JohnS Posted February 9 Posted February 9 Griffin Lounge Petersburg offers variety of cigars, sweets, coffees, teas Kristi K. Higgins - Petersburg Progress-Index Historic Trailways Bus Station, beautifully restored: Cigar lounge, restaurant Did you know Faris Sanabani opened his Griffin Lounge Petersburg in the the former Trailways Bus Station, a historic landmark built in 1946. He had a soft opening on January 20. The former bus station was desegregated in August of 1960 following a series of sit-ins held by local civil rights leader Wyatt Tee Walker, the former chief-of-staff to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Faris Sanabani, Griffin Lounge Petersburg owner, hands Beth Calik the pastries that she selected to take home on February 4, 2025. Calik was happy to hear about the bakery. "I think it's a phenomenal use of this historic space. It had been sitting empty for too long. I love the retro vibe. The Husk of Coffee tea was the best coffee I've ever had. It doesn't need a thing." Kristi K. Higgins/Progress-Index.com "For now, we are open seven days a week from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. The time will change later as business picks up," Sanabani said. "We have some of the best of the world when it comes to sweets and coffee. We look forward to serving the community." On the left, Larry Cole of Sutherland dines at the new Griffin Lounge Petersburg with Timothy Meadows of Church Road on Feb. 4, 2025. Cole ordered a Crispy Chicken Fillet Sandwich, and Meadows ordered a NY Style Philly Cheese Steak. They both enjoyed the sandwiches. Cole had to take half of his home, because it was so large. Kristi K. Higgins/Progress-Index.com For brunch, customers may order freshly-baked croissants three different ways: egg and cheese, $6.99, chicken, egg and cheese, $7.99, and steak, egg and cheese, $8.99. The menu also includes a house salad for $8.99, a Crispy Chicken Fillet Sandwich for $11.99 and a NY Style Philly Cheese Steak for $12.99. Griffin Lounge Petersburg: Beverage options The house drinks at Griffin Lounge Petersburg range in price from $3 to $10. Yemeni Coffee: Bold, aromatic with rich earthy undertones Coffee Husk: Refreshing brewed Husk of Coffee tea with a delicate earthy flavor Sand Brewed Coffee: Smoky, smooth with a deep, robust flavor Golden Tea: Fragrant, mildly sweet with a rich, golden hue Green Tea: Freshly brewed loose-leaf tea Drip Coffee: Organic coffee crafted from premium coffee cherries, unparalleled in quality Water, soft drinks, sparkling water and a variety of tea bag flavors are also available. Sand brewed coffee at Griffin Lounge Petersburg. Kristi K. Higgins/Progress-Index.com Mehmet Canli, a five-generation Turkish sweet master, at Griffin Lounge Petersburg on Feb. 4, 2025. Kristi K. Higgins/Progress-Index.com Valentine’s Day event: Griffin Lounge Petersburg Attend Griffin Lounge Petersburg's first event. On Valentine's Day, step into history at the beautifully restored iconic landmark building. Sanabani desires to provide an unforgettable experience. "We will have handcrafted sweets by a top Turkish sweet master who brings the rich flavors of the world to diners' plates, and a Yemeni barista who captures the essence of true coffee craftsmanship while he expertly drafts exquisite coffee," Sanabani said. "Celebrate love, history and indulgence all in one place. Join us for unforgettable moments." The cigar lounge at Griffin Lounge Petersburg on Feb. 4, 2025. Kristi K. Higgins/Progress-Index.com On February 4, I stopped in to give the new biz a whirl. The historic space is beautiful. Sanabani walked around with me and pointed out the features that he, with great passion, preserved and restored. I ordered the chicken, egg and cheese on a freshly-baked croissant. It was amazing! I will order it again for sure. I also tasted three pastries which were marvelous. Sanabani is renaming the preservative-free, homemade desserts based on what customers are calling them. I met Mehmet Canli, a fifth-generation Turkish sweet master, and his son Yunus who translated for him. We stepped outside to look at the patio which wraps around a big portion of the building. The mural of a Black man wearing a blue suit and tie with a white hat and loafers which has been stylin' on the side of Fashion Care Cleaners for over 50 years can be viewed from the patio. I bet when Sanabani finishes his vision, the patio will be fabulous. Years ago, Sanabani witnessed a long line at a restaurant in Turkey. Loyal patrons were waiting in line for steak sandwiches. He stepped inside and met the cook. They kept up with each other after Sanabani returned to the Richmond area. Luck was on Sanabani's side when his new friend reached out to him with the name of a Turkish sweet master in Ohio who he thought would be perfect for Griffin Lounge Petersburg. Mehmet Canli worked as an Uber driver for two years while he waited for the perfect match. Sanabani and his Griffin Lounge Petersburg checked off all of his boxes. He moved his entire family from Cleveland to Petersburg. "My father is training me to be a sweet master, and if I have a son some day, I will train him," Yunus Canli said. Cigars in Griffin Lounge Petersburg's walk-in humidor on Feb. 4, 2025. Kristi K. Higgins/Progress-Index.com If you have a sweet tooth, you may be interested in trying the cookies, cakes, baklava and other desserts. For lovers of cigars, check out Sanabani's cigar lounge. It has a walk-in humidor with an enormous selection of cigars. Live music will also be hosted at Griffin Lounge Petersburg located at 108 E. Washington Street. Follow Griffin Lounge on Facebook for more information including the grand opening. Source: https://eu.progress-index.com/story/news/2025/02/07/petersburg-restaurant-offers-coffees-cigars-desserts-teas-sandwiches-restored-iconic-landmark/78289235007/ 3 1
BlueRidgeFly Posted February 9 Posted February 9 Thanks. Will remember this next time I’m down that way 👍 1
Redgoldband Posted February 10 Posted February 10 Shoutout to my home state! Grew up not too far from that area. 1
JohnS Posted March 4 Author Posted March 4 New cigar lounge and pastry shop makes its way to Petersburg by: Nia McMillan - Posted: Mar 3, 2025 / 06:01 PM EST, Updated: Mar 3, 2025 / 06:01 PM EST PETERSBURG, Va. (WRIC) — Petersburg is welcoming a new business into the area a ribbon cutting ceremony on Thursday, Feb. 27. The Griffin Lounge is located in the historic Trailways Bus Station building at 108 E. Washington St. and serves coffee, teas, pastries and sandwiches from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesdays through Saturdays. The business also doubles as a cigar lounge and in a Facebook post made by the by Griffin Lounge they say “cigar lovers will enjoy relaxing on the comfortable leather sofas while trying a cigar from the many options in the humidor.” The cigar lounge is separated by from the main area by glass doors and filtration system –customers can also see expanded offerings, music and other events in the next few months. Several people were in attendance at the ribbon cutting ceremony such as Mayor Sam Parham, Vice Mayor Darrin Hill, Council Members W. Howard Myers, just to name a few. Source: https://www.wric.com/news/local-news/the-tri-cities/new-cigar-lounge-and-pastry-shop-makes-its-way-to-petersburg/ 1
.png.15b5f6bc4159a73805a9f118f79a68ca.png)
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now