And he’s getting ready to up the ante for Richmond beer bars even more with The Answer Brewpub, his brewpub in the works at 6008 W. Broad St. in the former Soju Cafe & Club... just a few doors down from Mekong, which is at 6004 W. Broad St.

The Answer Brewpub space is massive: three levels of 12,000 square feet with three bars scattered throughout and seating for 500 (Mekong seats 300) – and Bui has plans for every inch of space.

“The space reminds me of a German beer hall, with all the different rooms,” Bui said.

Construction is already underway for the first phase of The Answer Brewpub: the actual restaurant portion, which will open in May or June of this year.

When it was Soju Cafe & Club, the space had a small dining room in front with a giant club space in the back. Bui plans to flip the entrance to the restaurant, having diners enter through the back (where he’ll also be adding a patio); the former dining room will be used for brewing and Bui has already ordered a seven barrel system.