This week in NFK: College Football, NutMobile, OV Tavern, Startups, OxTail, Algae, and more.

by | Sep 2, 2022

Community. 

As public conversation on nightlife crime and safety increases, the City of Norfolk is outsourcing its effort to build better nightlife by hiring a NOVA-based consultant. Rip it. 

Six months after a tragic shooting, Chicho’s Backstage is moving last call back 30 minutes to 1:00 am. Rip it. 

The City of Norfolk’s animal shelter director was allowed to work remotely and took on a second job with the new freedom. Rip it. 

Sentara opened a new Community Care Center in Berkley to address the healthcare desert in the neighborhood. Rip it. 

An analysis of statewide test scores shows are still over 10% lower than pre-pandemic levels. Rip it. 

Recent improvements in standardized testing scores leave some School Board leaders optimistic about the upcoming year. Rip it. 

A new law requiring school districts to provide first responders with updated floor plans comes into play as students go back to school. Rip it. 

California’s ban on the sale of new gas-powered cars by 2035 will also apply to Virginia due to a 2021 law. Rip it. 

Governor Youngkin is working through a new path to removing Virginia from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative. Rip it. 

In July, Amtrak hit an all-time high in Virginia with over 110K rides. Rip it.

The HRBT Expansion project is 11 months behind schedule. Rip it.  

Harmful algal blooms in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed are concerning Virginia officials. Rip it. 

Prominent civil rights attorney Ben Crump poke at Slover Library, addressing crime and justice. Rip it. 

ODU is partnering with Norfolk Public Schools to bring STEM mentors to girls at Granby High School. Rip it. 

NSU, EVMS, and ODU are partnering to address substance abuse among pregnant women. Rip it.

The first annual “Happiness Day,” organized by Auntie Advocate, was a success for the Huntersville neighborhood. Rip it.  

A scholarship fund has been created in memory of Virginian-Pilot reporter Sierra Jenkins. Rip it. 

ODU plays Virginia Tech for their season opener at Ballard Stadium this weekend. Rip it. 

NSU plays Marshall in their season opener in West Virginia. Rip it. 

The Virginia Zoo has reinstated free admission for guests older than 62 on Wednesdays. Rip it.

Culture.

Creatives are gathering throughout September and October at Assembly for CAN Festival 2022. (NFK Currents Original). Rip it. 

To See a World in a Grain of Sand, the latest exhibit at Chrysler Museum features sand from across the planet turned into stunning glass art. (NFK Currents Original). Rip it.


LAVA Presents and Assembly are teaming up for a series of rooftop shows with Neighbor Lady, Pearloid, Feign Kin, Bombadil, Logan Vath, Deau Eyes, and more. Rip it.

Mummenshanz, a swiss performing troupe known for creating a “gentle mayhem,” is coming to Chrysler Hall in October. Rip it.

ODU Libraries is hosting a national exhibit honoring U.S. servicewomen of color called “The Color of Freedom: Honoring the Diversity of America’s Servicewomen” through September 10th. Rip it.  

The Attucks Jazz Club is back for another season of incredible jazz artists in an intimate club setting. Rip it.  

Back to School films are on repeat at Naro Cinema. Rip it.

Men for Hope teams up with Festevents, VA Arts Fest, the Urban League, Brothers, and more for the first-everGospelfest at Town Point Park. Rip it. 

Gordon Art Galleries reopen with ALLiGATER HELLHOUND and DesignHer: Works by Contemporary Women Graphic Designers. Rip it. 

Barry Art Museum brings Mars, a large-scale sculpture of Mars for the 2nd Annual Public Arts Festival at ODU. Rip it.  

The Norfolk Forum kicks off its 90th anniversary this weekend. The year’s speaker lineup includes former UK Prime Minister David Cameron. Rip it. 

Artist Andy Harris continues to drop absolute gold. Rip it.

Currently on Display:
To See a World in a Grain of Sand at Chrysler Museum. Rip it. 
Lasting Impressions: Prints Collection at Chrysler Museum. Rip it. 
Motion / Emotion at Barry Art Museum. Rip it.
Love of Alexander at Barry Art Museum. Rip it.
Rhonda Holy Bear: Artist and Story-Keeper at Barry Art Museum. Rip it.
ALLiGATER HELLHOUND at Gordon Art Galleries. Rip it.
DesignHer: Contemporary Women Graphic Designers at Gordon Art Galleries. Rip it.
Roberto Lugo: Pottery With Purpose at Hermitage Museum. Rip it.
100 In The Spotlight at Gallery 21. Rip it.
“Places” by Charles Rucker at Offsite Gallery. Rip it.
Drones at Nauticus. Rip it.
 

Commerce.

6 months of startup heaven could be yours. 757 Startup Studios has opened its application pool. (NFK Currents Original). Rip it.

757 Accelerate welcomes its latest cohort of 7 companies to the intense founder-first accelerator program. Rip it. 

757 Angels close their next round of applicants in less than two weeks. Founders looking for seed investment, hurry and apply. Rip it. 

What the end of rent relief means for Virginia tenants. Rip it.

RISE Resilience Innovations is launching a new challenge focused on flood insurance. Rip it. 

ODU researchers are hoping to put a dollar number on the impact of recurring flooding in the future. Rip it. 

The DOD may add an “Interagency Coordinator for Regional Resilience” after pressure from lawmakers to engage with the region on issues of sea level rise, flooding, and climate change. Rip it.  

Cox Communications, not locally renowned for customer service, is expanding to offer cell phone service in the region. Rip it. 

Doumar’s, a beloved local diner, isn’t going anywhere as the family-run business prepares to pass the reign to a new generation. Rip it.

The recent acquisition of Trader Interactive marks a major “unicorn” exit for the region. Rip it. 

NSU may be expanding with a satellite campus in Northern Virginia. Rip it. 

Eggs Up Grill is coming to Ocean View Shopping Center. Rip it. 

U.S. Customs and Border Patrol agents in Norfolk intercepted thousands of goods with unlicensed likenesses of Superman, Batman, Captain America, and other superheroes. Rip it. 

The supply of housing on the market in Norfolk continues to shrink. Rip it. 

Roger J. Giesinger, the 28-Year President of Hampton Roads Shipping Association, announced his retirement. Rip it. 
 

Arches National Snark – Granby Street NFK

Shark City Tote

Crowds.

Eleanor’s Bookstore is teaming up with Reaver Beach for Boozy Book Fair this Saturday. (NFK Currents Original) Rip it. 

This Saturday, the biggest local DJs team up for a massive R&B Block Party at Scope Plaza. Rip it. 

Coming soon to Reaver Beach: Kinship NFK, an art and music festival led by RVSHNFK. 
Rip it.

Mauskovic Dance Band, Reptile Tile, and Karacell rock out Chicho’s Backstage on Sept. 13th. Rip it. 

Nauticus is rolling out its inaugural Sailfest featuring a sailing race, pier party, and more. Rip it. 

NEON Fest returns to Norfolk on October 20 & 21. Rip it.

**Please note that listed times are start times, many events run several hours**
Friday:
Norfolk Run Club meetup at Yorgo’s. 6:00 am. Rip it.
Sunrise Yoga + Coffee with Sky’s The Limit at the Pagoda. 7:30 am. Rip it.
Writers Coffee Break with the Muse Writers Center at Cafe Stella. 10:00 am. Rip it. 
Two-Point Conversion: ODU Football with Reaver NFK & Elation Brewing. 12:00 pm. Rip it. 
Friday Happy Hour Wine Tasting with Vino Culture. 4:00 pm. Rip it.
Natural Wine Tasting at Grandiflora Wine Garden. 4:00 pm. Rip it. 
Ghent Farmers Market at Blair Middle School. 4:00 pm. Rip it. 
VT Alumni Football Tailgate at Kaufman Mall. 3:00 pm. Rip it.
ODU Alumni Football Tailgate at Kaufman Mall. 4:00 pm. Rip it.
Make(HER) Collective Porch Pop-Up at Eleanor’s Bookstore. 4:00 pm. Rip it. 
First Friday Fountain Series at Crudo Nudo. 4:00 pm. Rip it.
Places by Charles Rucker Opening Reception at Offsite Gallery. 5:00 pm. Rip it. 
Nate Sacks performs live at Benchtop Brewing. 5:00 pm. Rip it. 
Maison Soleil Back to School Clothing Swap. 5:00 pm. Rip it. 
Amy Kaus performs live at Maker’s Craft Brewery. 6:00 pm. Rip it.
Egyptian Magic Basics Workshop at Aries Apothecary. 6:00 pm. Rip it.
Steve Link performs live at Cova Brewing. 6:00 pm. Rip it.
ODU Monarchs vs. VT Hokies at Ballard Stadium. 7:00 pm. Rip it. 
PBR Freedom Fridays at Waterside District. 7:00 pm. Rip it. 
Norfolk Tides vs. Lehigh Valley IronPigs at Harbor Park. 7:05 pm. Rip it. 
Dylan Scott performs live for Miller Lite Hot Country Nights at Waterside District. 8:00 pm. Rip it. 
Miss Virginia is for Laughters Comedy Queen live at The Wave. 8:00 pm. Rip it.
Pippin performed live at The Little Theater of Norfolk. 8:00 pm. Rip it.
Glitz and Glam After Dark at The Wave. 8:00 pm. Rip it. 
Serious Black performs live at Cafe Stella. 8:00 pm. Rip it. 
MonoMania! Completely Crazy Improvised Play at Push Comedy Theater. 8:00 pm. Rip it. 
Late Night Ladies’ Ride departing Smartmouth. 8:30 pm. Rip it. 
Ultimate Roasting Championship at Push Comedy Theater. 10:00 pm. Rip it.
 
Saturday:
Send It! Road Ride with East Coast Cycles. 8:00 am. Rip it.
East Beach Farmers Market at 9680 Shore Drive. 9:00 am. Rip it.
Farmers Market at Sunset Grill. 9:00 am. Rip it.
Handmade Jewelry & Home Goods Pop Up at Cafe Mudita. 10:30 am. Rip it. 
Live Life Fresh Boombox Ride with Freshtopia. 10:30 am. Rip it. 
Margarita Madness Party at Waterside District. 12:00 pm. Rip it.
NUTMobile at Norfolk Botanical Garden. 12:00 pm. Rip it. 
Ocean View Martial Arts Grand Opening. 12:00 pm. Rip it. 
Partytique Slime Fest at MacArthur Center. 1:00 pm. Rip it. 
Bhav Brigade Yoga at Slover Library. 1:00 pm. Rip it. 
BAM Saturday Tour: Rhonda Holy Bear at Barry Art Museum. 1:00 pm. Rip it. 
Boozy Book Fair with Eleanor’s at Reaver Beach NFK. 4:00 pm. Rip it. 
Music Match Bingo at Hank’s Filling Station. 4:30 pm. Rip it.
R&B Block Party at Norfolk Scope. 5:00 pm. Rip it. 
Author Bash Toast & Roast at Elation Brewing. 6:00 pm. Rip it.
Chris Ride performs live at Maker’s Craft Brewery. 6:00 pm. Rip it. 
JAG Duo performs live at Ocean View Fishing Pier. 6:00 pm. Rip it. 
Sunnyside Nautical Nonsense Boat Party departing Waterside Marina. 6:00 pm. Rip it. 
Chocolate Art Exhibition at For All Handkind. 6:00 pm. Rip it. 
Norfolk Tides vs. Lehigh Valley IronPigs at Harbor Park. 6:35 pm. Rip it.
Haunted Norfolk Tour with Norfolk Tour Co departing Moses Myers House. 7:30 pm. Rip it. 
Date Night Improv Show at Push Comedy Theater. 8:00 pm. Rip it.
Silent Disco at Waterside District. 8:00 pm. Rip it.
State Property performs live at The Norva. 8:00 pm. Rip it. 
Rooftop Comedy Night with Care More Community in Downtown. 8:00 pm. Rip it. 
Trouble in Pushville Improv Show at Push Comedy Theater. 10:00 pm. Rip it. 
Who is the Real HU Part 2 at Lido Inn. 10:00 pm. Rip it.
Drake Night: A Traptastic Experience at Chicho’s Backstage. 10:00 pm. Rip it. 

Sunday:
Elizabeth River Run 10k on the ERT. 7:00 am. Rip it.
Nature & Eco Kayak Tour with the Elizabeth River Project. 9:00 am. Rip it. 
Slow-Mo Sundays Bike Ride at Local Bike Shop. 10:00 am. 
Rip it.
COVA Moves: Torch Yoga session at Cova Brewing. 10:00 am. Rip it.
Yoga on Tap with Sky’s the Limit Yoga Co at Reaver Beach. 10:45 am. Rip it. 
Mimosas & Heels Drag Brunch at Public House. 11:00 am. Rip it. 
Bumbling Beetz Urban Market at Benchtop Brewing. 12:00 pm. Rip it. 
Labor Day Luau with Norfolk Yacht and Country Club. 12:00 pm. Rip it. 
Black and Gold perform live at Benchtop Brewing. 12:30 pm. Rip it.
Sail into Fall Aboard the American Rover with Outwire 757. 2:00 pm. Rip it.
Red Stapler Duo performs live at Ocean View Fishing Pier. 3:00 pm. Rip it.
Tour de ORF Casual Bike Ride departing Smartmouth Brewing. 3:00 pm. Rip it. 
J & The Band perform live at Norfolk Yacht and Country Club. 4:00 pm. Rip it.
Norfolk Tides vs. Lehigh Valley IronPigs at Harbor Park. 4:05 pm. Rip it.
Labor Day Weekend All White Yacht Party on the Faux Spirit of Norfolk 11:30 pm. Rip it.

Get a daily rundown of events on our Daily Instagram Story.

Chow.

Brother’s Restaurant in Norfolk pairs a classy menu with elevated ambiance and top-shelf jazz. (NFK Currents Original). Rip it.

Idle Tings: Jerk Cauliflower, Jackfruit Birria, and a Pepper Toss from Coco Jam in Selden Market. Rip it.  

Carrot Bundt Cakes are coming out hot from Bar-Q Desserts. Rip it.   

Chicho’s is pouring their very own beer; a collaboration gose with VB’s Back Bay Brewing. Rip it.

Boysenberry and Hickory return to Kobro’s as the craft latte of the week. Rip it.

Hell’s Kitchen is the king of classic American bar fare. Rip it.

Beef Bulogi is going beachside at A World of Good in OV. Rip it.

Rip Rap is gearing up for Oktoberfest with their take on a Marzen. Rip it. 

Abstract Thoughts Collection: Tiny Changes is a true work of beer art at Smartmouth. Rip it. 

Four packs of cold brew to-go are now available at A Latte and hopefully within walking distance from your office. Rip it. 

The OV Beach Tavern officially opens this weekend, featuring the culinary work of the former Clementines chef. Rip it.

Vessel Coffee in Chelsea is officially selling beer. New favorite remote work spot? Rip it.

Omar’s always comes correct. Red wine braised beef with gnocchi? Yep. Rip it.

What do you mean you’ve never tried oxtail?? Rip it.

Food Truck Sightings:
Friday:
Sour Street Pizza at Cova Brewing. Rip it.
Ghost Kitchen at Smartmouth Brewing. Rip it.
Sense’s Vegan at Reaver NFK. Rip it.
Bar-Q at Bold Mariner Brewing. Rip it.
Miami Fusion at Maker’s Craft Brewing. Rip it.


Saturday:
Not Your Routine Poutine at Reaver NFK. Rip it.
DC Smoothies & Big Belly at Cova Brewing. Rip it.
Gavin’s Dishes at Maker’s Craft Brewing. Rip it.
Hades Wood Fired Pizza at Benchtop Brewing. Rip it.  
Ghost Kitchen at Smartmouth Brewing. Rip it.
Bar-Q at Bold Mariner Brewing. Rip it.

Sunday:
Big Belly at Maker’s Craft Brewing. Rip it.
Miami Fusion at Cova Brewing. Rip it.
Bumbling Bee Vegan at Benchtop Brewing. Rip it.
Red River Smokehouse at Reaver NFK. Rip it.
Ghost Kitchen at Smartmouth Brewing. Rip it.

Paul Stetson Rice

Chelsea, NFK

Paul is the creator of NFKVA.com. He was born and raised in Norfolk, graduated from Virginia Tech, and narrowly avoided law school. Chat with him about economics, entrepreneurship, hip-hop, and hiking. When he's not working on five different projects, you'll catch him sharing a beer with friends at a local brewery.