The rules of the road. Clear, fair, and non-negotiable.
Last updated: February 2026
A RICHMOND ORIGINAL is a certification program and brand directory for businesses, organizations, and brands that were established in or are unique to the Richmond, Virginia metropolitan area. Certification means a brand meets our origin criteria. It is not an endorsement of quality, a guarantee of service, or a recommendation. It means the organization started here or only exists here. That's what we certify.
By purchasing a membership, members agree to these terms in full.
To be certified as A RICHMOND ORIGINAL, a brand must meet the following criteria:
Origin requirement: The brand must have been founded, established, or conceptualized in the Richmond Metro Area (Richmond City, Chesterfield, Henrico, Hanover, Goochland, Powhatan, or New Kent counties), OR the brand must be uniquely tied to Richmond in a way that it could not exist without this city.
What qualifies: Locally founded businesses, restaurants, nonprofits, events, services, and organizations. A Richmond-born brand that has expanded beyond the metro area still qualifies — origin is what matters. Online-only brands with Richmond-based founders qualify.
What does not qualify: Local franchises or licensed locations of brands that originated outside the Richmond Metro Area. If the concept, brand name, and model were created elsewhere and the brand is operating under a franchise, license, or affiliate agreement, it is not eligible. We appreciate the brand being part of the Richmond community, but it didn't start here.
Excluded categories: A RICHMOND ORIGINAL reserves the right to decline certification to brands primarily engaged in the sale of illegal controlled substances, adult entertainment, gambling operations, multi-level marketing or pyramid schemes, or any brand operating without required state or local licenses. A RICHMOND ORIGINAL also reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to decline any application that is determined to be inconsistent with the mission and values of the program.
Each physical location is certified independently. If a brand operates multiple locations within the Richmond Metro Area, each one is certified independently. Each certified location receives its own stickers and directory listing.
Brands with multiple certified locations appear once on the RVA Brand Wall regardless of the number of certified locations.
Brands that operate online, are mobile, or are event-based are certified as a single entity and do not require per-location certification.
A RICHMOND ORIGINAL certification includes a listing in the A RICHMOND ORIGINAL directory, placement on the RVA Brand Wall, two premium weather-proof vinyl stickers (7" and 3 7/8"), digital badge files for use in marketing materials, a welcome social media shout-out, and access to the A RICHMOND ORIGINAL community. Specific benefits may be updated over time, and changes will be communicated to active members.
"A RICHMOND ORIGINAL," "An RVA Original," "RVA Brand Wall," and "Richmond Brand Wall" are trademarks of A RICHMOND ORIGINAL. The A RICHMOND ORIGINAL badge, logo, and associated visual marks are proprietary.
Active, paid members are granted a non-exclusive, non-transferable license to display the A RICHMOND ORIGINAL badge and stickers on physical locations, vehicles, websites, social media, print materials, and other marketing assets for the duration of active membership.
The badge may not be altered, modified, or redesigned. The badge may not be used to imply that A RICHMOND ORIGINAL endorses a specific product, service, or claim. The badge may not be sublicensed to any other party.
Membership is billed annually. Membership renews automatically unless canceled before the renewal date. Payments are non-refundable for the current billing period.
If payment fails, A RICHMOND ORIGINAL will attempt to make contact. If payment is not resolved within 30 days of the billing date, certification lapses. See Section 8 for what happens when certification lapses.
A RICHMOND ORIGINAL reserves the right to edit directory listing content for accuracy, consistency, and formatting. A RICHMOND ORIGINAL will not materially change the description of a brand without consent, but may adjust category assignments, correct factual errors, or format text to maintain consistency across the directory. Members are responsible for notifying A RICHMOND ORIGINAL of any changes to their information.
If membership is not renewed, certification lapses.
The brand is removed from the A RICHMOND ORIGINAL directory and the RVA Brand Wall. The A RICHMOND ORIGINAL badge may no longer be used in any new digital or print marketing materials. The brand is no longer authorized to represent or promote itself using A RICHMOND ORIGINAL in advertising, social media, or public communications.
Physical stickers that are already displayed on storefronts, vehicles, or other surfaces may remain. However, A RICHMOND ORIGINAL reserves the right to request removal of physical stickers at any time, and brands agree to comply with such a request within 30 days.
Lapsed members may re-certify at any time by purchasing a new membership, subject to current pricing and eligibility requirements.
A RICHMOND ORIGINAL may revoke certification for cause, including but not limited to: the brand permanently ceases operations; the brand no longer meets the eligibility criteria outlined in Section 2; the brand engages in conduct that, in our sole judgment, damages the reputation or integrity of the A RICHMOND ORIGINAL program; or the brand loses required state or local licenses.
In the event of revocation for cause, A RICHMOND ORIGINAL will provide written notice to the brand with the reason for revocation. The brand will have 14 days to respond. After considering any response, A RICHMOND ORIGINAL will issue a final decision. This decision is final and not subject to appeal.
Upon revocation, all provisions of Section 8 apply immediately, including the removal of all A RICHMOND ORIGINAL marks, badges, and stickers within 30 days. Continued display of certification materials after revocation and the 30-day removal period constitutes unauthorized use of A RICHMOND ORIGINAL trademarks.
If a certified brand undergoes a change in ownership, or if there are significant changes to the brand name, concept, or identity, the brand should contact A RICHMOND ORIGINAL so certification can be reviewed and updated as needed. A RICHMOND ORIGINAL reserves the right to re-evaluate eligibility in the event of material changes.
A RICHMOND ORIGINAL certification indicates that a brand meets the program's origin-based eligibility criteria. It is not a review, rating, endorsement, or guarantee of the quality of any products, services, or practices. A RICHMOND ORIGINAL makes no representations or warranties about any certified brand. Members may not represent certification as an endorsement or quality guarantee in their marketing.
A RICHMOND ORIGINAL reserves the right to modify the program, including benefits, pricing, eligibility criteria, and these terms, at any time. Material changes will be communicated to active members with reasonable notice. Continued membership after changes take effect constitutes acceptance of the updated terms.
A RICHMOND ORIGINAL is a certification and directory program. A RICHMOND ORIGINAL is not liable for any decisions, interactions, disputes, or outcomes that may arise from or relate to a brand's certification status, directory listing, or participation in the program. Total liability to any member shall not exceed the amount paid by that member in the twelve months preceding any claim.
These terms are governed by the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia. Any disputes arising from these terms or the A RICHMOND ORIGINAL program shall be resolved in the courts of Richmond, Virginia.
Questions? hello@arichmondoriginal.com