WILLIAMSBURG — The Williamsburg Economic Development Authority voted unanimously to award a revenue-sharing incentive to a new bakery, coffee roastery and restaurant from the Hohl Group.
The vote was taken at its June 6 meeting.
The restaurant will offer fresh baked goods, ready-to-go items, and a limited breakfast, brunch and lunch menu daily, with dinner service available on select evenings, according to the city. In addition to its restaurant operations, the business, located at 1012 Richmond Road, will feature bread-baking and coffee-brewing classes, as well as catering services.
Chef and entrepreneur Chris Starke, who moved to the region from Australia, opened the first Hohl location in Toano before expanding into Williamsburg with a second location in 2024. Starke’s third concept — and second project in the city — further deepens his commitment to the area’s evolving culinary landscape, the city said.
“We’re building more than just a menu. We’re building a place where people gather, learn, and connect,” Starke said. “We’re excited to invest in Williamsburg and bring something new to the table — literally.”
EDA chair Adria Vanhoozier praised the project as a perfect fit for the city’s Discretionary Incentive Program.
“This is exactly the kind of project our incentive program is designed to support,” Vanhoozier said. “We’re thrilled to see the Hohl Group continue to invest in Williamsburg. This grant not only ensures a high-quality local business — it also brings in new tax revenue and continued economic vitality to our community.”
The revenue-sharing incentive for Hohl Group’s latest venture is capped at $40,000 or five years, whichever occurs first, with 25% of the sales and meals taxes generated by the business refunded on a quarterly basis, the city noted. The incentive supports exterior improvements to modernize the building.
The projected local sales and meals tax return on investment for the city over the first five years of operation is estimated to be in the hundreds of thousands of dollars, making the incentive a win-win for both the business and the City of Williamsburg, it said.
