There’s been a big ownership change at The Camel.
There’s been a big ownership change at The Camel.
The West Broad Street music venue now belongs to four longtime employees. Formerly owned and operated by Rand Burgess, The Camel will now be run by Georgia Thornburg, Matt Hansen, Xaxier Beverly, and Lucas Fritz. Fritz has been events manager and booking shows for The Camel since 2009.
Fritz said he’ll remain events manager, handling the finances and doing all the booking, but is excited to join the others as an owner from here on out.
“Now there’s four of the longest standing employees that are now the owners, we know the ends and outs of the venue, we can take it to new heights going forward,” Fritz said.
Fritz said Rand Burgess, former owner of The Camel approached them last month about taking over.
“It was a great opportunity for me and for the other three as well so we couldn’t really turn it down,” he said.
Fritz added that the ownership shift for The Camel was around the same time The Broadberry switched hands. Fritz, Burgess, and owner of Joe’s Inn Matt McDonald opened that music venue also on West Broad Street, in April 2014. Burgess sold his share to McDonald and Fritz last month.
Georgia Thornburg had this to say about the change on her Facebook page:
“Big news Facebook friends and family!!
I’m happy to say that after all these years working at The Camel….wait for it!….
I’m now an owner of The Camel ahhh!!! The Camel is now 100% employee owned an operated! Please like our Facebook page check out our website and come see us for the best local, national and touring musical acts as well as amazing food and beverages/28taps! Come show us some love and support! Super excited to continue working with these guys.”
Matt Hansen had this to say about transitioning from employee to co-owner on his Facebook page:
“I’m not big on status updates but I think this news warrants one. From playing shows when the soundboard was in somebody’s lap and the PA blew every night, to watching various friends and musicians take the stage as the place has grown into what it is today, and where I’ve worked the last two years, three friends and coworkers have joined me in an opportunity to advance The Camel to its next stage. Moving forward we will be focused on fostering and broadening the RVA music scene even further by helping local, regional and national acts find a home on our stage as well as providing a fantastic dining experience far beyond a mere music venue. We aim to help cultivate the music community in this town by maintaining a fun and safe place for guests, musicians, and employees to have a beer, play a song or earn a paycheck. We appreciate your support and patience as we transition to this new and exciting phase. Hope to see you soon! Cheers!”
There won’t be any drastic changes according to Fritz, but he did have this to say about the future of one of Richmond’s favorite music venues:
“Im excited for things to come, still being a good neighbor, a good supporter of the arts in Richmond and I think there’s a lot of cool things still in store for The Camel,” he said.
