Local businesses getting in on April Fools' Day pranks
Apr 01, 2025
No joke. The forecast this April 1 in Hampton Roads is pretty nice. Check out the video above to see for yourself.
PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) -- It's April 1, so you know what that means. Happy April Fools' Day!
To celebrate the occasion, quite a few local businesses, government agencies and o
rganizations have been making humorous posts on social media.
WAVY rounded up some clever ones for you to enjoy.
Norfolk Tides
Sad news for Norfolk Tides fans who like a cold beer with their hot dog and peanuts. Harbor Park, where the Tides play, announced Tuesday it is going alcohol free for the rest of the season, which just started last week.
The post with this announcement added "Friendly reminder today is April Fools' Day!"
This post garnered a lot of comments!
One baseball fan wrote, "I almost just gave away my season tickets"
Candy admitted she was fooled, "First post that got me today."
LeAnn added, "Haha this one actually gave me a jump scare!!!"
Handsome Biscuit
In Norfolk and Virginia Beach, a sandwich biscuit shop Handsome Biscuit, announced on Instagram a brand new addition to their menu in the form of a deep-fried alligator.
View this post on Instagram A post shared by Handsome Biscuit (@handsomebiscuit)
The restaurant never confirmed the post was an April Fools' joke; however, many user comments were able to catch wind of the post's satire nature.
"Let me stay off the internet today " said @jarvisholloman25.
O's Donuts
Local donut shop O's Donuts also participated in the online shenanigans as they announced on Instagram a new colorful yet tedious method for decorating their donuts.
View this post on Instagram A post shared by O’s Donuts (@osdonutsnorfolk)
This store did clarify the post's humorous nature in the hashtags. Users still reacted to both the joke and image in the comments.
"This took so much dedication 😂" said @sandbridgelife
"Lol! Good one! 😂😂😂" said @nyfoboutique
"Dedication at its finest 🤣" said @tidewatercoffeeroastery
Norfolk Botanical Garden
Restaurants are not the only ones with some creative humor this April 1. The Norfolk Botanical Garden announced on Instagram an "ecofriendly" addition to its Garden of Tomorrow.
View this post on Instagram A post shared by Norfolk Botanical Garden (@norfolkbotanicalgarden)
The account did not mention the post's April Fools' nature, which caused some users to believe the post was actually real.
"I have been April fooled. Y’all got me" said @badrian86
"Think yall need to add April fools to this lol" said @allywash_
Virginia Beach Local
Some accounts created a bit too much hype with their joke. Local lifestyle account Virginia Beach Local posted to Instagram that the resort city was finally getting a Costco, causing some user disappointment.
View this post on Instagram A post shared by Virginia Beach Local (@virginiabeachlocal)
"Mad at this April fools 😂 I really would love that" said @hairbyleiah
"manifesting this to be real eventually lol" said @chimaeragal
Shore Drive Shuffle and The Virginia Beach Magazine
In a joint Instagram post, Shore Drive Shuffle and The Virginia Beach Magazine jokingly announced the development of a new addition to the Oceanfront boardwalk.
View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Virginia Beach Magazine (@vabeachmag)
The two accounts never confirmed that this was a April Fools joke; however, many comments went along with the joke, while also wishing it was real.
"Now we will have a new route to work 🤣" said @coastalvetvb
"If only this was real! 😂😂😂" said @timthebim123
City of Portsmouth
Local businesses were not the only ones to participate in these jokes.
The City of Portsmouth announced an exciting new addition to High Street... a giant, seasonal, Slip 'N Slide "Coming soon... maybe."
You can look at the accompanying image and tell it's a joke, but several people who commented on the social post said they wished it was real.
"Why did I almost fall for this article? I was about to send it to my husband, then I realized it's April Fools’ Day! 💀" said Chamberlin MayLin.
Joel Bieber
The Richmond-based law firm Joel Bieber announced in a fake press release that they hired a new CEO, Carl the Deer.
Courtesy: The Joel Bieber Firm
Subway and Firehouse Subs
The sandwich franchises Subway and Firehouse Subs also joined in on the fun. Subway announced in a release about their new $1 million sandwich, while Firehouse Subs announced they would be rebranding into a salad chain. Both releases were satire.
If you see any other local businesses or organizations having a little fun with the April Fools' Day holiday, email us a link to their post. ...read more read less