‘I believe in the business’: Local cookie shop owner sees Shockoe Bottom fire as blessing in disguise

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — A local business owner is finding hope in the aftermath of last week’s fire in Shockoe Bottom that damaged several businesses, including her own.

On Wednesday, June 25, crews with the Richmond Fire Department were called to a mixed-use building at 1700 E. Main Street for the report of a structure fire. Firefighters then spent hours battling the flames.

While no one is facing charges, three residents and three businesses were impacted by the fire. The displaced residents included a newlywed couple that had just moved in, while the damaged businesses included a cookie shop called OMG OCPs and a restaurant called the Daily Menu.

One of those affected was Erin Kennedy, owner of the oatmeal cream pie shop “OMG OCPs.” Despite the setback, Kennedy says the incident may open doors for her business.

“I think there's a great blessing that could be disguised in this for both my business and the building,” Kennedy said.

Since opening less than two years ago, Kennedy’s shop has faced a string of challenges, including three separate floods, vandalism and even bricks thrown through the store’s windows.

“We recently had a homeless, unhoused person come in and vandalize our bathroom,” Kennedy said. “We’ve had bricks thrown through our window down there.”

Now, she’s viewing the fire as a potential turning point. The damage could allow her to relocate to a larger space -- one better equipped to meet growing customer demand for her oatmeal cream pies.

“I believe in myself. I believe in the cookies, and I believe in our concept and I believe in the business,” Kennedy said. “I really do think that this really does have great potential to be a blessing in disguise.”

Kennedy also caters to corporate events, weddings and other large orders, and said a bigger kitchen would help her better serve those clients.

For now, she plans to reopen in Shockoe Bottom, with a timeline of about four months.