Local Business and Economic Development
TXTUR showroom. Gene Marrano photo
An 87-year-old commercial furniture manufacturer based in Southeast Roanoke branched out last year by launching a retail division, TXTUR. Today they cut the ribbon on a showroom on 9th Street Southeast in the Industrial Park. The parent company Chervan sells furniture to banks, hotels and other public spaces, and takes back used pieces to “upcycle” them. Over the past year TXTUR had been selling its retail line at Black Dog Salvage. Greg Terrill is the TXTUR president:
The showroom will have weekend hours according to Terrill.
Freedom First FB photo
That downtown property along I-581 known as the Elmwood Building has been purchased by Freedom First Credit Union, which will use the former furniture store and the one-time home for Meridium as its headquarters. Freedom First will move employees there over time; GE Digital will be a tenant for now. The century-old building has been renovated in recent years.
Two additional new restaurants to be built on outparcels at Tanglewood, the 800,000 SF mixed use center that sits at what is known as the gateway to Roanoke County. Chili’s and Popeyes will construct new facilities along the Electric Road/Route 419corridor near Staples and T.J.Maxx. Chili’s Grill and Bar is an American casual dining restaurant chain that is new to the Roanoke market. Originating in 1975, the restaurant chain is known for their family friendly casual dining experience with a broad array of American and Tex-Mex menu selections. Popeyes is an American multinational chain of fried chicken fast food restaurants that was founded in 1972 and offers more than 40 years of history and culinary tradition, with over 2,600 restaurants in the U.S. and around the world.John Abernathy, President of Blackwater Resources explains, “We are excited to welcome Chili’s and Popeyes to Tanglewood. This continues the growth momentum underway, and is another great story in the ongoing redevelopment of Tanglewood.” “Bringing Chili’s to the Roanoke market fulfills a long-desired community interest in attracting this restaurant to the Tanglewood footprint, said Jill Loope, Director of Economic Development. The addition of Popeyes also adds to the diversity of dining experiences, that includes a total of seven new restaurants.
Some are restaurant owners tell us they are worried the return of increasing COVID-related restrictions may lead to another round of mandated limitations or closures, but for now, some fundamental challenges continue. Roanoke-are Bojangles owner Stan Seymour says it starts with finding workers, and on top of that, the shortage in truck drivers is limiting some of the food products his local restaurants can receive and serve. He spoke with WFIR’s Evan Jones:
Dharma Pharmaceuticals’ “Rise-Salem” retail location
Medical marijuana company Dharma Pharmaceuticals operates in the health region covering our part of Virginia. Details on how they got started and what the industry is like currently thanks to red-tape from WFIR’s Ian Price – who has this in-depth report:
The highly-contested decision to allow casinos and online lottery games in Virginia while outlawing skill games – often found in convenience stores and bars – is hurting small businesses. That’s according to the Republican nominee for Attorney General, as WFIR’s Ian Price reports:
Pete Eshelman (at podium) salutes Liz Belcher (seated). G Marrano photo
The Roanoke Valley Greenways Coordinator since that job came into existence in 1996 steps down in a few days. Well-wishers and those Liz Belcher has worked with as the greenway and natural surface trail system grew over the past 25 years celebrated that legacy on Wednesday, as WFIR’s Gene Marrano reports: