What's Happening?
Thompson Restaurants, a Reston-based company with over 30 years in the D.C. dining scene, is expanding its Makers Union Pub concept to Richmond, Virginia. This will be the sixth location for Makers Union and its first outside the D.C. area. The new pub
will occupy approximately 4,000 square feet in the Diamond District's Gateway Retail Building at 1781 Encore Ave., near CarMax Park. The deal was brokered by Connie Jordan Nielsen and Reilly Marchant of Thalhimer. Makers Union offers a diverse menu including salads, grain bowls, burgers, sandwiches, steaks, fish, and pasta, with lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch services, alongside a full bar. COO Alex Berentzen stated that the company has been looking to re-enter the Richmond market due to its strong population growth, employers, universities like VCU, and thriving food culture. Groundbreaking for the Gateway Retail Building is anticipated in the first quarter of 2027, with construction expected to take around 16 months.
Why It's Important?
The arrival of Makers Union Pub signifies continued economic development and investment in Richmond's Diamond District, a key area undergoing significant transformation with the new CarMax Park. This expansion by Thompson Restaurants, a prominent regional player, indicates confidence in Richmond's growing market and its potential for hospitality businesses. The creation of approximately 80 new jobs at the Makers Union location will contribute to local employment. Furthermore, the establishment of a new dining option enhances the appeal of the Diamond District as a destination for both residents and visitors, potentially drawing more foot traffic and supporting other local businesses. The move also highlights a broader trend of D.C.-area businesses seeking growth opportunities in other strong Mid-Atlantic markets, reflecting regional economic interconnectedness and competition for consumer spending.
What's Next?
Construction on the Gateway Retail Building, which will house Makers Union Pub, is slated to begin in the first quarter of 2027, with an estimated 16-month buildout period. This timeline suggests the pub could open its doors in late 2028 or early 2029. Thompson Restaurants is also actively pursuing further expansion in Richmond, with plans to finalize a lease for its Southern restaurant concept, Milk & Honey, in an undisclosed city location. Additionally, the company is interested in bringing a cafe concept to the city and is open to joint venture partnerships. These future plans indicate a significant and sustained investment by Thompson Restaurants in the Richmond market, potentially leading to more job creation and diverse dining options for the city's residents.
Beyond the Headlines
The development in the Diamond District, including the new Makers Union Pub, is occurring amidst ongoing legal disputes. The Richmond Flying Squirrels' ownership group has filed lawsuits against Diamond District Partners (DDP) and the city, seeking to purchase the parcel where the Gateway Retail Building is being constructed. The team's lead owner, Lou DiBella, has also argued that another planned sports bar in the Gateway building would compete with CarMax Park's concessions. While Thompson Restaurants' entry is a business decision, it inadvertently places them within a contested development landscape. This situation underscores the complex interplay between urban development, business expansion, and existing stakeholder interests, where new ventures can become part of larger, pre-existing conflicts over land use and market competition.
