Oweners: Dave and Dee Scherr Location : Sedley History: The unlikely story of Dave and Dee's Homegrown Mushrooms began with dissatisfaction with the oyster mushrooms that were available at the local grocery store. Thinking that this was an opportunity beyond an immediate problem, the couple decided that they could do better. They produced their first harvest of oyster mushrooms in the spring of 2003 Specialty: Three varieties of oyster mushrooms: Italian gray, yellow and chocolate brown Production Methods: Spores are started in large plastic bags hung from the ceiling of an environmentally controlled, hangar-like warehouse. The mushrooms sprout from holes punched in the side of the bags in order to be easily shorn for harvesting. Where to get it in RVA: Mushrooms are available at Yellow Umbrella Fresh Seafood and on the menus of Lemaire, The Roosevelt, Mezzanine, Patina Restaurant & Bar, C-Street, The Magpie, Acacia mid-town, Saison, Aziza's, Dutch and Co. and Heritage. Future Plans: "We are adding another building, which hopefully allows us to do different types of mushrooms and double our production," says Dee Scherr. "We deliver to all of Hampton Roads and Williamsburg, as well [as to Richmond]." If production can be increased enough, the Scherrs plan to expand the business to D.C. and farther west in the state. Dave & Dee's Homegrown Mushrooms 30683 Peachtree Ave. Sedley, (757) 569-7500 or daveanddeesmushrooms.com
