2009.02.25
The Mix becomes Red Clay
The Mix is undergoing another transformation.
Most recently, this downtown Roanoke establishment was an entertainment and event venue, after starting out as a club and restaurant. But soon, it will reopen as Red Clay, a restaurant and a spin-off of the same eatery in Rocky Mount.
Renovations are going on to transform this space at 16 W. Campbell Avenue into a restaurant serving lunch and dinner in a casual, yet classy environment, co-owner Steve Mullins told me. Mullins owns the downtown Red Clay with a business partner and John Kim, who is co-owner of Red Clay's Rocky Mount location.
Kim opened the Rocky Mount restaurant in 2007.
At Red Clay's downtown eatery, you'll find the same menu of pasta, steak, seafood and other selections. You can read a dining review of Red Clay's Rocky Mount location here.
Mullins said he's not yet ready to specify when the restaurant will open. Stay tuned to this blog or my Sunday retail roundup column for more details.
Have you heard anything about Olde Virginia Barbecue in Rocky Mount closing?
Comment by Roy Lindamood — February 25, 2009 @ 7:31 pm
I am glad The Mix is gone. I think a casual dining establishment will be ideal for downtown, especially for lunch. It should be successful.
Comment by Joe — February 26, 2009 @ 7:46 am
I'm not sure how Red Clay will do, but in Rocky Mount, many have commented on how expensive it is. I love a good steak or nice meal. And I'm willing to pay for it. But, the food doesn't seem to match the designer price tags.
Comment by Amy Hanek — February 26, 2009 @ 11:41 am
Amy do you know if they have cheaper prices for steak at lunch? I like a good steak too but it would be nice to have an option with a smaller portion and smaller price too for lunch.
Comment by Greg — February 26, 2009 @ 12:44 pm
I'm not really sure where the people who have commented on the expensive prices usually eat... maybe the dollar menu at McDonalds? Just a guess.
I have found the prices to be extremely reasonable and the food exceptional. The trek from Roanoke to Rocky Mount is worth it, but I'm very happy that there will be one a little closer.
Thanks! Please let us know when you have a grand opening date.
Comment by Lydia — February 26, 2009 @ 1:12 pm
This is the last line off the story from the link on this blog. Even the reviewer thought dinner prices were steep. I from what I get from the story Lunch prices were ok.
"At lunch, the quality of the food befits the price, but the $80 check at dinner far surpassed the quality of the meal."
Comment by Mike D — February 26, 2009 @ 2:22 pm
I'm with you Mike. $80 goes a long way at McDonalds!
Comment by Greg — February 26, 2009 @ 4:40 pm
Red Clay has an amazing lunch with great, affordable choices -- I have not tried it for dinner because I have heard the entrees aren't worth the cost.
Comment by Heather — February 27, 2009 @ 10:36 am
I asked around and got the same response on the dinner options. I'll definitely try the one in Roanoke though.
Comment by Greg — February 27, 2009 @ 10:56 am
Greg - I haven't been there for lunch. I'm sure Heather is right.
And on a side note, I hope the new restaurant is designed with a little more thought. Both times that I've been out to the Rocky Mount location, my husband and I were given the same table. And this table happened to be right next to the kitchen door. We aren't that picky on where we sit, but there is only one door going in and out of the kitchen, so each time a server walked through they would say, "going in," or "going out." Needless to say, this became a tad annoying after say, an hour. It definitely blew the sleek, contemporary environment we were in out the window.
Comment by Amy Hanek — February 27, 2009 @ 10:56 am
I've had dinner a couple of times recently at Red Clay in Rocky Mount- I think it is fantastic! It is certainly the best place to eat in Franklin County, and I don't believe it is at all overpriced for the quality of the food and the great service. I was very excited to find out a Red Clay is opening downtown & I hope it's just as great as the original.
Comment by PJ — February 28, 2009 @ 11:31 am
PJ, go up the road about a mile, the cars in the parking lot will give you an idea of how good Ippy's is, definitely the best place to eat in FC
Comment by nicole — March 6, 2009 @ 5:36 pm
I know this comment is a little late, but to Nicole... Ippys is a very overprices place. One bad thing about Ippys is they do not have insurance. I know of THREE occasions where someone has gotten hurt there (slipped on a wet floor, or something of the nature) and they can't do anything about it because they don't have insurance) .. They are very overrated IMHO
Comment by JR — March 8, 2009 @ 11:17 am
Red Clay is Rocky Mount is a fabulous place to dine. The food no matter what you get is always delicious. We dine there quite frequently. My husband ordered a steak and lobster tail with 2 sides and a salad and the price was about 22.00. I do not think that is overpriced at all.
Comment by Pam Clark — April 2, 2009 @ 12:22 pm