Give Me Liberty…

You might find a new local favorite next time you’re in Church Hill.

Liberty Public House is owned and operated by Alexa Schuett, who bought the restaurant in November 2019. Alexa purchased the business for its historical significance, nestled in the heart of Church Hill as part of the East End Theatre.

The restaurant serves new American food with favorites including the RVA Hot Chicken Sandwich, bacon balsamic Brussels sprouts, chili, and grits. Quarantine gave Liberty Public House an opportunity to revamp their menu, which now features 20 new sandwiches including the South of Philly cheesesteak with pickles and pimento cheese.

Alexa started working in the restaurant industry when she attended VCU. After graduation, she dived deep into her love of cooking and had eyes set on running a restaurant one day. Alexa and her wife fell in love with Church Hill and continue to support the community. Back in January, Liberty Public House hosted a huge event as a “new ownership party” where all proceeds went to Side by Side, an organization dedicated in supporting Virginia’s LGBTQ youth.

Like so many other restaurants, times have been challenging.  At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, they laid off their entire staff but were able to make grocery boxes full of fresh veggies, fruit, pasta, eggs, and other necessities until their unemployment began. Serving the community has always been important to Alexa. They have supported Feed the Frontlines to offer meals weekly to nurses across Richmond.  They have also begun donating meals through a queer VCU students to keep Black Lives Matter organizers fed.

“You just can’t fight injustice on an empty stomach,” Alexa said.

Liberty Public House is now open and ready to serve with outdoor seating available. For more information about this queer-owned business, visit Facebook.