VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) — There is a new business opening its doors in Virginia Beach, and it is a partnership between two existing local business owners.
It’s called The Porch, and is located off of Shore Drive in Virginia Beach.
The owners of Bay Local Eatery and Chick’s Oyster Bar decided to join forces and open up an upscale casual venue that offers views of the water.
Adrian Colaprete is the owner of Bay Local Eatery and now a proud partner of his newest restaurant.
“It’s a giant porch and the focal point of what we’re doing,” said Colaprete. “I’ve literally driven by this spot as a little kid.”
Fast forward to today and that kid turned restaurateur is now turning this spot into his own.
Colaprete, and the owners of Chick’s Oyster Bar, Mike Atkinson and Cory Beisel traveled to Florida and took inspiration from Miami and Palm Beach to the coast of Virginia Beach. The owners say customers can order items from sushi to steak with a few local staples.
“The city is growing, the projects that have been built from the Cavalier to all the new stuff at the Oceanfront has really taken the beach to another level,” said Atkinson. “They brought me off the bench, I thought I was done.”
When Atkinson was alerted that the restaurant One Fish, Two Fish closed he knew he would take it over with Colaprete in mind.
“As a young person in the business, growing up in it, I’ve always looked up to the two of them and it’s absolutely a dream to be part of what they are doing,” said Colaprete. “We are ready for everybody to start coming in today … start building a family. “We just want to be a great new addition to what’s already here and add our little flair and flavor.”
The owners are looking to fill up to 175 positions. If you’re interested, just go to The Porch at 2019 West Great Neck Road. Interviews are happening Monday through Friday.
The owners are aiming to open on May 1.
