A Personal Plea to Williamsburg City Council: Don’t Tax the Spirit Out of Our City

Every so often, someone puts into words what many of us have been feeling — not just as business owners, but as neighbors and long-time members of this community. This week, that someone was Neil Griggs, owner of the beloved Cochon on 2nd — one of Williamsburg’s top local restaurants and a place that represents the very best of what our town has to offer.

Neil recently shared a powerful letter about the City of Williamsburg’s proposal to raise the meal tax, admission tax, and water fees in order to balance the 2026 budget. And he’s absolutely right to be concerned. As someone who’s lived, worked, and built a business here, I share his worry — and his passion for protecting the spirit of this place we call home.

At a time when small businesses are lowering prices and pivoting to survive a changing tourism market, the idea of raising taxes on food, water, and entertainment is not just counterintuitive — it’s harmful. It’s a short-term fix that risks long-term damage. And it sends the wrong message to the entrepreneurs, creatives, and risk-takers who fuel Williamsburg’s local economy.

Neil says it best. Here’s his full letter — and I urge you to read it:

From Neil Griggs, Owner of Cochon on 2nd:

“In March 2020, I sent my first email to this community, sharing how Cochon on 2nd would pivot to Cochon at Home during an unprecedented crisis. Today, I write to you again with that same urgency and hope—this time, about a decision that could shape the future of our beloved Williamsburg.

I would like to discuss the Williamsburg City Council’s proposal to increase the Meal Tax, Admission Tax, and Water Tax to balance the 2026 Operating Budget. While I deeply respect the Council’s efforts, I feel strongly that this is a colossal misinterpretation of today’s marketplace, a low-hanging quick fix with high risk and an absolute disregard for history.

When I was in college years ago, I waited tables at Chowning’s Tavern. It was one of the very best summer server jobs in town, where often the lines at lunch stretched to the Courthouse. Today, its doors are closed.

I opened Cochon on 2nd in 2015, and we thrived with five years of double-digit growth. Along came Covid, and we all remember the long, tough battle that was. Spring 2022 brought hope, but it faded fast. Tourist attendance continues to drop quarter after quarter, and 2025 so far has been dismal. May may bring a short-term bump, but the summer forecast looks grim.

At Cochon, we’re adapting. We’re reducing prices, rethinking menus, and doing everything but raising prices. Meanwhile, the city is planning to raise taxes on our behalf.

Williamsburg is already an expensive family destination and one of Virginia’s weakest tourist performers. If Council raises taxes while businesses lower prices to survive, how will we attract the next generation of entrepreneurs? The Tom Powers, David Everetts, Daniel Abids, and Chohanys of tomorrow will go elsewhere. We risk becoming a city of chains and corporations, with headquarters far from here — and spirit even farther.

If you believe in a Williamsburg rooted in local passion, not corporate templates, email City Council today and urge them to make the right choice. The Golden Goose won’t fly anymore.

Email: council@williamsburgva.gov

Williamsburg’s strength lies in its people. Let’s fight for a future where local businesses and families can thrive.”

Neil’s message resonates deeply with many of us. As a longtime resident and local real estate professional, I see firsthand how much Williamsburg depends on its independent businesses, family-run establishments, and community leaders like Neil. These are the places and people that give our city its identity — and they deserve our support, not additional strain.

So here’s my ask: If you value what makes Williamsburg special — our food scene, our walkable downtown, our entrepreneurial energy — please take a moment to email council@williamsburgva.gov and voice your opposition to this tax increase.

We need leadership that encourages growth, not policies that push it away.

I’m John Womeldorf — also known as Mr. Williamsburg — and I’ve lived and worked in this community for over 20 years. I care deeply about its future, not just as a real estate agent, but as a neighbor, a parent, and someone who believes that local spirit matters. If you ever want to talk about life in Williamsburg — whether you’re looking for a home or simply curious about what’s happening in town — I’m always happy to connect.

John “Mr. Williamsburg” Womeldorf

Phone: 757-254-8136

Email: john@mrwilliamsburg.com

Website: www.mrwilliamsburg.com

Let’s keep Williamsburg local — and keep it thriving.