2009.03.18
Fork in the City
Remodeling is underway on the new Fork in the City. Photo by Sam Dean/The Roanoke Times
In this morning's Extra section, I had a story about the new Fork in the City restaurant that will soon open in the old Gary's Bar location at 6th Street and Marshall Avenue in downtown Roanoke. And on the front page, reporter Mason Adams had an article about a developer who wants to turn the old YMCA building into affordable apartments with a restaurant on the ground floor.
We didn't plan to run those articles in the paper on the same day, but they both help to tell the story of an edge of downtown Roanoke that is finding new life. New condominiums in the old cotton mill on 6th Street, the new YMCA, the Jefferson Center, Fork in the City and now, perhaps, a new restaurant on the ground floor of the old YMCA at 5th and Church all may mean that the vibrancy of downtown is creeping west.
Anthony Smith, the proposed developer on the old YMCA project, says he "plans to bring 'a well-known restaurant from Richmond' to occupy the first floor," according to Mason's article.
Two questions: Do you think the new Fork in the City location is a good idea? And what could be the "well-known" Richmond restaurant? I haven't got a useful guess... but my husband would be happy if it were Bill's Barbecue. Maybe that would mean we wouldn't have to stop in Manakin EVERY TIME we pass through Richmond.
Loved the article! And I love Fork in the Alley so much I would drive anywhere to eat there. It is usually so crowded that I avoid it on weekend nights.
I do hope the Richmond restaurant is Moes, Qdoba, or Chipotle!
Comment by Michelle — March 18, 2009 @ 9:57 am
Maybe it is the Tobacco Company.
Comment by Melissa — March 18, 2009 @ 10:14 am
I have worked downtown for 4 years and I can tell you from experience that when lunchtime rolls around for the downtown business crowd, no one really jumps in their car. Instead, we walk to a place that's close and grab something, taking it back to work with us or we eat close and walk back. It's difficult to drive in downtown traffic during lunch, find a parking place, dine and get back to your desk in less than your allotted lunch hour. However, I love the food at Fork in the Alley and am sure they will be successful in their new venture. I wish them the best of luck in their new establishment! I will definitely make my way over there when they open.
Comment by Anonymous — March 18, 2009 @ 10:31 am
I think the Fork in the City location is great, especially for people in Old Southwest. I work on Franklin Road in Old SW, and often walk over to Wildflour a block away. While a little farther walk, it's still great to have another restaurant on this end. I am sure that many people who live in Old SW will appreciate having another restaurant close by with great food!
I'm adding Fork to the list of places to take my father-in-law when he visits in July from California!
Comment by Lori — March 18, 2009 @ 11:09 am
I think the Fork in the City restaurant is a good idea to help, hopefully,and in conjunction with the planned condos, turn around a neighborhood in sore need of some revitalization.
Comment by Dylan — March 18, 2009 @ 11:38 am
I am from Richmond, And I cant wait to hear what Richmond resturant is comming here! I have a huge list of Richmond Resturants that I deeply miss since moving here!!
Comment by ukrop's associate — March 18, 2009 @ 8:31 pm
fantastic too see more progress going on in the city. There are lots of people that have inhabited this side of the city that need a place to call their own. This will surely be it. the only question is where will the parking be?
Comment by dennis — March 18, 2009 @ 11:06 pm
I think Fork In The City is a very good idea and will Be quite succesful. However I am wondering about how Fork On The International is progressing.
Comment by v Allen Esquire — March 19, 2009 @ 8:44 am
Wow! I live across the street from both the fork in the City and the Cotton Mill projects. They look great. Very well thought out, professionally done and beautiful to look at from here. What a great addition to the West End. That [among many others] is why we bought a house and moved here. The city as well as the "movers & shakers" are investing in this neighborhood.
Thank you so much. And anyone looking for a great deal in real estate could do no better here on Marshall Street. Like they say "Come on in, the water's fine"!
Comment by Rich — March 19, 2009 @ 9:03 am
I hope it's Capital Ale House but I kinda doubt it.
Comment by Kevin — March 19, 2009 @ 2:08 pm
Maybe Bottom's Up? Without a doubt, the best pizza I've ever had.
I agree with Ukrop's associate- there are so many restaurants I miss as a transplanted Richmonder!
Comment by Amy — March 19, 2009 @ 4:19 pm
How exciting! Fork in the City is very close to my work also, and right now we have very limited options within walking distance or with decent parking.
Comment by Michelle — March 20, 2009 @ 8:18 am
Downtown Blacksburg would embrace another incarnation of the Fork...please, please, please???
Comment by nicole09 — March 20, 2009 @ 4:45 pm
Most of the 'better' Roanoke eateries are the calibre of an upscale sandwich shop compared to places like Clydes, The Occidental, Olde Ebbitt Grille, McCormick and Schmicks, Kinkead's, and Legal Seafoods!
Comment by Bill Mac — March 29, 2009 @ 2:10 pm
I think the addition of Fork In The City will be a welcome restaurant to the Roanoke city landscape. It brings a different variety of style. I can't wait to tilt a cold one over a pizza! Good Luck and Good Spirits..
Comment by Jim Parker — May 12, 2009 @ 4:37 pm
This is a gem for folks in Wasena too.... I can walk there, get a good beer, sit outside, eat some decent food! Reminds me of some of my old haunts in Durham (which I've missed!)
Comment by Laney @ the noke — May 24, 2009 @ 4:17 pm