News Summary
The culinary scene in Williamsburg expands with the introduction of Hohl, a new coffee and bake shop by Australian chef Chris Starke. Set to open on North Boundary Street in November 2024, this second location caters to the increasing demand for dining options in downtown. Known for its freshly roasted coffee and baked goods, Hohl aims to enhance community connections through its focus on quality and locally sourced ingredients. With further plans for additional locations, Starke’s vision promises to enrich Williamsburg’s vibrant food culture.
Williamsburg Expands Dining Scene with New Hohl Coffee and Bake Shop Location
Williamsburg’s culinary landscape is set to broaden as Australian chef Chris Starke unveils the second location of his coffee and bake shop, Hohl, on North Boundary Street. This new establishment opens its doors in November 2024 in response to growing community demand for more dining options in downtown Williamsburg.
The Hohl flagship store, located on Richmond Road in Toano, established its reputation following its debut in 2022. The café specializes in a range of offerings, including freshly roasted coffee, a selection of teas, and homemade sodas, alongside an extensive array of baked goods. Hohl also features a breakfast and lunch menu, plus options for beer and wine, all crafted with fresh local ingredients.
Starke’s journey into the culinary world began at the young age of 14, motivated by his admiration for celebrity chef Jamie Oliver. He initially started his career at McDonald’s in Sydney before dropping out of school to fully embrace his culinary aspirations. Following an apprenticeship, he honed his skills in several prestigious restaurants, including Banc, which at the time held a spot among the top 100 restaurants worldwide.
Background on Hohl’s Expansion
The chef opened his first café in Australia in 2010 and swiftly expanded his business to five locations, one of which was named Hohl. Starke’s passion for food led him to move to Williamsburg in 2021, where he opened the first U.S. location. His wife, Whitney, who is originally from Williamsburg, plays an integral role in the family’s culinary endeavors. Together, they are raising three young children.
The initial response to Hohl in Toano was overwhelmingly positive, driving Starke to launch a second site in downtown Williamsburg. This upcoming location aims to meet the demand for additional dining options and is part of an ongoing effort to enhance the community’s culinary amenities.
Future Plans and Community Engagement
In addition to the North Boundary Street location, Starke has announced plans for a third Hohl establishment, set to open at 1012 Richmond Road near Midtown Row by the end of the year. This new location will not only serve freshly baked goods and a limited breakfast, brunch, and lunch menu but also plans select dinner service. Starke’s vision includes expanding Hohl’s offerings to include catering services, along with bread-baking and coffee-brewing classes.
With an overarching goal to create a space where community connections flourish through food, Starke has emphasized the importance of community in the hospitality industry. This ethos aligns well with the ongoing support from the Williamsburg Economic Development Authority, which has provided a revenue-sharing incentive of up to $40,000 to assist in modernizing the new facility. Officials anticipate significant local tax returns as a result of Hohl’s expansion.
Starke’s innovative approach to the café model combines his culinary expertise with a desire to build relationships within the community. The new Hohl location is set to be defined as “a high-end bakery with a slightly Australian twist,” promising to bring a unique dining experience to Williamsburg.
Through his dedication to quality and community-centered service, Chris Starke continues to make a notable imprint on the local food scene, while Hohl’s expansion aims to further enrich the gastronomic culture of Williamsburg.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Williamsburg Welcomes New Hohl Restaurant Offering Baked Goods and Culinary Classes
Additional Resources
- Daily Press: Hohl Owner Finds Success
- Wikipedia: Williamsburg, Virginia
- WYDaily: Williamsburg Economic Development Authority
- Google Search: Hohl Coffee and Bake Shop
- Flat Hat News: Hohl Provides Community-Centered Atmosphere
- Google Scholar: Chris Starke Cooking
- Daily Press: Hohl to Open 2nd Location
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Culinary Arts
- Daily Press: Haru Sushi Aims to Elevate Sushi
- Google News: Williamsburg Dining
Author: STAFF HERE WILLIAMSBURG WRITER
WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER The WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWilliamsburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Williamsburg, James City County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Williamsburg Farmers Market, Yorktown Market Days, and Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce and Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, plus leading businesses in education and hospitality that power the local economy such as College of William & Mary, The Williamsburg Winery, and Sodexo. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREVirginiaBeach.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Virginia's dynamic landscape.
