Upgrades planned at Vivify Burger & Lounge

The City of Fredericksburg’s first rooftop restaurant and bar, Vivify Burger & Lounge, is planning upgrades to ensure the elements no longer determine whether their upper level remains open.

Aby Bethem – co-owner of the downtown establishment with her husband, Blake – will meet with Fredericksburg’s Architectural Review Board on May 14 to discuss the installation of a new roof structure over a section of Vivify’s roof deck. Bethem said that currently, the slightest drizzle forces them to close the rooftop as they are unable to properly cover the point-of-sale computers and devices at the bar without interrupting service.

Patrons need not fear losing sight of the sky, however, because the proposed structure will predominantly cover the bar area to allow service to continue in the presence of light sprinkles. In addition to providing this shelter, Bethem said the construction of the roof structure should also allow them to install heaters for use during the cooler days of Spring and Autumn, translating into almost year-round use of the popular space at 314 William Street.

The Bethems are no strangers to downtown dining establishments, as they owned and operated Bistro Bethem across the street at 309 William for many years. They sold that business last year to local chef Jacqueline Hartman, who now runs The Confident Rabbit from that location.