The Charlottesville 29

Meatball sub from John Street Deli

Virtual restaurants have reached Charlottesville. Popular in other cities, a virtual restaurant is essentially a restaurant without a dining room. Instead of you going to the restaurant, the restaurant comes to you. The concept was already on the rise before COVID-19, and the pandemic’s call for social distancing has only accelerated its growth. Other variations launching this week in Charlottesville include Cville Supper Club and Mr. Nice Guy.

One pro of virtual restaurants is versatility. Today, Keevil & Keevil is launching not just one virtual restaurants but four, each built around favorite foods of owners Harrison & Jennifer Keevil.

Fowl Mouthed Chicken specializes in Harrison’s own fried chicken — whether on sandwiches, or as platters with sides like fried pickles, creamed spinach, potato chips made to order, and “smoked carrot smash.”

John Street Deli, named after the NYC street on which Harrison lived during culinary school, features deli classics: hot subs, cold subs, and egg sandwiches, all on fresh bread made daily by Albemarle Baking Company. Examples include meatball subs, chicken parm, and steak & cheese.

Bowls & Skewers builds a menu around grilled kebabs – chicken, lamb, pork or celeriac – which are available as platters with rice, pita, and sides, or as bowls over greens, rice, and toppings, like pickled onion, sweet potato, roasted tomato, and feta. Sandwiches include Late Night in London, a nod to Harrison’s time living in London: leg of lamb with lettuce, tomato, onion, pickle, and yogurt dressing.

Got Baked Cookies features Jennifer’s chocolate chip cookies, including versions with bacon, toffee, or peanut butter cups. There are also personal-sized pies: pecan, apples, or raspberry and frangipan tart.

Delivery hours are Tue-Thurs 11:30-7 and Friday 11:30-2, and orders can be placed from Keevil & Keevil’s website. Delivery only for now, with takeout options beginning next week. Meanwhile, you can follow each concept on Instagram: Fowl Mouthed Chicken, John Street Deli, Bowls & Skewers, and Got Baked Cookies.

“We look forward to cooking for our neighbors,” said Harrison.