Two of the best things in the Charlottesville food community are coming together. Beer Run. And Laura Fonner.
To many, it’s clear what makes this news. But for those who need a primer: founded in 2007, Beer Run is Charlottesville’s quintessential family restaurant. Brought into existence by government restrictions on alcohol, Beer Run has since been a fixture on The Charlottesville 29, and a perennial winner of other awards.
As for Fonner, she is Charlottesville’s most famous chef. The longtime chef of Duner’s and philanthropist became a star when she started dominating Food Network game shows. In 2022, she launched her own restaurant, Siren, which closed amongst Champion Hospitality Group’s demise, and since then has had various jobs, most recently at Common House.
To some, Beer Run may seem an odd fit for such an accomplished chef. A beer store? I recall once hearing an Ivy mom exclaim: “I can’t believe I’m eating at a place called Beer Run!”
But to Fonner, the fit feels natural. Beer Run is where she has been a customer more than almost anywhere else. “I have been with friends, I have been on dates, and I have met for business,” said Fonner. “It’s a space that makes me feel comfortable, and makes me want to be a part of.” Beyond the personal connection, Fonner values what the seventeen-year-old restaurant means to the community. “It’s a place of neighborhood gathering — a long-standing icon of the Charlottesville culinary community, family owned and operated,” said Fonner. “A true gem in a sea of hundreds of restaurants opened throughout the years.”
Beer Run is just as delighted. “Laura’s resume speaks for itself,” said co-owner Josh Hunt. “Bringing someone on with her extensive chops and creativity was obviously a massive draw.” More than that, Hunt cites the personal fit. “She’s got great character,” said Hunt. “It became crystal clear that she truly gets Beer Run, from a mission and ethos perspective — providing high quality, from-scratch food, made with love.”
Regulars need not fear a menu overall. Staples like nachos, breakfast tacos, and sandwiches aren’t going anywhere. What will change? “We plan to continue to make delicious food that reminds me of an extremely well-done family meal,” said Fonner. “With a splash of Laura Fonner.” What that splash entails remains to be seen, but Fonner expects to draw on her love of what she calls “gourmet stoner food,” a term she once coined on TV. She’s been working on the perfect crunch wrap, new bar snacks, and “new and exciting salads” she says you could find only in her head. “There is no bigger flavor than love for something you do and I couldn’t be more excited for this transition,” said Fonner.
Fonner begins as Head Chef of Beer Run on September 9. Fonner:
I have done a lot of things in my career, but I have yet to find anything that makes me as happy as the idea of moving to Beer Run where I can line cook in a neighborhood restaurant that is family-owned and make food I can afford and want to eat. We all know chefs do more than that, but I hope that anybody who has paid attention to my values throughout my career hears what I’m saying. I want to be back with my people again, back where I cook humble yet amazing food and talk to the community while doing it. Back where I get the vibe — yes I just said vibe, blame it on my kids — that reminds me of why I started and why I have lasted this long.
Love is love and not fade away.