Manny Baiden to Open New Restaurant ‘Aya’ in Shockoe Slip
Manny Baiden is opening a new restaurant named Aya in the former Sam Miller's space in Shockoe Slip, Richmond. The location, previously slated for a sports bar that did not open, will house Aya, an expansion of Baiden's catering company…
Richmond Petersburg, VA, November 5, 2026 —
Richmond, VA – Restaurateur Manny Baiden is set to open a new dining establishment named Aya in the historic Shockoe Slip district of Richmond. The upcoming restaurant will occupy the space formerly known as Sam Miller’s.
The location has seen previous plans for a sports bar that ultimately did not materialize. Aya will represent an expansion of Baiden’s existing catering company, Manny Eats. The new venture is focused on offering West African and diasporic-influenced cuisine, aiming to bring a unique culinary experience to the area.
The anticipated opening timeline for Aya is set for early 2027, with a possibility of opening in the spring preceding it. Further details regarding the specific menu, staffing, or interior design have not yet been publicly released.
Baiden’s expansion into a full-service restaurant follows his work with Manny Eats, a catering business that has established a presence in the region. The choice of Shockoe Slip, a historically significant area in Richmond, suggests a strategic positioning for the new eatery.
The development marks a new chapter for the former Sam Miller’s location, which has been vacant after the sports bar project failed to launch. Aya’s focus on West African and diasporic flavors is expected to add diversity to Richmond’s existing restaurant landscape.
Story summarized from the original created by Mike Platania on richmondbizsense.com, see more information here.
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