Grapevine Restaurant Family Opens New Mediterranean Spot in Libbie Mill
A new Mediterranean dining experience is set to open in Libbie Mill, Richmond. Marianne Trak Hess, a member of a well-known local restaurant family, is establishing a restaurant called Opa! Social. The new venue will occupy the space previously held by Crafted, which closed its doors last December after six successful years.
About Opa! Social
Opa! Social is a collaboration between Marianne Trak Hess and her husband, Eric Hess. Marianne has roots in the Richmond dining scene, having grown up in her family’s restaurant, Trak’s Greek & Italian Restaurant. She also has notable experience from working at The Grapevine, which is still operated by her family.
Menu Highlights
The restaurant’s menu will feature popular dishes from earlier ventures, including:
- Bolognese made with New York strip steak
- Fresh spanakopita
- Hummus
In addition, Opa! Social plans to introduce innovative options such as “Greek sushi” crafted from dolmades vine leaves, alongside new vegetarian and gluten-free selections.
Location and Design
Opa! Social will be located at 4900 Libbie Mill E. Blvd. The establishment will undergo a significant renovation of its 6,000-square-foot space. Features will include a new hood, walk-in refrigerator, and a refreshed aesthetic with a mix of traditional Greek elements and modern touches.
Interior Features
Specific design elements include:
- Velvet curtains
- Gold ornate ceiling tiles
- Crystal chandeliers
Opening Timeline
The anticipated opening date for Opa! Social is set for August 2025. Marianne expressed excitement about becoming part of the Libbie Mill community, hoping to attract locals who will enjoy walking to the restaurant.
Operating Hours
Opa! Social plans to offer dinner from Tuesday to Sunday, alongside lunch on weekdays and brunch on weekends.
Local Development
Libbie Mill is actively expanding, with Gumenick Properties developing additional apartments and townhomes in the area. The local dining scene continues to grow, with previous restaurants like Shagbark and newer tenants like RVA Bakehouse and Acacia Mid-Town enriching the neighborhood.
As of now, only one retail space remains available in Libbie Mill, highlighting the area’s vibrant development and appeal to both businesses and residents.
