johnson is one of the many local volunteers at Feed More’s Community Kitchen — a nonprofit producing up to 2,000 meals per day. Read more about how Johnson’s shift from retirement to an avid Feed More volunteer felt like a natural progression in her life. Feel inspired? See how you can get involved too. (CBS 6)
Sports
The Kickers hosted their celebratory Cinco de Mayo match last weekend, drawing out 5,000+ fans for a nail-biting tie against Greenville Triumph SC. Editor Elise: I was excitedly in the stands for this game — elote and a Richmond Lager in hand. Score tix for their next match on Saturday, May 31.
Travel
Manifest your best summer yet: Score this rare ~$1,000 travel card bonus and plan your dream beach vacation in a hydrangea-enveloped coastal mansion worthy of a cameo in “The Summer I Turned Pretty.” (Swoons.)*
Biz
Bad ads are a $1.3 trillion problem. And we all know bad ads: The creepy ones. The irrelevant offers. The cringe graphics. Enter RAD Intel. Their AI is boosting marketing results by 3.5x for Fortune 1000 companies. And you can invest at their current share price... only until May 8.†‡*
To celebrate Small Business Week, we’re offering small business owners 20% off purchases in our Self-Service Ad Portal. Use the discount code SMALLBIZ at checkout through Sunday, May 11.
The Buy
Support small businesses from across the globe with one-of-a-kind products from Etsy. We love this customizable burger stamp for leveling up summer grill outs. Bonus: The artisan seller also offers a custom ice stamp so you can elevate upcoming cocktail nights.
It’s been so special reading through our submissions for Small Biz Week. There are so many incredible minds + talented folks shaping our community — and their eagerness to support each other is tangible. Don’t forget to share your love for a local biz, and it might show up in a spotlight later this week.
‡This offering is made pursuant to Regulation A Round and involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. The Company valuation is set by RAD Intel. Please review all offering materials before making an investment decision.
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