THE 300 BLOCK of William Street in downtown Fredericksburg is fast becoming a restaurant row.

Luigi Castiglia, whose Castiglia's Italian restaurant has anchored the corner of William and Charles streets for 12 years, is planning to expand into his building next door by the end of July.

And Blake and Aby Bethem, who've owned Bistro Bethem at 309 William St. for about nine years, hope to have their second eatery, Vivify Burger Lounge at 314 William St., ready by late October or early November.

Between the two will be a newcomer to downtown, Ryan Bullock, who expects to open The Orion at 318 William St. in early August.

"I think Fredericksburg could use a restaurant row or food block," said Cushman & Wakefield | Thalhimer agent Magnolia Martin. "We're underserved. It's exciting."

It's possible that the flurry of activity could attract another restaurant to that general area. Martin, who is the listing agent for Benjamin and Kitty Wafle's recently renovated building at 415 William St., said several of the people who've shown an interest in leasing the ground floor would like to open an eatery there. In its previous life, that space had been The Flower Shop.

Castiglia's expansion, the Bethems' Vivify and Bullock's Orion will each offer something different, which should help attract more people downtown, the owners all said.

"The more places that open on the street, the better it is for all of us," said Aby Bethem. "What is neat is that when you're coming downtown and go through William Street, you'll see all this activity."

Castiglia's expansion will be a 20-seat bar area where customers sip wine or martinis and nibble tapas, paninis or a daily pasta special while they wait for a table in the restaurant. They'll also be able to order off the restaurant's menu.

Wines for the bar area will be on tap in kegs instead of being poured from bottles. Customers can order them by the glass or carafe, and wines can be ordered in flights.

"We're working with producers in California," Castiglia said.

One advantage of buying kegs is that it eliminates the cost of bottles, he said. That means he can pass on the savings to his customers.