Local Business and Economic Development
The Hotel Roanoke has completed a multi-million-dollar renovation of its Pine Room restaurant – along with creation of a new Lobby Bar nearby. The project also includes much more seating outdoors. The project was planned well in advance, but as WFIR’s Evan Jones reports, the work’s timing proved to be unexpectedly helpful:
The Lobby Bar work included restoration of ceiling to the night sky mural that was present there until the late 1930’s. The bar and Pine Room re-open Wednesday, September 30 at 4:00 pm.
HOTEL ROANOKE NEWS RELEASE: – To mark the 25th anniversary of the reopening of The Grand Old Lady, The Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center, Curio Collection by Hilton has announced the completion of the $3.6 million renovation of the historic Pine Room restaurant and introduces the newest dining option, the 1882 Lobby Bar.
The Pine Room and 1882 Lobby Bar officially opens at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, September 30, 2020. Highlights of the multi-million dollar renovations project include: a new 40-seat lobby bar and seating area; an open kitchen experience in the restaurant; an outdoor stone patio seating area with a commanding presence over downtown Roanoke; adding more than 55 seats to the restaurant; a return of the night sky mural previously seen in the pre-1939 hotel; daily lunch and dinner service; and an additional event function space and restroom facility.
“This investment by the owners of The Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center shows their long-standing commitment to our community, particularly given the difficult economic times we’ve seen this year,” said Brian Wells, general manager of the Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center. “This renovation builds upon the hotel’s premier status as a dining destination, hotel and meeting facility in the mid-Atlantic and creates another ideal location for events; a long standing and honored tradition for our hotel in this city.”
THE PINE ROOM
The renovated Pine Room features an American Rustic concept and approach to food focusing on simplistic, sustainable, and high-quality ingredients. Exposing the heart of the kitchen, the venue features an open design to include a hearth oven and live action chef stations. The concept will continue to build upon the partnership with LEAP (Local Environmental Agricultural Project, Inc.) by sourcing and connecting with the best in regional farming and ranching.
“Guests will find the comforts of the space they remember with exposed historic pine wood paneling matched with our four-diamond service that’s refined but relaxed, and a dining experience that’s unpretentious, delicious, and exciting,” said Stephen DeMarco, executive chef at The Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center. “The menu speaks to the finest of Virginia brought to the table coupled with an offering that is approachable and convivial.”
The Pine Room will service Lunch and Dinner daily as well as opportunities for curated culinary experiences and private events. An exterior patio will capture the stunning views of the Mill Mountain Star and the City Market, while providing an engaging visual as guests approach the property and will blend seamlessly into the historic core of the building.
“The Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center is exceptionally proud to reveal this design concept, reinvigorating the look and feel of our cherished dining options without losing the essence of the iconic hotel that the world has loved for more than 138 years,” added Wells.
1882 LOBBY BAR
Named for the year in which The Hotel Roanoke first opened its doors, 1882 will deliver hints of past lore through a collection of authentic pre-prohibition cocktails paired with modern-day mixology. A bespoke collection of draft brews to include a private pilsner as well as premium wines by the glass will complete the beverage experience. Whether small plates or a selection from the full menu, guests may partake in the new American rustic cuisine from the adjacent Pine Room.
“We are excited for the opportunity to add something new and original to hotel as well as the downtown nightlife scene,” said Wells. “It’s our goal to provide an experience that not only speaks to the guests and residents of Roanoke but showcases the area’s unique history in a one-of-a-kind collective way. As the gateway to Virginia’s Blue Ridge, we embrace welcoming guests and telling the story of Roanoke. This project delivers and projects the mystique and allure of our great city through regionally-inspired culinary and cocktails, ambiance and al fresco dining overlooking the city.”
1882 will offer intimate yet unpretentious service set in a design that draws from the rich inspiration of an elegant train station – referencing the Norfolk and Western Railway. Captivating live entertainment by local artists set the tone under the restored night sky mural as seen in the pre-1939 hotel.
The public is invited to attend a Facebook Live virtual ribbon cutting celebration on Wednesday, September 30, 2020 at 3 p.m. to celebrate the official opening of The Pine Room and 1882 Lobby Bar.
“We are confident that loyal patrons and new guests alike will appreciate how the spaces have been reimagined to create a modern luxurious feeling, while honoring the cherished history of the hotel,” said Wells.
The hotel partnered with Lionberger Construction for the project, a general contractor and commercial construction company in Roanoke, Virginia.
Landon Howard VVBR
A decade-long streak of tourism revenue and job growth in Virginia’s Blue Ridge will be snapped this year due to the impact of COVID-19, but 2019 saw a record 920 million dollars in direct travel expenditures. That represented a 3 percent increase over 2018 says Visit Virginia’s Blue Ridge president Landon Howard. The local tourism industry also accounted for almost 8200 jobs last year says Howard. One good sign – the Visit Virginia’s Blue Ridge website traffic is almost back to normal – Howard says with the Fall colors leaf-peeping season and other outdoor amenities many people are ready to come back.
(news release) ROANOKE, VA (September 28, 2020) – Before the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, tourism in Virginia’s Blue Ridge (VBR) topped a record $920 million in direct travel expenditures during 2019, an increase of 3% over the previous year (U.S. Travel Association). Tourism also generated 8,177 jobs in the VBR region and $66 million in state and local taxes. The increase was largely attributed to the opening of new hotels and restaurants, an increase in sports tournaments, growth of meetings and conferences, enhanced transportation options, unique outdoor recreation options like Explore Park, festivals and events, the diversity of arts and culture, top cuisine and craft beverages and so much more. Virginia’s Blue Ridge continues to thrive as a metro mountain vacation destination.
With support from over 1,500 industry partners and the investment provided by the Cities of Roanoke and Salem and the Counties of Roanoke, Franklin, and Botetourt, Visit Virginia’s Blue Ridge achieved the 10th consecutive year of RECORD growth. “Regional collaboration has been the key to our success. Tourism is BIG business and notably an economic driver for our region,” said Landon Howard, President of Visit Virginia’s Blue Ridge. While anticipating another record year for 2020, the Virginia’s Blue Ridge hospitality and tourism industry was among the many industries that were severely impacted by the pandemic, suffering one of the worst turndowns in history this past spring. Shortly after the introduction of Governor Northam’s Forward Virginia: Phase Three recovery stage in early-July, Virginia’s Blue Ridge started to experience positive growth. To date, hotels have sustained nearly 60% of normal revenues during July, August, and September.
A large part of the recovery seen by the region is attributed to over 20 sports tournaments that have been or will be hosted from July through October 2020. Visit VBR has launched a Reopening Plan that invites visitors to safely travel for fall and holiday vacations in the Virginia’s Blue Ridge region. Outdoor attractions such as the Blue Ridge Parkway, Carvins Cove and the Appalachian Trail offer a plethora of safe and naturally socially distant outdoor activities for all seasons. As a result of the Cares Act Funding provided by the Cities of Roanoke and Salem as well as the Counties of Botetourt, Franklin and Roanoke, over $282,200 has been added to a half-million-dollar plan to invite visitors from North Carolina, Virginia, and Washington D.C. While visiting the mountains in Virginia’s Blue Ridge, visitors are inspired to immerse themselves into metro mountain experiences and endless outdoor adventures.
“We want to create a Reopening Plan that will safely and sustainably bring our region’s travel and tourism industry as close as possible to a full recovery,” explained Landon Howard, President of Visit Virginia’s Blue Ridge. “It is essential to bring back business in order to generate the much needed jobs that were lost due to the pandemic,” added Howard.
Visit VBR is working with local businesses including restaurants, hotels and attractions to adopt a series of new safety measures and protocols in accordance with guidelines set forth by the CDC and public health officials. The Virginia’s Blue Ridge Stay Safe Pledge is a commitment for the local community and future visitors to acknowledge and adopt so everyone can continue to enjoy what makes the region a safe and special place to visit. To date, the VBR Stay Safe Pledge has been signed by nearly 200 businesses; these businesses have been provided a poster of the pledge to place in their storefronts as a sign of their commitment.
In addition to the Pledge, Visit VBR has unveiled a new Open for Business video showing the community’s collective efforts to socially distance, enforce mask use and adjust normal services for the safety and comfort of guests.
Virginia’s Blue Ridge is currently operating under Phase Three of Forward Virginia. To learn more about the operation of businesses, what’s open in Phase Three, and more information about the response to COVID-19 in VBR visit: VisitVBR.com/covid19.
Photo: RBRA
Airlines serving Roanoke are making changes to schedules in ways not usually seen. It comes in response to the changes in passenger numbers brought about by COVID-19. More from WFIR’s Evan Jones.
From airport Spokesperson Brad Boettcher: Given business traffic is still grounded (for the most part) .. we are seeing a pure leisure demand travel pattern (heavy on Thursday, Friday, Sunday, Monday, lighter on Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday) .. Traffic volumes are so variable right now, yesterday (Wednesday) we carried 29% of a typical day this time of year in 2019, today (Thursday) we are carrying 60% of 2019’s traffic. As this type of pattern has held up the carriers are adjusting the schedules accordingly ..
3 of our 4 airlines have their October schedules set, the one exception is United and when I spoke to them last Friday, they said it would load this coming weekend. I have never seen schedules set so close to the actual day of operation.
Photo: RBRA
WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) announced $5,354,487 in federal funding to provide economic relief to the Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport and the Virginia Tech Montgomery Executive Airport. The funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) was authorized by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). A portion of this funding comes from the CARES ACT. “We are glad to announce that these federal funds will go towards helping ensure that both the Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport and the Virginia Tech Montgomery Executive Airport are able to continue to serve Virginians and other folks traveling into the region,” said the Senators.
The funding will be distributed as follows: Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport will receive $4,065,070 to reconstruct the existing Runway 6/24 lighting system, the Runway 16/34 lighting system, and the entire existing taxiway lighting system, all of which require reconstruction to meet FAA standards. This funding will also go towards reconstructing all the existing airfield guidance signs.
Virginia Tech Montgomery Executive Airport will receive $1,289,417 to extend Runway 12/30 to 5,500 feet to meet the operational needs of the airport.
Earlier this week we brought you a story about how the Roanoke Region’s outdoor amenities are being promoted to lure more people and businesses here. Its been an ongoing effort, especially over the past decade or so. WFIR’s Gene Marrano has more on this “In Depth” report:
Botetourt County’s COVID-related grants now available to farms demonstrates that there are few businesses that have not been impacted one way or another by the pandemic. Botetourt farmers have until the end of the month to apply for the $5,000 grants. WFIR’s Evan Jones has more:
NEWS RELEASE: Daleville, VA – At the August 25, 2020, regular meeting, the Botetourt County Board of Supervisors approved the “Botetourt County COVID-19 Farm Operation Grant Program” to assist the County’s farm operations with COVID-19 pandemic-related losses. Grants will be available up to $5,000 per farm operation based primarily in Botetourt County.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted nearly every part of our society, and our local farms have felt that impact, too,” said Board of Supervisors Member Dr. Richard Bailey. “As a County with a strong agricultural heritage, I am proud that the Board is able to support our farmers in this time of need.”
“With an agricultural background, I support the efforts of providing some relief to the farming community who provides backbone services to the world,” said Botetourt County Administrator Gary Larrowe.
The County is allowed to use funds from the Federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act to provide grants to small businesses “affected by decreased customer demand as a result of the COVID-19 public health emergency,” according to the U.S. Treasury’s guidance memo to the County.
In his report to the Board, Director of Economic Development Ken McFadyen said, “Botetourt County’s farm operations are also small businesses and have experienced the effects of decreased customer demand as a result of the pandemic.”
Many Botetourt County-based farm operations have sought federal assistance through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency (FSA). The local office of the FSA has processed approximately 150 Botetourt County grant applications for the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP).
“We are also encouraging any farm operation that has not applied for the Farm Service Agency’s Coronavirus Food Assistance Program to apply by the application deadline of September 11th. We want to assist our farmers who are in need of these programs during this difficult time,” said Jean Hazlegrove, County Executive Director for the Botetourt/Craig/Roanoke FSA County Office.
The Botetourt County COVID-19 Farm Operation Grant Program will assist the County’s farm operations with losses not covered by the FSA’s grant program. To fund the program, the Board of Supervisors has appropriated $200,000 of the County’s CARES Act relief funds for this grant program. This appropriation is similar to that for the County’s existing small business grant program put in place earlier this summer.
The Farm Operation Grant applications will be accepted online only during the month of September 2020. Applicants can access the online grant application at www.bocoecondev.info.
Botetourt County-based farm operations qualify for the County’s grant program by first qualifying for the FSA’s Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP). Applicants will be asked to submit a copy of their FSA grant “deposit confirmation” or, secondly, a copy of their approved FSA grant application. The dollar amount of the deposit confirmation does not need to be shared with the County.
The County grant is intended to cover farm losses through September 2020 that are not covered by the FSA grant or other COVID-19-related grants. Farm operations must be in compliance with any and all applicable County ordinances.
Applications from Botetourt farm operations will be accepted during the month of September, and once the County determines the number of qualifying farm operations, the amount of the individual grants will be determined.
The Botetourt County Economic Development Authority (EDA) is tasked with administering the grant program. Farms that receive the grant will need to complete a grant agreement with the EDA.
Questions regarding the Botetourt County COVID-19 Farm Operation Grant Program should be directed to the Department of Economic Development by emailing kmcfadyen@botetourtva.gov or by calling (540) 928-2140.
Like many small businesses, farm operations have been hit hard because of the COVID-19 pandemic. To help relieve some of the burden, the Botetourt County Board of Supervisors has started a new grant program for farmers. WFIR’s Rachel Meell has the story:
For more information on the grant program and how to apply, click here.