Hampton’s historic Phoebus has a few comings and goings, but the area still has that special vibe.
Native Soul Bar & Market at 9 E. Mellen St. is a recent addition. The mother-daughter team of Marlo Blount and Janae Scott own the naturalist’s haven with smoothies, herbal tea, cold-pressed juices, raw vegan plant cakes, natural soaps and candles. All food items are for takeout only.
The market also sells stylish mugs, artistic stickers and Native Soul branded T-shirts and hoodies, Blount said.
“We’ve also set aside a cozy corner dedicated to self-care enthusiasts, offering a thoughtfully selected collection of self-care books to enhance your well-being,” Blount said.
An on-site certified herbalist, Dawn Lewis, crafts the herbal teas. Those and the fresh-made, ice-free smoothies are house specialties. Lewis offers consultation sessions for people seeking herbal remedies.
A new restaurant, Cibus Chophouse, opened in the former Drexler’s Wood Fired Grill spot at 30 E. Mellen St. Phoebe Jayne and Justin Ramos are partnering with general manager Brad Monte on the dining destination, according to a news release posted to Facebook.
Cibus’ online menu includes wood-fired steaks, pork chops and racks of lamb in addition to wings, smash burgers and desserts like tiramisu.
For the art lover, Art Central Gallery recently opened across from The American Theatre with an array of African-style art and African American art. Soon, the gallery will start teaching art classes and workshops, said Dominique DeBose, executive director for The Phoebus Partnership.
There is also hope for the Lancer’s property on the corner at the entrance of the historic area. After being closed for many years and left in disrepair, the commercial space is available for rent, based on recent signage, said DeBose, who also works for Hampton Economic Development.
While there have been some openings, the first Black-owned brewery in Hampton Roads shut its doors in October. 1865 Brewing Co., just 2 years old, was unable to be financially sustainable, the business said on Facebook.
Up the road, Tres Compadres is working to open in the former Hardee’s restaurant, DeBose added.
The Phoebus Partnership and DeBose are not on their own when it comes to keeping the area vibrant.
Hampton Roads’ Retail Alliance secured a $100,000 Virginia Business District Resurgence Grant from the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development. The grant will implement a retail technical assistance program for Phoebus’ current retailers. This project will incorporate individual business assessments and mini-implementation grants of $3,000 to $5,000 that will be awarded to five businesses. There will also be three educational workshops for all businesses within the commercial district, she said.
