Benny’s Moving to Stony Point Shopping Center
Richmond Magazine.com has the details on local BBQ favorite Benny’s move to a new location. The former Belle & Kitchen Kuisine location in Stony Point Shopping Center (3044 Stony Point Road) at Huguenot Road and Forest Hill Avenue will be the new spot. The new spot which is scheduled to open in the spring will include a bakery and deli section.
“We needed a bigger space,” Cacciotti says. But he promises, “We’re going to maintain the smell and the hometown feel of Benny’s.” That includes pork chopped to order as customers watch. “I’ve been extremely careful in making sure with the décor that you know you’re in Benny’s,” he adds.
Initially, Benny’s will add a sixth day of operation, closing only on Sunday, and Cacciotti says he’ll consider Sunday hours in the fall. Staffing will increase from 10 employees to 20 or more, and he says he is looking into partnerships with special needs groups to provide work opportunities for their clients.
I have to say I am little (selfishly) bummed. I can walk to the existing location not the new one. I also rarely go in that direction.
Disappointed that they are moving further away but now we can start the fun game of what should or will move into the soon to be empty Benny’s space.
I’ll go first. A soccer pub that specializes in German sausage and good beer called: Brews, Brats and Bollocks.
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Richmond Family Mag. Richmond Family Mag said: RT @HillsHeights: -: Benny's Moving to Stony Point Shopping Center http://hillsandheights.org/2010/12/29/bennys-moving-to-stony-point-s … [...]
I’m afraid to say it, but I don’t think Benny’s will last at Stony Point. There’s too many reasons why Stony Point is not a good fit.
Richard….a soccer pub sounds like a dream come true!!!!!
I heard a CVS was moving into that location (because Richmond needs another pharmacy). Any truth to Benny’s and Flowerama being bought out?
John, I think that rumor is false. I’ll do some research through the archives tomorrow to see if I can find why I think that is the case.
I’d much rather a pub as well, unless I need a snuggie or Shake Weight at 3am….then I need a CVS
Richard,
I love the pub name suggestion. Do you think they’d put “bollocks” on the menu? Maybe it could be like Buffalo Bad Balls, bollocks 30 ways, broiled, fried or steamed in your choice of beer.
Sorry to see them move farther away. I hope they can cover the expenses of a new (probably more expensive lease) and doubling their staff; I would hate to see them fail because they grew their expenses faster than their revenue.
I really wanted them to move closer to us. not further away. Still closer than Q and better than over priced and slow buzz and neds.
I’d also like to know what will go into the soon to be vacant McDonalds. I REALLY want a drive thru (locally owned?!?!) espresso shack. PLEASE??!?!?!
In the former Benny’s, I wish we could get a chili parlor like Hard Times up in the DC area. man. That would be awesome!! The “decor” is pretty much the same! Any restauranteurs looking for some ideas?
@PageH, The FH Newsletter reported the possibility of a Dunkin Donuts. Would make sense as it is the perfect size.
Also not sure of the validity.
On a slightly different note, does anyone know when Parkside Cafe or the Pizza/Ice Cream place (near O’Tooles) are going to open? .
@John, there is absolutely no word on opening date for those two places. I’ve been constantly checking with local sources and no details at all.
Thanks Richard….I figured you were. In the meantime, McDonalds tore down a Hardees and built a new McDonalds…chalk one up for big business!
I have heared that Baskin Robins will move into the old McDonald’s.
If B-R moves into the space, I hope they prominently post copies of the articles about the last time someone robbed them
bummed about Bennys moving it was the perfect stop when going down to the river.
Selfishly I am unhappy.
Apparently eveyone here thinks they know how to operate a bbq joint better than the guy who’s been doing it for 20+ years.
With retail space as cheap as it is, and considering the pickup in lunch traffic he’d probably get on Hugenot, it seems like a pretty calculated move.
Danny – what fun is the internet without some amateur speculation?
That being said, I don’t agree with the move since they’re getting closer to Q’s turf. I know that if I am going to journey to the county for BBQ, I am most likely going to drive the extra few minutes to go to Q.
@ Mark- Stony Point Shopping Center is in the City, not county. fyi..
@David – To get to Stony Point Shopping Center via Forest Hill Ave, you have to go through the county, fyi…
Come on now, we need to be supportive of local businesses! 2 miles west on the same road is not exactly a hike! Besides, we recently discovered Frank”s pizza (Which Rocks) and now Benny’s will be basically next door. This won’t be a great liocation for road signage so let’s all make sure we support them and don’t lose another great local business! Also, I believe it was reported right here that the former (current)site is being developed for a CVS.
[...] Benny’s BBQ: This Stratford Hills success story with a loyal following is about to move to larger quarters farther west. Benny’s BBQ has a new home in Bon Air at the Stony Point Shopping Center in the former Belle Kuisine space. (RH - Already covered this one.) [...]
My husband Buddy & I have always loved your restaurant, we started going there when you all were in Stratford Hills Shopping Center!!! Like the move a lot – more convient since we live in Powhatan,VA. Wish we could have receipe, or close to it for your wonderful Tuesday special of Sweet Potato Casserole.