Local cookie shop owner announces new location after Shockoe fire

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- A local homemade cookie shop severely damaged by the Shockoe Bottom fire in June is opening a new location in the aftermath.

According to a social post made by the business, oatmeal cream pie shop “OMG OCPs," announced on Thursday, July 10, that they are looking to rebuild and intend to open in the next six months.

The new location is 1.5 blocks away from the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, and is near N. Belmont Street in Richmond. It reportedly has 600 more square feet for a larger kitchen.

On Wednesday, June 25, a large fire caused significant damage to a two-story building at 1700 E. Main Street in Richmond. Three businesses were impacted, as well as multiple residents. While no one was hurt, two firefighters experienced heat exhaustion. 

One of those affected by the damaging fire was Erin Kennedy, owner of “OMG OCPs.” Despite the setback, Kennedy said the incident may open doors for her business. However, on June 28, just three days after the fire, she announced that the building was considered too dangerous to enter, but she was able to take insurance photographs and grab wall decor and plants.

This comes after the shop faced multiple hurdles since its opening less than two years ago, including three separate floods, vandalism and bricks thrown through the store’s windows.