RVA Magazine “Behind the Rebirth: Inside Story of Harry’s at the Hofheimer”
The Hofheimer Building has always been a central fixture in Richmond's history, with its roots stretching back to 1928 when it was originally opened by the Hofheimer Rug Company, owned by Harry Hofheimer. Over the years, the building transformed, housing various businesses but in 2015, Carter Snipes, co-owner of The Hofheimer, took the reins of this iconic building.
His vision for the space evolved over time, bringing in Peter Chang’s restaurant, which still operates on the first floor, and launching a series of rooftop pop-up parties called Sunsets at the Hof in 2016. In 2018, Snipes officially opened The Hofgarden, a pizza and beer spot that quickly became a local favorite. However, when the pandemic hit, it became clear that the building and its offerings needed a complete reboot.
“We had a really good run, but Covid hit this place really hard, and it kind of went sideways. We were going through the things that people were going through, bad crowds, bad DJs, and all kinds of stuff. I thought, the neighborhood is changing, I want to bring this back to being a community space where it started, and be focused on being a community place…””
That's when Natalie McNamara came on board as managing partner in early 2023, helping Snipes reimagine the space with a fresh concept and a renewed focus. Together, they launched Harry's at the Hofheimer, breathing new life into the building with an emphasis on food, community, and versatile event spaces.
The space within the Hofheimer Building is divided into two distinct areas: The Library and The Loft, both multi-purpose spaces capable of hosting everything from intimate gatherings to large-scale events. The Library, which opens Tuesday through Sunday (except for private events), offers a cocktail bar and lounge areas, and is set to feature local live music in a more laid-back, lounge vibe. The Loft, a larger area designed for grander events, hosts everything from weddings to themed celebrations like the recent Gatsby-inspired New Year’s Eve party. After an event, guests can transition into The Library for cocktail hour before the space transforms into a reception area, giving the building’s versatile layout a chance to shine.
One of the standout features of Harry's at the Hofheimer is its rooftop, which offers unparalleled views of the Richmond skyline. The rooftop bar is a perfect place to sip a craft cocktail while enjoying the vibrant energy of Scott's Addition, one of Richmond’s fastest-growing neighborhoods. Snipes and McNamara are committed to making the building a hub for the community. As Snipes mentioned, when he purchased the building in 2015, the area was vastly different. Since then, Scott’s Addition has undergone a dramatic transformation, with new restaurants, breweries, and businesses popping up all around. Harry’s at the Hofheimer stands as a beacon of what the future holds for this exciting part of Richmond.
McNamara highlighted that Harry’s aims to be more than just a restaurant or bar. It’s a space where people come together to celebrate—whether it’s for a drag brunch, a women’s business panel, or a local music performance. "This is a place where people go to celebrate," McNamara said, emphasizing that the goal is to create an environment that fosters community and engagement.
As Richmond continues to grow and change, so too does Harry’s at the Hofheimer. Snipes and McNamara are incredibly excited about what’s to come for the space, with a clear focus on building something that is both timeless and deeply rooted in the community. As McNamara put it, “People really want to get back to being in person and engaging with each other,” and they’re striving to offer exactly that—a place where people can come together, celebrate, and enjoy the best of what Richmond has to offer.