The hands behind Capital Ale House are set to bring a piece of Europe to Richmond this year.
The mini-chain taphouse plans to bring Fest, a restaurant and biergarten, to Midlothian later this summer. The spot will specialize in sausages, sandwiches and other fare served with European and American craft beer and wine.
“My partner Chris and I were always big fans of Oktoberfest,” said Matt Simmons, co-owner of Capital Ale House.“Capital Ale House has a big one, and with Fest we wanted to create an Americanized version of that German beer hall culture.”
Blending European favorites with local ingredients, the restaurant will serve Virginia-made artisan sausages in addition to Fest brand sausages crafted by local butchers. Also on the menu are cheeses, charcuterie platters and the restaurant’s popular giant Bavarian pretzel.
“We’ll utilize local sausage makers as well as national,” Simmons said. “We have a 15-year relationship with Usinger’s, and visiting them in Wisconsin last year we threw ideas back and forth to create our own signature sausages.”
Keeping with European tradition, Fest will offer 13 to 16 taps with German, Polish and other European brews to pair with the artisanal sausages, along with several Virginia craft beers. Simmons said they are still deciding on the specific beers that will be served.
Located in Woodlake Commons Shopping Center at 7044 Woodlake Commons Loop, Simmons said the restaurant and beer garden will be a welcomed addition to the neighborhood right on the way home for thousands of residents of the Woodlake and Hampton Park.
“We wanted to come up with something casual; it’s something in Midlothian that you might find in downtown Richmond,” Simmons said.
This will mark the fifth restaurant for the owners of Capital Ale House, who have locations in Midlothian, Innsbrook, downtown Richmond, and Fredericksburg.
To follow the opening, you can find Fest on Twitter and Instagram @festbiergarten.
