BRUN FEATURED IN RICHMOND MAGAZINE

Author: Eileen Mellon - Richmond Magazine

Originally North Side neighbors, now friends and business partners, the owners of Brun, a whiskey and cigar lounge coming to the Fan, Charles Wilson and Adam Evans credit the pandemic with forging their relationship.

“During COVID-19 time, our families got close,” says Evans, a former Chesterfield county school administrator and teacher in Charlottesville. “We had similar energies and passion.”

The duo aim to create an atmospheric venue, housed in the former Poor Boys RVA space, that blends dining, live music and an appreciation for quality conversation — all enjoyed with a fine cigar and neat whiskey in hand.  

“I call it a social experience,” says Wilson, a Chicago native.

The back half of Brun, which is French for “brown,” will be a dedicated cigar lounge, home to wraparound couches and a humidor in partnership with Griffin Lounge, with membership opportunities available.

Wilson, whose resume includes training nuclear operators, six years with the U.S. Navy and founding the workforce development school Legacy Builders S.T.E.M. Academy, asks, “Why do people revere this [whiskey]? What do they mean by ‘notes?’ It’s about understanding and having that sensory knowledge.”

Crafting the Caribbean-inspired menu is Executive Chef Nichole Richardson, also owner of the food truck Mobile Yum Yum. Overseeing operations is General Manager Chauncey Jenkins, best known for his tenure at The Jefferson Hotel, followed by a stint at Common House Richmond.

Evans and Wilson say they were extremely thoughtful about who they wanted on their team, and collaboration is key.  

“We predominantly partnered with minority contractors, Black-owned businesses and women-owned businesses, so when the final product is rolled out, all they see is excellence,” Wilson says.