Local Business and Economic Development
The French Farmhouse on Church Avenue in downtown Roanoke cut the ribbon today. Owner Ashley Lawson offers her take on the home-decor marketplace. Perfect for holiday gifts as well she says. Lawson also says her goal is to be budget-friendly. Right next door the old Firehouse number one is being renovated as a retail space.
Mike Leigh-OpX Solutions-courtesy photo
Mike Leigh (Lee) is president of Op-ex (Opp-Ex) Solutions in Roanoke, a performance improvement company that works with organizations to help them achieve greater success. Before that Leigh was in the Navy and then spent 13 years in manufacturing. Now he offers his take on current supply chain issues. WFIR’s Gene Marrano has more, “In Depth”:
With help from the Small Business Development Center and the Roanoke City Economic Development Department, Shaniece Jones has gone from making custom cakes and other confectionary treats in her kitchen to a new storefront at 501 Campbell Avenue Southwest. “Sweets by Shaniece” cut the ribbon today, with help from Mayor Sherman Lea. Besides those custom-made cakes, Sweets by Shaneice will offer cupcakes, stuffed cheesecake cones, candied apples and more. Her advice to other would-be small business start-ups:
MGN
We are running out of phone numbers that can use the 540 area code established about 25 years ago. The State Corporation Commission has approved the addition of the “826″ area code to the same region served by “540,” beginning on June 14th 2022. That also means that ALL residents in the 540 area code will be required to dial 10 digits – area code plus the phone number for all local calls starting May 14th, 2022. However 540 residents can starting dialing phone numbers with all ten digits next month on November 13th – if they want to get used to doing that.
The Bedford Welcome Center on Burks Hill Road will host an Informational Open House tonight led by the Virginia Department of Transportation – to offer details on a possible Amtrak passenger rail stop in the Town. More from WFIR’s Gene Marrano:
From Deschutes Brewery website
After four years of operating the downtown Roanoke Tasting Room, Deschutes will not renew its lease and will cease operations at the end of the year. In part the global pandemic that has reduced traffic in all restaurants, pubs, and tasting rooms is to blame says Deschutes corporate. The Oregon craft brewer also decided not to build a production facility in Roanoke after a community-wide campaign that had landed a commitment from Deschutes to do that.
Press release from Deschutes Brewery: I am writing to inform you that after four years of operating our Roanoke, Virginia Tasting Room, Deschutes has made the tough decision not to renew our lease and will cease operations at the end of the year. We have all seen the global pandemic significantly reduce traffic in all restaurants, pubs, and tasting rooms, the Roanoke Tasting Room is no exception. As we prepare for closing, we plan to honor company commitments, treat all employees equitably and step forward with care and attention on how this impacts the Roanoke community and our dedicated co-owners who have managed this location over the past four + years. We are working with each team member on opportunities to continue with Deschutes in a new capacity.
Since we opened the Roanoke Tasting Room in August 2017, the community has graciously allowed us to share the Deschutes Brewery 33-year old craft beer legacy, values, and innovative spirit with our sister city. During this time, we have raised over $300,000 in support of area non-profits through events like the Deschutes Street Pub and Community Pints, and provided jobs while increasing the tourism. Going forward, Roanoke will remain a very valued and special part of Deschutes Brewery as we continue
to invest in the community through our partnership with Blue Ridge Beverage and community events.
