The interior of the future L’Opossum at 626 China St. in Oregon Hill. (photo by Michael Thompson)
A Richmond native wants to give Oregon Hill another dining option.
Restaurateur and chef David Shannon bought the former EAT by Pescados property where he plans to open with his own restaurant concept, L’Opossum.
Shannon, who previously owned Dogwood Grille & Spirits in the Fan, is shooting for a May opening of the 2,000-square-foot space at 626 China St.
The Oregon Hill property has sat dormant since EAT by Pescados owner Bob Windsor closed the restaurant in August 2013 and put it up for sale.
“We had a lot of interest, but no one really pulled the trigger until this guy came along,” Windsor said of Shannon. “I think the market is getting better.”
Shannon bought the property for $450,000 through Playin’ Possum LLC, according to city records. He said he wanted to open L’Opossum inside a property that he could own and that had undergone recent renovations.
“I wanted that investment opportunity,” Shannon said.
Shannon will be L’Opossum’s chef. While he’s still working out the details of the restaurant’s menu, he did say entrees won’t exceed $26, and vegan and gluten-free options will be available.
Shannon also plans to change the color scheme and make a few small upgrades. The dining room will be able to seat about 50 patrons.
Shannon ran Dogwood Grille at 1731 W. Main St. from 2003 until he sold it in 2007. L’Opposum will open just around the corner from Mamma Zu, a popular Oregon Hill eatery at 501 S. Pine St.
“My experiences and skills that served me well in the past will work for me again,” Shannon said.
Born in Richmond, Shannon most recently worked as a private chef and took business classes at J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College in Goochland. Prior to opening Dogwood, Shannon worked as a chef at Helen’s Restaurant in the Fan, the Ashby Inn & Restaurant in Paris, Va. and the Inn at Little Washington in Northern Virginia.
Shannon potentially will have some new Oregon Hill residents to serve. The recently redeveloped Victory Lofts apartments on Cherry Street began leasing its 12 units in January.
The interior of the future L’Opossum at 626 China St. in Oregon Hill. (photo by Michael Thompson)
A Richmond native wants to give Oregon Hill another dining option.
Restaurateur and chef David Shannon bought the former EAT by Pescados property where he plans to open with his own restaurant concept, L’Opossum.
Shannon, who previously owned Dogwood Grille & Spirits in the Fan, is shooting for a May opening of the 2,000-square-foot space at 626 China St.
The Oregon Hill property has sat dormant since EAT by Pescados owner Bob Windsor closed the restaurant in August 2013 and put it up for sale.
“We had a lot of interest, but no one really pulled the trigger until this guy came along,” Windsor said of Shannon. “I think the market is getting better.”
Shannon bought the property for $450,000 through Playin’ Possum LLC, according to city records. He said he wanted to open L’Opossum inside a property that he could own and that had undergone recent renovations.
“I wanted that investment opportunity,” Shannon said.
Shannon will be L’Opossum’s chef. While he’s still working out the details of the restaurant’s menu, he did say entrees won’t exceed $26, and vegan and gluten-free options will be available.
Shannon also plans to change the color scheme and make a few small upgrades. The dining room will be able to seat about 50 patrons.
Shannon ran Dogwood Grille at 1731 W. Main St. from 2003 until he sold it in 2007. L’Opposum will open just around the corner from Mamma Zu, a popular Oregon Hill eatery at 501 S. Pine St.
“My experiences and skills that served me well in the past will work for me again,” Shannon said.
Born in Richmond, Shannon most recently worked as a private chef and took business classes at J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College in Goochland. Prior to opening Dogwood, Shannon worked as a chef at Helen’s Restaurant in the Fan, the Ashby Inn & Restaurant in Paris, Va. and the Inn at Little Washington in Northern Virginia.
Shannon potentially will have some new Oregon Hill residents to serve. The recently redeveloped Victory Lofts apartments on Cherry Street began leasing its 12 units in January.