Two Bros. Soul Food opens Friday
One of the most anticipated restaurant openings in the recent history of Richmond Highway is about to happen.
Two Bros. Soul Food Kitchen and Lounge will open its doors for business on Friday, May 26. Billing itself as “The DMV’s Premier Family Soul Food Restaurant,” Two Bros will be open from 11 a.m.-2 a.m. on Friday and Saturday, and from 11 a.m.-8 p.m. on Sunday. Brunch will be offered Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Owned by Richmond Highway natives David Roundtree and Chris Everette, Two Bros. has created a buzz in the area since their sign went up earlier this year at the corner of Route 1 and Dart Drive. The restaurant had a soft opening on May 13 and hosted more than 175 customers throughout the day, Roundtree said.
The opening has been a long time coming for Roundtree and Everette, who are making their first foray in the restaurant business. Initially the duo had envisioned opening a carry-out restaurant a few blocks south. They rented the space and put a sign up in 2015, but the logistics didn’t work out. At that point they decided to open a full-service restaurant and lounge at the former El Ranchon location at 7905 Richmond Highway (the spot is better known by longtime residents as the site of the old Shakey’s Pizza Parlor).
The restaurant has a 150-person capacity, with a large indoor dining area and a covered outdoor patio. There’s also two 8-seat bars, a DJ booth and an area for performers.
Opening a restaurant has been an eye-opening experience, Roundtree said, and the initial goal to open in early April had to be pushed back.
“You’re never quite finished,” Roundtree joked. “You think you’re finished with one thing, but you’re never quite done.”
Andre Rush, a Mississippi-born Army vet who won awards for his culinary skills while in the military, will be operating the kitchen. The chef will have wide variety of southern-influenced food on the menu, and emphasized that all the offerings will be made from scratch.
“Everything is going to be fresh,” Rush said. “Everything.”
Asked to pick a favorite item on the menu, Roundtree couldn’t quite decide.
“The sweet potato hush puppies I really, really like,” Roundtree said. “Everything is good. [Rush’s] fish and grits are a personal favorite. Oh and the crab fries too.”
I can’t wait to try this place! The pictures I’ve seen of the crab fries look incredible. I’m so glad the owners won’t be playing go-go music on weekend nights; that’s the last thing our corridor needs. They should look to hire a good cajun zydeco house band!
Another true “southern tradition” is big family meals after church on Sundays. Please consider having Christian entertainment on Sunday afternoons. There are numerous art forms to include song, dance, spoken word, poetry, and drama. Most are willing to share their gifts with little to no compensation and they are uber talented. This could make for a huge draw due to church, family and existing fan support. Additionally, it is a method to get folks in to experience your delectable cuisine thereby multiplying your return diners during weekdays should you consider opening on those days. PLEASE GIVE THIS SOME THOUGHT.