News Summary
Two new dining establishments, Ember and The Jewish Mother’s Deli, are set to open in Merchants Square this fall. Ember will offer a unique American-Asian fusion menu featuring seafood and steak, while The Jewish Mother’s Deli will provide classic Jewish foods in a grab-and-go format. These additions aim to enhance the culinary landscape of Williamsburg and cater to a variety of dining preferences, reflecting the owner’s commitment to the community and local flavors.
Williamsburg — Two new restaurants, Ember and The Jewish Mother’s Deli, are set to open in Merchants Square this upcoming fall. Located at the former sites of La Piazza and Blackbird Bakery, the establishments are owned by Sid Hall, the president of the Historic Hospitality Group, which already operates popular dining venues in the area, including Waypoint Seafood & Grill, Water Street Grille, and Riverwalk Restaurant.
Ember will introduce an American-Asian fusion dining experience to Williamsburg’s culinary scene, featuring a menu that highlights seafood, steak, and sushi. This new restaurant aims to stand apart from traditional seafood restaurants and steakhouses, offering a diverse selection that will appeal to a variety of palates.
In tandem with Ember, The Jewish Mother’s Deli will serve as a counter-style grab-and-go eatery. Inspired by Hall’s Jewish heritage, this deli will provide classic Jewish foods such as bagels, corned beef, pastrami, and matzah ball soup, catering primarily to guests seeking quick dining options while exploring Colonial Williamsburg.
The integration of these two distinct dining models aims to enrich the local gastronomic landscape, offering more choices for residents and visitors alike. Hall’s commitment to the community is evident in his excitement for these openings, which enhance family-friendly dining in his hometown.
Owner Background
Sid Hall’s passion for the restaurant industry is rooted in his family’s legacy, with a grandfather who owned a pizza restaurant and a mother who spent 36 years in food sales. Building on this foundation, Hall has demonstrated a clear trajectory within the industry, having interned at a food distributor and worked as a server. His operational expertise grew when he served as Vice President of Operations under the previous owner of Waypoint Seafood & Grill and Water Street Grille.
In the past year, Hall acquired and successfully reopened Riverwalk Restaurant, further enhancing his portfolio and solidifying his role as a key player in Williamsburg’s restaurant scene.
Future Prospects
Both Ember and The Jewish Mother’s Deli are slated to open their doors early this fall, and more information can be found on their respective websites. Their arrival is anticipated with enthusiasm, as they promise to complement the existing culinary options in the area while providing unique dining experiences that reflect both modern and traditional influences.
This development marks an exciting chapter for Merchants Square, highlighting the ongoing growth of the restaurant industry in Williamsburg and enriching the cultural experience of the Colonial Williamsburg area. As these new dining options emerge, they not only celebrate diverse culinary traditions but also contribute to the local economy and community spirit.
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Additional Resources
- WYDaily: Two New Restaurants Coming to Merchants Square This Fall
- Wikipedia: Williamsburg, Virginia
- Grub Street: I Cavallini New Four Horsemen Restaurant Opens NYC
- Google Search: Williamsburg restaurant news
- BK Mag: Review of Yellow Rose East by Rose Marie
- Google Scholar: restaurant industry Williamsburg
- Greenpointers: Summer Restaurant Week 2025
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Restaurant
- Laughing Squid: Missy Robbins Williamsburg Italian Restaurants
- Google News: restaurant openings
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.
