New shops and food spots shaping up in Williamsburg and nearby areas
The Whaling Co. Closes After 40 Years
A Williamsburg staple for decades, The Whaling Co.—a beloved local restaurant—shuttered its doors in August after nearly 40 years. The closure left a vacant brick-and-mortar space on McLaws Circle, but the neighborhood’s evolution continues.
Sheetz vs. Dutch Bros.: A Battle for the Spot
Two major chains are now in the race to claim the prime location:
- Sheetz, the Pennsylvania-based convenience giant with over 750 stores, has quietly drafted plans for a 24-hour gas station and convenience store, including fuel pumps. The company has been strategizing since last year, signaling its growing presence in the Hampton Roads area.
- Dutch Bros. Coffee, the Oregon-born drive-thru sensation famed for its blue drinks, has set its sights on the adjacent old bank building. With a new Virginia location already planned in Grafton, the chain is making a strong push into the region.
Tipsy Beans Café Back in Action at High Street
After a two-month renovation hiatus, Tipsy Beans Café—the beloved boozy coffee and smoothie bowl spot—reopened with an expanded footprint. The grand reopening drew eager crowds, proving that Williamsburg’s love for its unique caffeine-and-cocktail hybrids remains undeterred.
Waller Mill Park’s New Monthly Market
This summer, Waller Mill Park is introducing Millstone Market, a free pop-up event running Thursday evenings from June to September. The monthly market will feature:
- Local vendors
- Food trucks
- Live music A perfect, laid-back way to spend an evening under the stars.
Goodbyes and Hellos
Not all changes are welcome—J. Fenton Clothes & Gifts in Merchants Square will close its Williamsburg location after May 25, though its online store and Charlottesville shop will remain open.
On a brighter note:
- WOLF Martial Arts Academy celebrated its grand opening in York County.
- J&B’s Country Store in Toano expanded its menu to include dirty sodas and lunch specials, giving locals more reasons to visit.
Williamsburg’s landscape is shifting—some with nostalgia, others with excitement.
