It's been six months since we published the first "Why Richmond, Why?!?". Over the past few months, we've answered dozens of questions, from traffic issues and the arrival of new stores, to my personal favorite, where an Asian-American in Richmond can go to find love.
And the tradition continues this week with our answers to a whole new crop of "Why Richmond, Why?!?" questions.
I have heard a rumor that Bonefish Grill is opening in the West End. Is this true? If so where will it be and when is it slated to open.
-- Sean
It's sort of true. According to Bill Sperry, managing partner of the Southside (and only) Bonefish Grill location, a West End Bonefish Grill has always been in the works.
In fact, a West End Bonefish Grill was supposed to open before the one in western Chesterfield, near Brandermill, opened. The plans just keep falling through. The first location was supposed to be in the shopping center formerly occupied by Bloom Brothers furniture, but its bankruptcy put a kink in the plans.
Right now, corporate Bonefish has three letters of intent out on three different locations, meaning that negotiations are in the works. Sperry hopes that plans will be finalized (or a second location open) by April 2009, but it's a little early to tell.
When do the new RMA / Powhite Parkway toll hikes go into effect?
-- Chris
The toll increases will take effect on Monday, Sept. 8. Just a reminder, they include: Forest Hill Avenue to 70 cents; Douglasdale Road to 20 cents; 2nd Street to 35 cents;
11th Street to 30 cents; Downtown Expressway to 70 cents; and Boulevard Bridge to 35 cents.
Any update on the GO of Dave & Buster's?
-- Sean
As reported in a previous "Why Richmond, Why?!?", the adults-only, arcade / restaurant / playground has its eye on the Short Pump area. The corporate bigwigs won't confirm a location, but they are saying that a Richmond Dave & Buster's should be open by the end of March 2009.
So what do you want to know, Richmond? Send questions to: karri.peifer@corp.richmond.com with "Why Richmond, Why?!?" in the subject line or leave your question in the comments sections below. And if you want to read all the old "Why Richmond, Why?!?" columns, just click this link to read the "Why Richmond, Why?!?" archives.