Corporate Goes Culinary

We’re home to corporate headquarters, small businesses and exciting ventures. New restaurants and food-based retail add to a vibrant food scene, bringing us more jobs, more visitors and more great choices for a night out.

Compliments to Chef Kenny Sloane, who is expanding the culinary scene in City Center. Also known for Hampton Roads’ favorites Fin Seafood, Fin & Tonic and Steak & Tonic, this year Chef Sloane launched Amaro Italian Bistro. Located at 11820 Fountain Way in City Center, Amaro is known for its creative entrées, urban casual atmosphere and extensive selection of Italian wines. 

In addition to his new Amaro Italian Bistro, Chef Kenny Sloane will also open Chef’s Market. Inspired by Eataly in New York and Union Market in Washington, DC, the Chef’s Market will house butcher and seafood markets, vendor stalls featuring international cuisines, a brewery and brew pub and a gathering space with games and amusements. The market is expected to open in 2024.

The menu of grand openings continued with Chef Kyle Fowlkes, owner and executive chef of the award-winning SATÉ: The Roaming New American Kitchen food truck. Fowlkes recently expanded his portfolio with the November 2023 opening of SATÉ: A New American Experience. The restaurant, which is located at 694 Town Center Drive in City Center at Oyster Point, is influenced by Southern, Asian and New England cuisines.

Also in City Center, Tinto Wine and Cheese, a boutique wine shop specializing in small production, natural wines and assorted charcuterie items, recently opened its newest store at 707 Mariners Row. Founded by Peter and Nina Brinkman, Tinto also offers weekly tastings, wine dinners and classes, and hosts wine touring trips to various parts of Europe throughout the year.

In January, Dilon Technologies, Inc. moved its headquarters to 16,802 square feet of Class A space in Merchants Walk Two in City Center. For years, the prominent medical solutions company was housed in the Applied Research Center, leveraging research performed at Jefferson Lab. 

City Center also welcomed the Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce’s headquarters to 11850 Merchants Walk.

New residential development is on the horizon as the EDA welcomed interest by NNTC IV, LLC, one of City Center’s private partners to create approximately 170 luxury units on Mariners Row. The EDA properties necessary for the project were placed under contract in April 2023, with 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom units to be offered in the completed project.