Casta’s Rum Bar comes to downtown Richmond, Toast at The Village changes hands

Casta’s Rum Bar is coming to Richmond

This fall, Casta’s Rum Bar will open its second location in the lobby of the Hampton Inn & Suites and Homewood Suites by Hilton, formerly Belle’s home (700 E. Main St.).

Casta’s Richmond will feature the same vibrant Cuban vibe as the original Casta’s in Washington D.C.’s Georgetown neighborhood, with glass murals by Richmond artist Hamilton, tropical plants, custom chandeliers, a bright 31-foot bar and an enclosed patio that’s open year-round. A DJ stand will play salsa music.

Menu highlights include empanadas, classic Cuban sandwiches, ceviche, frozen drinks and, of course, an extensive rum selection with over 125 options to choose from. An opening date has yet to be announced, but Casta’s will be open seven days a week from 5 p.m., with brunch on Sundays.

After 10 years of ownership of Toast in The Village shopping center (7007 Three Chopt Road), owners Josh and Jessica Bufford have sold the location, although they will continue to own and operate Toast, New American Gastropub in Winterfield Place in Midlothian.

Bob and Jana Graham and Chris Staples are the new owners of Toast in The Village Shopping Center.

Bob and Jana met at Purdue University’s School of Hospitality and Tourism Management and both have had long careers in the restaurant industry. Most recently, Jana was an executive at Starbucks and Bob was an executive at EAT Restaurant Partners.

“We always talked about doing our own thing, but it never materialized,” Bob said. When they met Josh and Jess, it felt like a fit: “We heard their plan for the restaurant in the near future, they were trying to be selective about who they would talk to,” Bob said.

Don’t expect to see any big changes at Toast just yet – you’ll still be able to get the Sweet Potato Tots and Chilli Cheese Wontons.

The new owners are looking to focus on streamlining operations, improving service and making small changes to improve the overall dining experience.

You may also see menu additions like chicken wings on the entrees menu and a steak. Bob will oversee onsite operations, with Jana focusing on the back office and Staples working on marketing, social media and IT.