Rocco’s Smokehouse Grill recently announced plans to reopen in a temporary space following a fire last summer.
While an exact reopening date has not yet been disclosed, the restaurant shared on social media that operations will resume soon at 1430 High St. in the Shops at High Street while construction continues at the Rocco’s location at 207 Bypass Road, the site of an electrical fire last August that caused major damage to the property.
Signage is up for the temporary location of the barbecue restaurant, which is taking over the space formerly occupied by Strangeways Brewing. Shortly after the brewery shuttered its doors in November, Williamsburg’s Architectural Review Board heard an application request regarding Rocco’s Smokehouse Grill signage for the building.
Rocco Colafrancesco co-owns Rocco’s with Victor Minichiello, who also operates several other establishments in Williamsburg.
Rocco’s Smokehouse Grill isn’t the only restaurant that recently sustained damage due to a fire. Last month, a fire gutted Highway Pizza, located at 3044 Richmond Road, which is also in Williamsburg. The owners of the pizza place shared on social media on Sunday plans to temporarily operate out of a donated food truck while they rebuild the restaurant.
“In the midst of uncertainty after the fire, a dear family friend gifted us this food truck,” the Highway Pizza post read in part. “It’s been a godsend, giving us purpose and hope when we’ve felt lost. The three of us, along with some incredible people, have put countless hours into getting it ready. Soon, we’ll be serving you right in front of Highway!! This truck has helped us heal and focus, and it will be part of our journey long after we rebuild.”
For updates on Rocco’s Smokehouse Grill, visit facebook.com/roccossmokehouse.
For updates on Highway Pizza, visit facebook.com/highwaypizzawilliamsburg.
Kettle corn shop opens on Prince George Street
A popcorn shop is set to open this spring in downtown Williamsburg. Fire Tried Kettle Corn Co., which currently operates at Busch Gardens Williamsburg, will open a storefront at 423 Prince George St. adjacent to Kilwin’s Ice Cream.
“We are very excited about our new location in Colonial Williamsburg,” owner Maryann Sanderlin said. “It’s actually a dream come true.”
The new shop will serve popcorn bowls with toppings, doughnuts with toppings, dirty soda and lemon shakers. Popcorn will be offered in a variety of flavors, including original kettle corn, caramel, white cheddar, dill, wildberry, chocolate, spicy ranch, jalapeño and other seasonal flavors, all made fresh daily.
Sanderlin, who has backgrounds in real estate and window cleaning and is the mother of eight children, anticipates a grand opening at the end of April or early May. The business will continue to operate from two locations within Busch Gardens, as well as at Water Country USA.
For more information, visit facebook.com/firetriedkettlecorn.
Grand opening set for Split Chick Grill
A grand opening is scheduled for Friday for Split Chick Grill in Lanexa.
The new restaurant, which will open at 1428 Outpost Road within the Rockahock Campground, is owned and operated by Joshua and Bethany Everhart, who also recently opened J&B’s Country Store in Toano.
Split Chick Grill will specialize in comfort classics for breakfast, lunch and dinner in a family-friendly atmosphere. The restaurant will operate Tuesday through Saturday from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., with breakfast served until 11 a.m.
For more information, visit facebook.com/splitchickgrill.
Brandy Centolanza, becentolanza@cox.net
