Looks like Mike Isabella has his sights set on Richmond for his next venture. The Top Chef All-Star alum and chef-owner of the popular Chinatown spot Graffiato announced yesterday that he’s opening a second location of that Italian-inspired concept in Richmond, VA. It’s slated to go into the corner space at 123 W. Broad St., which is currently occupied by Popkin Tavern. Sadly, the tavern is going dark. Its last day of operation is Sat., Feb. 15.

Isabella and his crew hope to get the new restaurant ready for the public this coming spring. The Popkin space will be revamped to exude the same post-industrial and graffitied-walls look as the original Graffiato. Popkin’s pool tables will be removed to make way for additional seating and a wood-burning oven for Isabella’s signature wood-fired pizzas. The rest of the menu will have handmade pastas, oven-roasted vegetables, and other seasonally inspired dishes, many of which will utilize local and in-season ingredients harvested from area farms. Though menu offerings will be similar to those served at the DC location, Isabella says price points will be a little bit lower.

The beverage program will feature beer and Prosecco on tap, and a wine list with both domestic and global selections, including varietals from Virginia. Taha Ismail, beverage director for all of Isabella’s restaurants, will oversee Graffiato Richmond’s craft cocktail program.

Stay tuned. Surely more details will soon follow.  

Photo: Graffiato