Hussey Brothers Opened Lily's Italian Bistro
Ronnie and Tommy Hussey launched their new restaurant in the Near West End of Richmond.
Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Openings & Closings
Live Poll
Do you welcome the opening of a new independent restaurant in your neighborhood?
Restaurateurs Ronnie and Tommy Hussey have opened Lily's Italian Bistro in Richmond. The new establishment takes over a space previously occupied by Palani Drive.
Why it matters
The opening marks a return to the industry for the brothers, who previously operated Lola's Farmhouse Bistro. They came out of retirement to launch this new business venture.
The new restaurant occupies the site formerly held by Palani Drive, which served the community for nearly 30 years before closing in the summer of 2026.
The players
Ronnie Hussey
He is a restaurant owner who came out of retirement to launch Lily's Italian Bistro.
Tommy Hussey
He is a restaurant owner who co-founded the new business with his brother.
The details
Owners Ronnie and Tommy Hussey successfully transformed the former Palani Drive site in the Near West End into their new restaurant space. The brothers previously managed Lola's Farmhouse Bistro before deciding to come out of retirement.
Timeline
Palani Drive closed in the summer of 2026.
The news of the opening was published on September 21, 2026.
Market Landscape
The launch of Lily's Italian Bistro follows the established pattern of new restaurateurs revitalizing long-vacant commercial properties in the Near West End. This transition reflects a broader shift in the local dining scene as legacy businesses close and new operators move into prime locations.
Residents in the Near West End now have a new dining option available following the transformation of the former Palani Drive site. Customers can expect a different culinary experience compared to the establishment that operated at this address for the past three decades.
The takeaway
Opening a new restaurant after retirement highlights the persistent appeal of the hospitality industry for experienced operators. The move effectively revitalizes a long-standing location that had served the Richmond community for nearly 30 years.
Further reading
For more information on the latest dining scene changes, visit the Openings & Closings section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Axios.
Live Poll
Do you welcome the opening of a new independent restaurant in your neighborhood?
