October 6, 2008Counting caloriesWill you stop eating certain foods when the calorie information becomes public knowledge? You may have read stories last week about Yum Brands' plans to post calorie information about the foods served at its restaurants. They are Kentucky Fried Chicken, Taco Bell, Pizza Hut, A&W All- American Food and Long John Silver’s. Also, Hardee’s recently introduced its little thickburger, which is an alternative to the high- calorie thickburger. At 1/4 pounds, the little version is smaller than the regular 1/3 pound thickburger. The little thickburger also is cheaper, starting at $1.99, though prices vary at different locations. Fast Freddy's fate still is unknownSeveral of you have asked about whether Fast Freddy’s, a Salem restaurant, plans to reopen. Today, the owner, Amelia Goldacker, said there still is not a concrete date set for reopening. Goldacker and her husband, Gary, own Fast Freddy’s and also Roanoke Bagel Co. They have closed Fast Freddy’s on West Main Street, because Amelia Goldacker’s mother moved in with the family, she said. The Goldackers still are working on whether it is “feasible” to reopen, Amelia Goldacker said. September 23, 2008Your wish granted: free ice creamIce cream lovers may want to start planning now. Cold Stone Creamery’s Christiansburg store will give away free 3-ounce ice cream creations on Thursday. This is a fundraising event benefiting the Make-A-Wish Foundation at Cold Stone locations nationwide. You’ll be able to choose from ice cream concoctions created by two of the foundation’s sponsored children. They were developed using two Cold Stone ice cream flavors: Nutter Butter and Marshmallow. One ice cream treat combines Nutter Butter ice cream, yellow cake, KitKats and white chocolate chips. The other mixes Marshmallow ice cream, Oreo cookies, chocolate chips and fudge. If these creations sound good to you, they are free to all from 5 to 8 p.m. on Thursday at the Cold Stone shop on Franklin Street in Christiansburg. Donations will be accepted for the Make-A-Wish cause, which grants wishes to children who have life-threatening medical conditions. September 19, 2008Java is brewing at two new locations
On the hospital’s lobby level, Java the Hutt has taken over the former Jazzman's spot. And at Virginia Western, you’ll find the coffee retailer’s new kiosk in the student center. Java the Hutt also is making plans to open a larger shop, serving coffee and related beverages, muffins and desserts, in Virginia Western’s commons area. Bob Buckley, the owner of this local enterprise, said he’s working on architectural plans for the space, but it likely will not open until the spring semester. Java the Hutt operates several coffee drive-throughs throughout the Roanoke Valley. Buckley and his wife, Mary, started the business in 1994. September 18, 2008Closings on West Main StreetWest Main Street in Salem has lost a coffee shop and possibly a barbecue joint. The Daily Grind closed last Saturday, because one of its owners, Linda Thompson, is ill. Not too far from the former Daily Grind location, the sign for Dickey’s Barbecue Pit restaurant has been taken down. This eatery closed in May, after only six months in business, because of a change in franchise ownership. A company spokesman has said that it will reopen. It's unclear what the removal of the Dickey's sign signals about this restaurant’s future. The company spokesman did not return a call for comment. September 16, 2008A state source for smoke-free restaurantsThe Virginia Department of Health now is listing smoke-free restaurants on its Web site. This is in addition to several other new Web sites that highlight non-smoking eateries locally. For each locality on the Department of Health's Web site, you’ll see the percentage of eateries that are smoke free and a list of the specific restaurants. Here is the percentage of smoke-free restaurants in some cities and counties in the Roanoke and New River valleys, according to this site: Roanoke City: 66 percent September 12, 2008Enough restaurants to go around?There’s an interesting phrase on Roanoke City’s Economic Development home page, among a list of the 25 reasons that people enjoy Roanoke. There are various city designations, such as Roanoke’s ranking as one of the top 20 cities for quality of life and Roanoke's place as one of the top 10 cities in which to raise a family. The list also states this: “The number of restaurants per capita (345:1) is just behind that of world-famous San Francisco (284:1).” I’m not yet sure the source of this data, but I plan to find out. I'm interested in what you think. Restaurants are significant to the local retail industry, and many of you enjoy discussing the state of area eateries on this blog. What do you think of the number and selection of Roanoke restaurants? Does it reflect this figure? September 11, 2008A short-lived steak and seafood eateryAfter nearly a year in business, T-Bone Jacks Steak & Seafood in Salem has closed. Yesterday was the last day in business for this eatery, located off Electric Road at the Ridgewood Farms retail center, according to Angel Simurina, who works for Line Management, the restaurant's ownership company. The reasons for T-Bone Jacks closing are unknown. Jack Winston, who owns Line Management, did not return messages for comment. T-Bone Jacks opened inside a former Western Sizzlin restaurant structure last year. Line Management has a long history in the restaurant business. It operates Jersey Lily's Roadhouse Grill on Orange Avenue in Roanoke, and it used to own some Texas Steakhouse & Saloons in Virginia and West Virginia. September 3, 2008Newest El Rodeo coming next weekThe opening of a new El Rodeo on Orange Avenue in Roanoke is set for Sept. 10. That's according to Agustin Arellano, one of the owners of this new Mexican eatery. It's landing in the former location of a steak restaurant. Arellano initially expected the restaurant to open in August, but he said some additional renovations to the building have caused delays. At this new El Rodeo, expect a similar menu as others in this chain. This new restaurant will be its fifth El Rodeo. August 26, 2008Another resource for smoke-free dining
By visiting the site, you can find the restaurants in different areas that do not allow smoking. The cities are Roanoke, Radford, Blacksburg, Christiansburg, Charlottesville, Lynchburg, Danville and Forest. According to a news release about this Web site, created by Common Sense Solution in Lynchburg, the database “is not making any moral judgments about smoking and is not advocating legislation to make all restaurants smoke-free. DSFUSA is simply providing information, allowing democracy in its truest sense to operate, where diners can locate those restaurants they want to patronize so they can ‘vote’ with their dollars.” It’s free for restaurants to be included on the site. This joins another local effort to advertise smoke-free eateries online. The Web site, www.breatheroanoke.org, also lists restaurants that ban smoking. It last was updated on Aug. 12, because apparently, the assortment keeps changing. August 22, 2008Fast Freddy's updateI finally have some news about Fast Freddy's in Salem. This restaurant on West Main Street has been closed for more than several weeks. A sign posted on the door states that it has shut down because of a family emergency. Amelia Goldacker, who owns the business with her husband, Gary, told me that Fast Freddy's will reopen, though she did not want to state an exact date. Goldacker said they have closed the restaurant for a time because her mother moved in with the family from her New York home. The Goldackers live in Roanoke County, and they also own Roanoke Bagel Co., where Amelia Goldacker primarily works. She said she will let us know when a reopening date is set. August 21, 2008Kabuki will reopen in SeptemberSince May, Kabuki, a Roanoke Japanese steak house, has been closed for massive renovations, but the general manger said the eatery will reopen by the second week of September. According to Atsuhiko Nakajima, general manager, the renovations are 70 percent complete, and they're taking longer than planned. Originally, the restaurant management hoped to reopen for business this month. The construction work will add 4,000 square feet to the eatery, which sits on a hill on Franklin Road. The additional space makes way for more tables and a larger dining room area. A sushi bar will replace the restaurant’s bar area. Nakajima is in the process of hiring an additional 18 to 20 employees for the eatery, because more servers are needed to cover the expanded dining space, which is expected to accomodate a larger number of patrons. Also some former employees have found other jobs while Kabuki has been closed, he said. If you're up for a drive in the meantime, Kabuki has a location in Christiansburg.
August 15, 2008Good and bad news about Dickey'sMany of you have been awaiting the reopening of Dickey’s Barbecue Pit on West Main Street in Salem. I have good and bad news about this restaurant's fate. Jeff Gruber, a spokesman for the Texas restaurant chain, said the company still is working on the final details to reopen the restaurant. Dickey’s closed in May, after a little more than six months in business. The company has said it’s in the process of finding a new owner. Unfortunately, Gruber still doesn’t know when the restaurant will reopen. I’m beginning to wonder if it will happen. “We hope to get the store open as soon as possible,” Gruber told me this week. Also, Fast Freddy's, another restaurant on West Main Street and not too far from Dickey's, has shut down. A sign on its door says that it is closed for a family emergency, and that it will reopen. Of course, it doesn't list a reopening date. August 8, 2008Cold Stone Creamery scooping up RoanokeIce cream news sure is hot this week. I recently found out that Cold Stone Creamery plans to make its mark in Roanoke this fall. Jamey Elder, a Cold Stone franchisee who lives in Lynchburg, told me that he's opening a Cold Stone Creamery on Valley View Boulevard. This global ice cream chain is slated for the former spot of U.S. Cellular, beside the International House of Pancakes, at a retail strip center across from Target. The specific opening date hasn't been finalized. Elder, who owns Cold Stone shops in Christiansburg and Danville, said he's been scouting out a Roanoke location for some time. And he's finally found what he considers to be a suitable spot for high traffic and visibility. Cold Stone is based in Scottsdale, Ariz., and it has about 1,400 locations in the United States, Puerto Rico, Guam, Japan, Korea, China, Taiwan, Indonesia, Mexico, Denmark and United Arab Emirates. Early this week, I also learned that Ben & Jerry's is planning new shops at Valley View Mall in Roanoke and at the New River Valley Mall in Christiansburg. More on McAlister'sI found out some more information about McAlister’s Deli’s, headed for Towers Shopping Center. This eatery, which is a cross between fast food and sit-down dining, is set for a mid-November opening at the Roanoke retail center, said Jeff Shawl and Chris Smith of Peak Restaurants LLC, two of the Knoxville, Tenn.-based franchise owners. Their franchise company owns seven McAlister’s locations in Tennessee and North Carolina. They're now targeting the Roanoke Valley for future growth of this Mississippi-based chain. During a phone conversation on Thursday, Shawl and Smith said the Towers location will seat about 148 people. It will open in the former 4,700 square feet spot of Life is Gantner, on Towers' upper level. These restaurants serve a wide variety of sandwiches, soups, salads and other lunch and dinner fare. They're the kinds of places where you order at a front counter, take a number and find your own table. However, there are servers who bring your food to you and refill drinks. “We try to hit that service element that some of our competitors don’t do as much,” Shawl said. Shawl, a native of Bristol, Tenn., and Smith, who is from Virginia Beach, but whose family lives in the Roanoke Valley, said they were attracted to the Towers spot because of the traffic it already draws from Fresh Market and Kroger, which both are at Towers, and nearby Ukrop’s Super Market. Eventually, they'd like to have four or five McAlister's restaurants across the Roanoke and New River Valleys and Lynchburg. August 6, 2008McDonald's rebuilding
A sign in front of the eatery directs customers to the Franklin Road restaurant. This redesigned McDonald’s will have many of the elements of the chain’s new contemporary design, though it will not have a fireplace, Ford said. And she’s not sure yet whether it will have a flat screen television. Several local McDonald's and some other fast food eateries have been rebuilt and redesigned in the last few years. August 5, 2008McAlister's moving into TowersRestaurant news seems to be ripe right now. A new eatery for this area, McAlister’s Deli, is planning a location at Towers Shopping Center in Roanoke, according to a spokesman for Rappaport Cos., the company that owns Towers. Apparently, this restaurant concept, serving deli sandwiches, soups, salads and a signature sweet tea, will slide into the former spot of Life Is Gantner on Towers’ upper level. McAlister’s menu includes an array of lunch and dinner items, such as chicken cordon bleu, meatloaf, salmon filet and kid’s meals. Check out the restaurant chain's Web site here. McAlister’s, based in Mississippi, has deli locations nationwide, including two in Virginia. They’re not too far from the Roanoke Valley, located in Harrisonburg and Waynesboro. I’ll pass along updates once I find out when McAlister’s is slated to open at Towers. August 4, 2008Pressure on the $1 double cheeseburgerThe $1 menu may be too good to be true. McDonald’s says it’s considering ways to keep its double cheeseburger at $1, despite rising cost pressures on several key ingredients, such as cheese and beef. It might have to raise the price of this burger next year. Here’s the story for more details. Apparently, these menus haven’t been profitable enough at some McDonald’s franchises. Of course, many consumers welcome the low prices, especially nowadays. Cool news: Ben & Jerry's is growing in the regionUpdate: Ben & Jerry's will open its Valley View Mall shop between Lids and Trade Secret at the food court, according to Valley View's marketing director, Ashley Likens. Here’s a cool scoop to start off the first full week of August. Ben & Jerry’s, a well-known ice cream chain, is planning two new locations in the region, one at Valley View Mall in Roanoke and the other at the New River Valley Mall in Christiansburg. Valley View’s Web site states that Ben & Jerry’s will move into a food court spot by October. At the New River Valley Mall, the ice cream store will take over the former WSLS location sometime this month, though I don’t have details yet on the specific opening date. This will be Ben & Jerry’s second New River Valley shop. It also has a store at Kent Square in Blacksburg. Ben & Jerry’s, based in Burlington, Vt., and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Unilever, is an eclectic ice cream business that began 30 years ago. It is focused on promoting environmentally-sound business practices and using dairy products from family farms, including milk and cream from cows that are not treated with the synthetic hormone rBGH. At these shops, you'll find a variety of unique ice cream flavors. Among Ben & Jerry's top 10 flavors are cherry garcia, chocolate chip cookie dough, chunky monkey, phish food and peanut butter cup, according to its Web site. There are more than 430 Ben & Jerry’s shops in the United State and more than 150 locations internationally. August 1, 2008A sign says New York Pizza is expanding, but it's not
The tall sign in front of a vacant building and beside New York Pizza on Hardy Road states “Coming soon to New York Pizza....new 10,000 square feet addition.” Supposedly, the expansion would include “More family entertainment” and “More seating,” according to the marquee. I finally caught up with the owner of New York Pizza, Tony Montuori, about when this expansion is slated to occur. And it turns out that it won’t be happening, at least not for now. For various reasons, including the deaths of his parents in the past few years, Montuori has decided to put future expansion plans on the backburner for at least another year or so. But that doesn’t really explain why he's left this sign up for so long. Montuori said it’s been there for the past several years. Montuori, a native of Italy who opened the Vinton restaurant in 1983, said he plans to remove the expansion advertisement eventually, though he didn’t offer a timeframe. July 31, 2008No Bonefish Grill?Good morning, blog readers! I have what is potentially disappointing news about a retail center under construction in Southwest Roanoke County. Thanks to a tip from one of you, I have been doing some follow-up reporting on the status of Keagy Village, a 16-acre center planned for the corner of Virginia 419 and Keagy Road. And it appears that a coveted chain restaurant might not be coming there. Bonefish Grill, a seafood eatery based in Florida, now says that it won’t be opening a location in Roanoke County. That’s according to Cynthia Glover, a spokeswoman for the chain. I’m not sure the reasons why this restaurant has reconsidered coming to Roanoke County. Glover said a Roanoke County site is not listed on the chain’s long-term opening plan, though she wouldn’t disclose that actual time period. A spokesman with Kahn Development, based in South Carolina, has not returned several calls for comment about Bonefish’s fate at Keagy Village. But if the restaurant indeed does not come, that could spell bad news for this planned retail center. Already coffee retailer Starbucks has slashed its plans to locate a drive-through there. And so far, no dominant anchor store has been announced for Keagy Village. Only one office tenant and a wireless retailer have confirmed plans to land there: Scottrade, a securities brokerage, and NTelos. Kahn Development has said that it expects Keagy Village to house 105,000 square feet of retail and 25,000 square feet of office space. July 24, 2008Bonus for pizza drivers?
Lately there have been news stories about how the high price of gasoline is deterring people from working for delivery businesses. Could this bonus be a way that Domino’s is trying to lure more employees, due to fuel cost challenges? It’s only a guess. I haven’t received a call back from a local Domino’s franchisee to explain this job advertisement. What do you think it means? July 23, 2008The latest on Bojangles'
Bojangles’ now has gone up on Peters Creek Road in Roanoke. The parking lot is the final detail to be completed, said Stan Seymour, the franchise owner. He’s also in the process of hiring employees. The fast food restaurant is several weeks away from opening, he said. But his other planned Bojangles’ location, set for Colonial and Brambleton avenues in Roanoke County, isn't moving as quickly. Seymour said construction should begin in the next several weeks, though the last time I caught up with him, he was hoping that the restaurant would be open by August. He has run into some challenges developing this site, which are reasons for the many delays. Seymour now says that this new Bojangles’ will be larger than he expected, measuring 4,800 square feet. He owns three Roanoke area Bojangles’ franchises. July 17, 2008Good news for local Starbucks fansLocal Starbucks fans can rest easy. Today, the coffee retailer published a list of 600 stores that it plans to close through the first half of next year. No Starbucks in the Roanoke and New River Valleys are on the chopping block. In fact, only five Starbucks across Virginia will close, based on the list. They are locations in Fredericksburg, Gainesville, Hampton, Newport News and Winchester. The states with the most Starbucks closures include California, Florida and Texas. Earlier this month, Starbucks announced plans to shutter 600 underperforming locations nationwide, after a decline in sales and earnings. To check out the full store list, click here. July 15, 2008Java the Hutt may pull later hours for hospital crowd
Employees who work evening and all-night shifts at the hospital probably crave a caffeine fix at some point during their work day. Bob Buckley, owner of Java the Hutt, said he’s hoping that the coffee shop will have later evening hours, though those hours aren't yet set. He’s awaiting a decision by hospital management that will spell out a specific time frame. Last month, a hospital employee commented on this blog that Jazzman's did not offer late enough hours to accomodate the night shifts. Buckley said he'll likely try out the later hours on a trial basis at first to see what traffic the shop draws during that time period. So, stay tuned. By the way, if you’re a hospital employee, what hours would you like the coffee shop to pull? July 10, 2008Shula's 347 Grill will debut at the end of the yearCorrection: Shula's 347 Grill is set for the Roanoke Plaza Hotel, which formerly was the Wyndham Hotel. The hotel will become a Sheraton later this year. 
Shula's 347 Grill is headed for a first floor spot at what is now the Wyndham Hotel. But this hotel is in the process of becoming a Sheraton, according to Bill Herman, who is vice president of corporate development for Shula’s Steakhouses, based in Florida. Roanoke will be the 31st location nationally for Shula’s 347 Grill. Herman described this grill as a mid-tier restaurant, compared with the company’s other brands. The company’s high-end or fine dining concept is Shula’s Steak House. Shula’s has several different restaurant concepts, including Shula’s Steak House, Shula’s 2 Steak & Sports, Shula’s on the Beach and Shula’s 347 Grill. 
Some of you mentioned that you had dined at other Shula’s 347 Grills inside hotels. Herman said hotels are a niche location for this restaurant, though not all of the eateries are inside lodging properties. Shula’s was attracted to the Wyndham Hotel because of some renovations that are taking place at this Roanoke site, off Hershberger Road. "The hotel’s going to be one of the nicest hotels in Roanoke," Herman said. "They’re putting significant dollars in there." Oftentimes, Shula’s restaurants are used as meeting spots for corporate functions. The restaurant company seeks locations where there are a variety of businesses nearby, Herman said. I’ll keep you updated when I find out the new eatery's opening date in Roanoke. For its grand opening, Herman said to expect an appearance from Don Shula himself. Photos courtesy of Shula's Steakhouses July 7, 2008Subway vs. StarbucksThis is an interesting story about Larry Feldman, who runs a company that owns more than 1,000 Subway franchises in Washington D.C. He's planning to open a Subway Café in Alexandria next month that will compete with Starbucks. Who knows if his new concept will trickle down to Southwest Virginia in the future. In the story, Feldman claims that business is steady at Subway shops despite the economy, because people will fork over $5 for a sandwich rather than dining at an upscale eatery. Do you think his explanation makes sense? Dressing like a cow has benefitsWelcome back here after a sunny Fourth of July. I hope you had an enjoyable long weekend. Related to my interview last week with Chick-fil-A’s Dan Cathy, one of you mentioned an upcoming promotion for this fast food chicken chain. So, if you are inclined to dress like a cow, here’s some more information about it. But the incentives depend on how willing you are to dress the part. If you wear a full cow costume, you get a free Chick-fil-A combo meal. If you dress partially as a cow, you receive a sandwich. Costumes in the past have ranged from cow-spotted T-shirts to full suits with cow bells and homemade sandwich boards. Chick-fil-A began using cows for marketing in 1995. Since then, the chain says its sales have jumped from $502 million to more than $2.64 billion in 2007. If you decide to dress up on Friday, send me pictures at jenny.boone@roanoke.com. July 3, 2008Catching up with Chick-fil-A's Dan Cathy
I spoke with Cathy briefly about several topics, including Chick-fil-A's business principals, the economy and the speed of drive-through. Check out my interview with him below. Q: Many fast food restaurants have added $1 menus. Does Chick-fil-A plan to create this kind of menu? Q: How have rising food costs impacted Chick-fil-A? Q: What is the largest meal in sales volume a day at most Chick-fil-A’s? Continue reading "Catching up with Chick-fil-A's Dan Cathy" » Roanoke scoring Shula's 347 GrillHas you ever eaten at Shula’s 347 Grill? This restaurant chain was founded by Don Shula, a legendary NFL coach. And apparently, it is headed for Roanoke next year. I don't yet have details from the Florida-based company about this new location. Shula’s has several different restaurant concepts, including Shula’s Steak House, Shula’s 2 Steak & Sports, Shula’s on the Beach and Shula’s 347 Grill. Shula’s 347 Grill is named for Don Shula's 347 NFL wins, according to the company's Web site. These restaurants serve steaks, hamburgers, fish entrees and other menu fare. The closest Shula’s 347 Grill to the Roanoke Valley is in Norfolk. I’ll update you when I find out more details about this restaurant. July 2, 2008Starbucks closings to target stores opened since 2006
At this point, we don’t know if the closings will include Starbucks locations in the Roanoke and New River valleys. Starbucks has expanded rapidly here in the last few years. There are seven Roanoke Valley locations, including the mini stores inside a local Kroger and Ukrop’s Super Market. There are two in Blacksburg and one in Christiansburg. But in a statement released to me today by a public relations firm representing Starbucks, the coffee retailer said many of the closings will involve stores that opened since 2006. Here’s the statement: Details for specific locations are still being finalized. The stores identified for closure are spread across all major U.S. markets with approximately 70 percent of them opened since fiscal 2006. Out of respect and dignity for our partners, and our desire to share this information with impacted partners first, we are not publishing a full list of the stores. Starbucks will continue to evaluate all aspects of our business as we work to accomplish our multi-faceted plan to transform the company. We cannot offer any more specifics at this time. June 30, 2008Fork in the Alley will spin-off to downtown
The restaurant doesn’t yet have a name, but Trinkle said he expects it to be a take-off on Fork in the Alley. The menu largely will be similar, with brick oven pizza and some new additions. The manager of Fork in the Alley is handling most of the details, Trinkle said. This new restaurant will be open for business by late this year or early next year. This part of downtown, with vacant and run down buildings, isn’t the city’s retail hub. But Trinkle said some renovation work set to transform this area attracted him to the site. Ed Walker, a local developer, owns much of this block, including the Gary’s location and a building across the street that is planned for art studios. Also, Walker owns the former Virginia Mills Cotton Products plant on 6th Street. He wants to renovate it for 108 condominiums or apartments. June 19, 2008Too many coffee shops?Update: I heard back from Mike Sebolt, who said that he and Kathy Johnson sold High Point Coffee because it was too difficult to make ends meet financially soley on his income, since Johnson was managing the coffee shop. He also said the economy was a challenge. About the number of competiting coffee shops, Sebolt said in an email that "There are quite a few but we always felt we had something really unique and special."
Mike Sebolt and Kathy Johnson delved into the coffee retail business in 2007 with high hopes. Their coffee shop, High Point Coffee, may not have turned out as they expected. High Point on Brambleton Avenue in Roanoke County has closed, and Doreen's Gourmet is taking over. Check out the details on the SWCo blog. Sebolt told me that Johnson has taken a new job as a guidance counselor at the Governor’s School. When they opened High Point, she quit her job as a guidance counselor at William Byrd High School to manage the shop. Sebolt’s still a teacher at Salem High School. It’s unclear why they decided to sell High Point. Sebolt didn’t respond to questions about their decision. Perhaps it was a way for Johnson to go back into an education-related career. But it's also no secret that the local coffee retail business is extremely saturated. There are five Starbucks in the Roanoke Valley and locally-owned coffee shops galore. Mill Mountain Coffee & Tea has four shops, and Mojo Café and Brambleton Blend aren't too far from High Point’s former location on Brambleton Avenue. There also are two Daily Grinds, one on Electric Road and another in Salem. And don't forget several Java the Hutt drive-through kiosks. High Point's closing raises questions about its ability to withstand so much coffee competition. June 18, 2008Tomatoes are backTomatoes have reappeared on some fast food menus after certain raw types of this fruit caused a salmonella outbreak nationwide. McDonald’s, Wendy’s, and Yum Brands, the parent company for Taco Bell, Kentucky Fried Chicken and Pizza Hut, this week added tomatoes cleared of the salmonella risk back onto sandwiches, salads and other menu items. Also, Kroger and Ukrop’s Super Market stores locally have rolled tomatoes back onto shelves, according to spokesmen for these grocers. Ukrop’s tomatoes are grown in Florida, but once certain varieties were proven safe, the chain began selling them again, said Wade Carmichael, who is Ukrop’s senior category manager of produce. June 17, 2008Dickey's plans to reopenFor all of you who have been wondering if Dickey’s Barbecue Pit in Salem will reopen, don't lose hope yet. A Dickey’s spokesman, Jeffrey Gruber, told me Monday that the company still plans to reopen the restaurant on West Main Street, though a timetable is not set. The restaurant, which was a franchise, closed because it is changing owners, Gruber said. June 16, 2008Domino's in downtownI’m back from a sunny trip to Florida, where the sandy beach was as white as flour and the turquoise water refreshing. The shopping also was marvelous. I hit a mall with Ann Taylor, Macy’s, Dillard’s, Pottery Barn, Restoration Hardware and many other stores, including cute boutiques near the beach. I can’t go on vacation without fitting in a little time for shopping. How about you? Anyway, it sounds like many of you had a lot to say last week, from discussing the high prices of ordering pizza and to weighing in on retail downtown. I’m still shifting through emails and messages from last week, but I ran into some information about a new Domino’s Pizza location in downtown Roanoke. I know several of you said you don’t like to order pizza from chain establishments, but in case anyone likes Domino’s Pizza, this restaurant opened recently on Williamson Road, inside the former Yellow Cab building. Its interior design reflects the chain’s new Vision 20/20 design. Inside there’s an open area view into the kitchen where you can watch the pizza as it’s being made. 
This structure was built in 1928, so it’s an example of a historic building taking on a very new use. June 11, 2008Hot news about local coffee business
And by early next year, they’ll open a full shop inside Virginia Western’s commons area. There, they plan to serve the typical coffee and related beverages, along with bagels, muffins and possibly desserts. Also, this local chain is headed for Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital. On Aug. 25, Java the Hutt will take the place of Jazzman’s, a cafe on the hospital’s ground floor, Bob Buckley said. He called the move “an answered prayer.” And while making all of these plans, the Buckleys' business is adjusting to its third local drive-through location on Orange Avenue. Java the Hutt recently replaced Joltz, a former coffee drive-through, at Market Square East Shopping Center. The Buckleys opened their first Java the Hutt at Towers Shopping Center in 1994. Earlier this year, they closed Coda, a coffee and food shop on Grandin Road, to focus more on their drive-through business. Photo by Kyle Green, Roanoke Times photographer, of Bob Buckley at the Towers Shopping Center Java the Hutt. June 4, 2008Thai food replaces Indian cuisineAn Indian restaurant in downtown Roanoke has closed, and a Thai food eatery is moving in. Thai Orchid is taking over the former space of Swagat Indian Cuisine on First Street. The motor lodge since has been demolished, and there are plans to build a structure to house Social Security Administration offices in its place. The owner of Thai Orchid, Richard Sarayudej, told me that he considered opening an eatery in Norfolk, where some of his friends reside. But he couldn’t find a location there. And the Swagat space in downtown Roanoke opened up. This restaurant apparently closed several months ago, but the reason is unclear. Sarayudej said Thai Orchid should open by July. Currently, he’s cleaning up and adding new tables inside this space, which he is renting. Tong's Thai is another downtown thai restaurant on Salem Avenue. June 3, 2008August will bring new El RodeoThis August look for new Mexican flavor on Orange Avenue in Roanoke. That’s when El Rodeo will open at the former spot of the Steakhouse restaurant, according to co-owner Agustin Arrellano. The specific opening date is unknown, though owners have been making plans to locate there since last October. Arrellano’s ownership group has several other El Rodeos in the Roanoke Valley. This new Orange Avenue spot will be the fifth local El Rodeo. May 30, 2008Mill Mountain makes its move
The new space at 117 Campbell Ave. is neat and larger. Seating stretches all the way to the back, in addition to tables near the front door and short bars at each of the two front windows. Some of the walls are exposed brick, while the rest of the shop is painted in a dark red shade. Star figures decorate the walls. There are not yet tables set up at a brick patio outside the back door. The menu is largely the same, though according to a sign posted inside, not everything will be served this week while employees are settling in. I did notice that prices have increased for some coffee and milk-based beverages. For example, a chai latte, which normally is $2.88 with tax, was more than $3 today. Other locations followed after Johnson opened the first Mill Mountain at 112 Campbell Ave. There are three other Mill Mountains in the Roanoke Valley, and one in Richmond. May 29, 2008The rise of take outHere's one way to gauge people's habits lately when it comes to paying higher food prices. It’s the rise of take out, according to a survey about eating patterns in America. Take-out dining is cheaper than dining inside a restaurant, because you’re likely not ordering a beverage. And you’re probably not tipping a server. Check out this Q&A with Harry Balzer, a vice president at market research firm NDP Group, and author of its annual report on Eating Patterns in America, about this subject and other food spending issues. So, have you been ordering food to-go more often lately, rather than dining out? May 28, 2008Brew pub at TowersA local restaurant chain appears to be making a significant investment at its location at Towers Shopping Center in Roanoke. Awful Arthur’s Seafood Co. wants to spend at least $50,000 to renovate a portion of its Colonial Avenue space for a brew pub. That’s according to a building permit filed with the city last week. With a brew pub, Awful Arthur’s would be able to make its own beer. I don’t have many details about this development yet, but check back here for updates. May 23, 2008Free Friday BBQThere still are a few hours left for a free food offer that's good for today. Three Li'l Pigs in Daleville is celebrating its 5th year in Botetourt County. So, today it's giving away free barbecue! Check out the Botetourt View blog for details. May 19, 2008Two eateries are closed, for nowIt'll be August until you can dine at a popular Japanese steakhouse in Roanoke. And if you’re craving barbecue from a new Salem eatery, keep checking back. These two area restaurants have shut down temporarily. Significant work already has begun at this restaurant. But from today until late August, the eatery will close to finish up interior renovations, said general manager Atsuhiko Makajima. Kabuki has a location in Christiansburg, if you're up for a drive to the New River Valley. On West Main Street in Salem, Dickey’s Barbecue Pit, has closed. But Jeffrey Gruber, a company spokesman, said the restaurant, which is a franchise, has changed ownership. It’s supposed to reopen within the week. The reason for the ownership change is unclear. Dickey's, a Dallas chain, opened late last year. May 15, 2008Fondue eatery has Roanoke on its radarA well-known fondue restaurant says it’s seeking franchisees to open a Roanoke area location. I’m sure some of you have eaten at a Melting Pot restaurant. It serves all kinds of fondue as appetizers, meals and dessert. Dan Stone, who is director of franchise sales for this Florida-company, told me that the Roanoke area is one of the chain’s open markets for a new location. There already are Melting Pots in other parts of Virginia, such as Charlottesville, Richmond and Virginia Beach. So, the chain currently is on the look-out for people interested in opening a Melting Pot in the Roanoke Valley. Be prepared to spend if you dine at the Melting Pot. I've eaten there, and though tasty, the fondue meals are not inexpensive. Stone said the typical Melting Pot customer comes for special occasions about twice a year. May 7, 2008Makeover at Vinton Burger KingUPDATE: Look for Burger King to reopen by the end of July, according to franchise owner Mike Sloan. Sloan owns three other Burger Kings in the Roanoke Valley. The Vinton restaurant, which was built in 1972, needed a makeover, he said. It's been closed since mid-March. 
Usually, when fast food restaurants are rebuilt, they emerge with a more contemporary design. Some local McDonalds changed their look several years ago by adding electric fireplaces and flat screen televisions. May 5, 2008Restaurant reopens in time for Cinco de MayoJust in time for the Mexican holiday, Cinco de Mayo, a Roanoke Mexican restaurant has reopened after a fire in March. On Sunday, El Rodeo on Plantation Road opened its doors after closing for about two months to repair damage from fire and smoke. On March 6, a fire burned through its roof. The early morning blaze was caused by an electrical line from a neon light. Since then, the restaurant has repainted walls, replaced decorations and made other repairs, said general manager, Nelson Flores. Already, customers appear to be flocking to the reopened eatery. To celebrate Cindo de Mayo, El Rodeo is serving its lunch buffet all day. It also has a variety of drink specials. You’ll find discounts on food and drinks at Mexican restaurants locally and nationally in honor of this holiday that celebrates Mexico’s victory over the French in the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. May 1, 2008It's official: Krystal has shut downKrystal Co. confirmed today that its fast food eatery in Salem is closed. I'm trying to find out more details about why Krystal, which is known for its square hamburgers, has shut its doors after a little more than a year in business. The Radford franchisee, Rich Pappas, has not returned calls for comment. Here's a statement from Krystal, via spokesman, Brian Cooley: “The Krystal Company and our franchise partner in the Roanoke Valley have decided to close our Salem location on Wildwood Road at this time. Ever since we opened our doors in Salem, our guests have shown great passion for our iconic food with the big taste. The Krystal Company is committed to further developing its presence in Virginia, and it is our hope to open more locations in the state in the near future. During our absence, we invite our guests to continue to satisfy their cravings for Krystal at any of our nearby locations including our restaurant in Bristol or any of our nearly 400 restaurants across the Southeast." April 30, 2008Early morning crowd forms at Chick-fil-A
Here are some pictures from the scene so far this morning at Chick-fil-A. About 40 people already were camped out in the parking lot of the new fast food eatery on Southern Hills Drive by 8 a.m. this morning. Chick-fil-A's new standalone restaurant opens in Roanoke on Thursday, but people were invited to wait in line as early as 6 a.m. this morning to be the first 100 in line by opening time. The first 100 there by the time the restaurant opens its doors will receive 52 free coupons for combo meals. There also will be food giveaways throughout the day and evening. 
At 8:20 a.m., a group of eight James Madison University students piled out of a mini van, carrying tents and sleeping bags. They drove from Harrisonburg this morning. "We all had an opening in our schedules, and it's exam week," said Lilam Smith, a JMU student from Philadelphia. April 29, 2008Krystal appears to have shut its doors in Salem
The reason for its abrupt closing is unknown, and hopefully, more details will emerge. Rich Pappas of Radford owns this Krystal franchise. It took him several years to bring the concept to this area after he announced its opening in 2005. He told me then that he had run into some financial roadblocks with securing the property on which to build the restaurant. Krystal Co. is known for its square hamburgers, and it is based in Chattanooga, Tenn. April 28, 2008Steve's slides out, AJ's moves in
Cari and Joe Roragen bought the business, and this Thursday, they’ll open its doors with a similar menu. Just don’t expect to order Steve’s well-known chili. The Roragens purchased the business, but they don’t have the rights to everything, including the Steve’s name and its chili recipe. Cari Roragen told me today that they’ll serve Steve’s menu of hot dogs, hamburgers, chicken and fish sandwiches and other lunch and dinner fare. By this summer, they hope to incorporate some new tastes with a to-go breakfast menu, appealing largely to customers who use the drive-through. They’ll also add some lighter foods for lunch and dinner, such as wraps and salads. Joe Roragen, who will be in the charge of the daily operation, brings some restaurant management experience to AJ’s, which the couple named after their two children, Annaliese and Jacob. He’s most recently been a manager at Texas Roadhouse in Christiansburg, and he also has worked at Outback Steakhouse. Cari Roragen said it was time to put her husband’s skills “ into something that was ours.” April 24, 2008Steve's Famous Hot Dogs is closingHot dog lovers won’t like this news. Steve’s Famous Hot Dogs will close at the end of this month. Owner Andrew Eunice, 84, is retiring from this well-known hot dog business on Brandon Avenue in Roanoke. Recently he sold it, according to his nephew and founder of the hot dog chain, Steve Mullins. Steve’s has been a local fixture since 1973, when Mullins opened the first location in Salem with his father, Harold Mullins. At one time, it had 17 locations. Eunice bought the eatery in 1987. “We have sold 10 million hot dogs over the years,” Steve Mullins said. “That’s the least we’ve sold.” A local couple has purchased the business but not its name and other signatures, such as its chili recipe. They’ll take over on May 1, Steve Mullins said. Once I catch up with the new owners, I'll let you know about their plans. April 21, 2008Chick-fil-A's rolling in next weekHappy Monday. I hope your week is getting off to a good start.
If you’ve never been to an opening for this fast food chicken chain’s stand alone restaurants, you may be in for a surprise. The chain allows customers to camp outside of its restaurants a day before they open. For us, that period will begin at 6 a.m. on April 30. Throughout the day and night, campers can get oodles of free Chick-fil-A foods, from chicken nuggets to sweet tea. If you stay put, without leaving the camp-out spot, the reward is 52 of Chick-fil-A’s “be our guest” cards, which will be handed out the morning of May 1. It sounds like quite an event if people show up. Check out this story about a Chick-fil-A opening and frenzy in Chesapeake earlier this month. April 18, 2008Botetourt restaurant newsThe Fried Pickle in Daleville has reopened under new ownership, and Teaberry's, a restaurant on U.S. 220 alternate, is moving to a new location on Roanoke Road, near Botetourt Commons. Roanoke Times Community reporter, Cathy Benson, reports on changes at these two Botetourt County restaurants on her blog, The Botetourt View. Check out the Teaberry's news here, and the Fried Pickle news here. April 11, 2008More news about a Salem Zaxby'sUPDATE: The Salem Zaxby's should open around the middle of May, potentially on May 12 or May 19. Franchisee Tom Noelke said he's awaiting a certificate of occupancy for the new eatery. Also, it takes about a week to train new employees, though Noelke is using the Roanoke Zaxby's as a training location. 
Here are a few more details about this fast food chicken chain’s new location. The Salem restaurant will measure about 2,375 square feet, and it will seat 56 patrons, according to a news release about the eatery. Tom Noelke, the franchisee, last said the restaurant would open in May. I've asked about a specific opening date, and I'll update you when I find out. The Salem Zaxby’s will employ 40 to 50 people, primarily cooks and cashiers, and Jeff Loving will be the general manager. This will be the second location for Zaxby’s in the Roanoke Valley and in all of Virginia. Noelke, who lives in Charlottesville, opened the first area Zaxby’s on Ordway Drive in Roanoke in 2006. Noelke apparently is no stranger to the restaurant business. A native of Texas, he used to manage a string of eateries that his parents owned. Noelke has a degree in restaurant management from Texas Tech University, and he studied finance at the University of Georgia. That’s where he learned about Zaxby’s, which is based in Athens, Ga. There are more than 420 Zaxby’s in 11 states. April 9, 2008A strategy for free samplesMcDonald’s appears to be timing an upcoming freebie with the mailing of federal economic stimulus checks in May. Check out this article about the fast food chain’s plans to match free samples of its Southern style chicken sandwiches with the release of the checks ranging from $600 to $1,200. This may be another way to stimulate the economy, since McDonald’s likely figures that people who come to its restaurants for free food will be tempted to buy, too. I wonder if we will see other free offers roll out in May, tied to the release of the federal checks. Also, notice that the article mentions other restaurant freebies, including Dunkin Donuts’ plan to give free doughnuts to customers who buy coffee on April 15, the federal tax return filing deadline. April 3, 2008Breakfast habits revealedI came across a survey about consumers' breakfast habits, conducted by Braun Research, for Panera Bread. We’ve talked about the rising importance of the breakfast business for restaurants, and Panera Bread clearly has used this survey data to justify its recent launch of a series of breakfast sandwiches that are already in its Roanoke area locations. Here are a few results from the survey. I think the most interesting is the response that Mondays are the most popular days for breakfast cravings. 2) Nearly half of Americans classify themselves as “early birds” (46%) rather than night 3) When Americans know their day will be tough, they look to a hot breakfast to help them 4) Americans also fess up that Mondays are when they crave a hot breakfast the most – April 1, 2008Fishing for franchiseesIt looks like a fast food seafood restaurant chain wants to expand in the Roanoke Valley. I noticed an advertisement recently that sought local franchisees for Captain D’s Seafood Kitchen locations. A representative with this chain hasn’t yet returned a call for comment about its plans. More than half of Captain D’s restaurants are company-owned. Potential franchisees should expect to invest up to $1.1 million per restaurant, according to the company’s Web site. Also, franchisees pay royalty fees to Captain D’s that equal 4.5 percent of net sales Captain D's joins Dunkin Donuts, which several weeks ago announced its plans to find franchisees to open more stores across Virginia, including in the Roanoke Valley. March 28, 2008To tip or not to tipTipping has been in the news lately related to a situation where a California judge ordered Starbucks to pay its baristas $100 million in tips and interest because it allowed shift supervisors to share tips with baristas. Apparently, supervisors are considered managers and aren’t supposed to get a share of the tip pool. Starbucks has said it will appeal the ruling. I’m not planning to debate what this case means, though it has created a windstorm at Starbucks’ company owned locations across the country. Baristas in some other states also have filed suits against the coffee retail giant. But I bring this up to discuss tipping. Probably like many of you, I’ve debated how much I should tip baristas for coffee-shop related orders. There’s a tip jar sitting on the counters of many local coffee shops, such as Mill Mountain Coffee & Tea. I know there isn’t a hard and fast rule about this, but I wondered your thoughts on how much you tip at a place that is not your typical sit-down restaurant. Also, what do you think of the idea of pooling tips? At times, I’d like to only tip the person who personally makes my drink. At some local places, a barista might recognize me and make the drink that I often request before I actually order it. That's service!
March 14, 2008Sweet news for Dunkin Donuts fans
Check out tomorrow’s Business section for more details. Photo courtesy of Dunkin Donuts. March 13, 2008Bojangles' updatesSome of you have inquired about updates on the progress of two Roanoke area Bojangles’ restaurants, after I blogged about a new Bojangles’ opening at Smith Mountain Lake. I caught up with with the franchise owner of two planned local Bojangles', who said that these restaurants still are in the works.
Also, Seymour expects another Bojangles’ in Southwest Roanoke County, slated for an area at Colonial and Brambleton avenues, to open by August. He has been busy finalizing structural plans at the site with VDOT. This restaurant will be about 3,900 square feet. But Bojangles’ won’t take up this entire two acre property. Seymour said he plans to have room at this site for another business, such as a bank. Right now, though, he's focusing on getting Bojangles’ up and running.
March 6, 2008New breakfast sandwiches at Panera BreadIt looks like another chain wants to expand its presence in the breakfast market. Panera Bread is rolling out a line-up of breakfast sandwiches at its restaurants, and its Roanoke Valley locations already are selling them. The nationwide launch is scheduled for April, according to the company. This bakery and food company is joining an increasing number of fast food eateries, such as Wendy’s and McDonalds, and other restaurants that have added gourmet coffee and morning-related food choices to draw on a growing business for breakfast. At Panera Bread, there are three different kinds of grilled breakfast sandwiches, including egg and cheese, sausage egg and cheese, and bacon, egg and cheese. Prices range from $3 to $4, depending on the location, said Andrew Carlson, a spokesman for the St. Louis-based chain. Panera Bread already sells bagels, pastries and egg soufflés, along with coffee and other hot beverages. But it’s perhaps best known for its wide selection of sandwiches and soups for lunch and dinner. Carlson said breakfast isn’t a new business for the chain, but there has been more demand for increased morning offerings. “Hot breakfasts are something our guests have been interested in,” he said. “It’s a good natural extension of our brand.” Read on to learn about some upcoming baking demonstrations at the Panera Bread in Roanoke County. Continue reading "New breakfast sandwiches at Panera Bread" » March 5, 2008Find out which restaurants are smoke-free
It was compiled by a non profit group called the Greater Roanoke Valley Asthma and Air Quality Coalition. Each year, the group invites restaurants in Roanoke, Roanoke County, Vinton and Salem to contact them if they have decided to eliminate smoking. Mary Kane, who chairs the group, said the list isn’t comprehensive because it's hard to keep up with the ever changing number of restaurants that are becoming smoke-free. If you don’t see one here, there’s a spot on the page where you can add the restaurant's name. Some local businesses distribute brochures with this listing, including the Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center. March 3, 2008March opening slated for downtown eatery
Scott Lockhart and Debbie Spangler, who also own a catering company, plan to serve lunch and dinner entrees with a Southwestern twist. Expect their dinner menu to including various game meats, such as buffalo and venison. Prices will range from $22 to $28 for dinner entrees and $7 to $9 for lunch. They've also obtained an ABC license to serve alcohol. They'll mostly take reservations for dinner, though there will be some space for walk-in patrons.This new eatery also will be smoke-free, which is a growing trend among restaurants in the Roanoke Valley, and particularly in downtown Roanoke. 
February 28, 2008Zaxby's moving into Salem
Tom Noelke, a Zaxby’s franchisee who lives in Charlottesville, brought the first Zaxby’s to the Roanoke Valley in late 2006, landing it off Hershberger Road. He’s also the owner of this new Salem spot, which will measure about 3,000 square feet and have a drive-through. It’s slated to open in May. Noelke told me that he wants to build Zaxby’s brand in the Roanoke Valley. The Roanoke location was the chain’s first Virginia restaurant. Headquartered in Athens, Ga., Zaxby’s has more than 410 locations in 10 states. It’s popular for its chicken fingers and buffalo wings. It’s also characterized by the restaurant industry as a quick-casual concept, which is a cross between fast food and sit-down dining. The success of the Roanoke Zaxby’s “kind of caught us off guard,” Noelke said. “Even considering being in a recession right now, the price point is right.” Noelke is considering expanding Zaxby's to three Roanoke County locations in the future. February 27, 2008Starbucks trainingTo find out about the "Espresso Excellence" that baristas learned during their training at Starbucks stores yesterday evening, check out this article in the New York Times. For those of you who didn't know, Starbucks stores closed nationwide yesterday for three hours for employee training. In the Roanoke Valley, many closed for the entire evening, starting at 5:30 p.m. February 26, 2008Starbucks taking a break this eveningIf you want a java fix at five Roanoke Valley Starbucks locations, don’t wait until this evening.
The purpose for the closings, which are the first in the coffee retailer’s history, is to train store employees on espresso standards, so that “baristas will be better prepared to share their passion and knowledge with customers,” according to a company news release. This appears to be a Starbucks initiative to lift sluggish sales at its stores. The company already has announced that it’s scaling back its store openings this year. It has about 7,100 stores nationwide. But these closing won’t impact stores that are inside grocery locations. Locally those include the Starbucks inside Kroger on Brambleton Avenue in Roanoke County and the one inside Ukrop’s Super Market on Franklin Road Click here to read more about the Starbucks’ closings. February 25, 2008Bojangles' at the LakeNew fast food will land at Smith Mountain Lake in late April.
The company is hiring about 50 employees to work at the new Bojangles'. Arrington Enterprises owns two other locations for the restaurant in Franklin County. It also owns three Dairy Queen restaurants in Franklin County and one in Danville. Other businesses at LakeWatch Plantation will include a YMCA, a funeral home and some retailers.
February 22, 2008To be or not to be smoke-freeSmoke-free dining may become the rule for at least one more restaurant in the Roanoke Valley. Though the Virginia General Assembly has not passed a number of bills to ban or limit smoking at eateries, one Roanoke restaurant may join others to regulate smoking at its own establishment. Metro, a restaurant in downtown Roanoke, recently sent out a survey to patrons on its email list, asking what they think about smoking in the upscale eatery “to determine if we should implement a no-smoking policy,” it states. I couldn’t reach Metro’s chef and owner, Andy Schlosser, for comment about what he’s learned from the survey so far. I realize there are wide opinions on this issue, but not matter what you think, let me know if you’ve noticed other Roanoke area restaurants checking in with patrons about how they feel about smoking while dining. Also, what local eateries recently have banned smoking? February 18, 2008Coffee EtiquetteHappy Monday! On this sunny morning, let’s discuss take-out coffee etiquette. This is an interesting article in the Chicago Tribune about how some restaurateurs have become irritated with customers who come in carrying coffee cups from other establishments.
Also, while we’re on the subject of coffee, my retail column in yesterday’s Business section offered more details about the closing of Coda, a coffee and food shop in the Grandin Village. I also wrote about Bob and Mary Buckley’s plans to open another Java the Hutt coffee drive-through on Orange Avenue this spring. The Buckley’s own Coda and other local Java the Hutts. February 12, 2008No more Healthy Treats in downtown RoanokeSpeaking of downtown Roanoke, an eatery on Market Street has closed after only six months in business. Dean Kapsalakis, owner of Healthy Treats Bakery & Café, said he closed the restaurant last week because of an unreliable employee. Apparently, one of his employees did not show up to work several times. Kapsalakis said if he could not rely on employees to run the eatery, he would end up working 60 or 70 hours a week. “I didn’t have the motive,” he said. For now, he’s trying to sublease the space. The café served turkey hot dogs, quiche, pizza and desserts. It's cold but think ice creamI know it's a little cold outside to be thinking about ice cream, but to prepare you for spring and summer’s warm days, a new option for this chilly treat is planned for downtown Roanoke.  Gardner will offer 16 flavors of ice cream and some other desserts, including milkshakes and hot fudge sundaes. Orange Dog currently serves eight flavors of ice cream, but its expanded flavors will include chocolate, vanilla, butter pecan and pistachio. Gardner would not disclose the specific brand of ice cream that he's serving. He said the closest area where people can find it is Charlotte, N.C. But don't expect healthful treats. This ice cream has a "high butter fat content," he said. Orange Dog take-out orders also will be served in the new space. Gardner also owns Orange Dog at Towers Shopping Center. February 5, 2008Coffee shop leaving Grandin VillageThe Grandin Village is losing a coffee shop. A letter from the owners of Coda, posted to the business' window, states that Feb. 28 will be its last day. The coffee and food shop is located on Grandin Road in Roanoke. Bob and Mary Buckley, who also own several local Java the Hutt coffee drive-throughs, state in the letter that the demands of running all of their enterprises have been too much.
To the left is a picture of Bob Buckley at the Java the Hutt at Towers Shopping Center. The letter asks for “interested runners” to step up to the plate, which perhaps means that they’d like to sell Coda. I’m hoping to find out more details soon about Coda’s closing. Coda opened in 2006, and it quickly expanded into more than a coffee shop. It became a neighborhood gathering place, serving breakfast and lunch foods, beer and wine and hosting live music several nights a week. The Buckleys opened their first Java the Hutt drive-through in 1994. Another local food business has shut its doors, though it’s unclear why. Chicken Rules at Towers Shopping Center in Roanoke has closed. It opened there in 2005. Photo by Kyle Green, Roanoke Times photographer. January 29, 2008One eatery stays, while a food delivery business shuttersDespite rumors that Surf-N-Turf Grill on Grandin Road in Roanoke soon would close its doors, the eatery’s owner, Paul Gautier, said the seafood and steak restaurant will remain open. In December, he closed Surf-N-Turf's Salem location. And Gautier said he was keeping his fingers crossed that last weekend’s business would bring in enough revenue for him to sustain the Roanoke eatery. He said some leftover bills from the Salem Surf-N-Turf were piling up for him. He initially prepared some of his employees for the worse. “We were at a time of weakness,” Gautier said. But with some number crunching and budgeting, Gautier said he’s keeping the Roanoke eatery alive. He opened it in 2003. 
Continue reading "One eatery stays, while a food delivery business shutters" » January 25, 2008Breaking into breakfastThere’s increased pressure for restaurants to suit the morning crowd. Everyone seems to think that they’ll increase sales if they serve egg sandwiches, sausage and gourmet coffee. As you probably have noticed, more fast food restaurants are getting into the breakfast business. Wendy’s and Subway are some of the newest to break into this market. McDonald’s also has its own baristas to serve lattes and coffee drinks, though it's long had a rather extensive menu of egg mcmuffin sandwiches, hashbrowns and more. Even in the Roanoke Valley, there are a growing number of local eateries trying to make a dent in the breakfast business. The latest example is the upcoming arrival of Brambleton Blend, a new eatery that’s planned on Brambleton Avenue in Roanoke. Its owner, Rob Cantu said he plans to serve breakfast, lunch and dinner, along with using his barista skills to serve up gourmet coffees and other hot beverages. Still, other local chains claim to own the breakfast crowd. They include establishments, such as The Roanoker Restaurant and Famous Anthony’s. But these aren't considered fast food dining options. Is breakfast-to-go a smart business? What are your favorite places to grab a quick morning meal on the run? January 23, 2008Little Caesars on the waySeveral of you have inquired lately about a business that is rising on Brandon Avenue in Roanoke, near Towers Shopping Center. 
The pizza chain’s location on Brandon Avenue will have a drive-through, a feature that Flanigan has been adding to more of his Little Caesars sites. A drive-through can double sales at a restaurant, he said. Five of Flanigan’s Little Caesars locations have drive-throughs. Flanigan said he even is considering ways to move his restaurants out of strip centers and into free-standing buildings so that he can add drive-throughs to them. “It’s the way society is today...convenience, convenience,” he said. A Pizza Hut sits up the road from Little Caesars' Brandon Avenue site, but Flanigan said he's not worried about the competition. Both pizza restaurants have different concepts. Pizza Hut has sit-down and delivery business, while Little Caesars is strictly carry-out, he explained. Look for another Little Caesars restaurant to open in Bedford on U.S. 460. On March 18, Flanigan said he’ll land this restaurant at a busy intersection, near Wal-Mart, Autozone and Applebee’s. It, of course, will have a drive-through. January 10, 2008Specialty coffee planned on Brambleton
A local resident, Rob Cantu, said recently that he has been renovating the space. With the unveiling if the new sign, he’s likely preparing to open the business soon. January 9, 2008Budget menusIt seems like more chain restaurants are trying to appeal to consumers on a budget. Some local eateries are marketing foods at cheaper prices. They’re pointing out high prices for gasoline and encouraging people to keep eating out but to try certain value meals. 
Also, Country Cookin, a Roanoke County-based restaurant chain, is pushing the affordability of certain items on its menu that now are priced at $6.99. These entrees are marked with a blue oval logo, and they include liver and onions, flounder fillet and country fried steak. “So many people are struggling right now, with Christmas bills coming in, and gas prices the way they are,” said Angie Covington, marketing director for Country Cookin. “A lot of our signage space is reminding people that it is affordable to eat with us.” At what local eateries have you found quality deals lately? January 8, 2008Texting your pizza order
Text messaging is becoming a major way that people communicate, and retailers are tapping into it. Not too long ago, I wrote about how you can text Valley View Mall to find out what items are for sale at the mall’s stores. The article predicts that in five years, text ordering will be as common as online restaurant orders. Click here to learn how to text your order to Papa John's. January 3, 2008Surf-N-Turf moves out of SalemIf you’ve driven down Main Street in Salem recently, you may have noticed that Surf-N-Turf Grill, a seafood and steak restaurant, has closed. The owner, Paul Gautier, shut its doors in mid-December. But the closing doesn’t mean that he’s also shuttering the other local Surf-N-Turf restaurant in Roanoke on Grandin Road. Gautier plans to keep that one going as long as he can. He said yesterday that he closed the Salem location because it was too difficult for him to run both eateries. Gautier lives in the Grandin Village area, and he said he struggled to find enough people to manage both of the restaurants adequately. Surf-N-Turf has been in Salem for three years. He’s had the Roanoke location since 2003. Gautier modeled the eateries after steak and seafood restaurants in North Carolina’s Outer Banks. He said maintaining the Grandin area location is “easier to control all of the variables.” Gautier said a pizza eatery is slated for the vacant Salem space at 14 E. Main St. I’ll let you know once I find out more about the restaurant that will land there. January 2, 2008Former Wertz's gift certificatesI received an email from a reader who was given a gift certificate to Wertz’s Restaurant & Wine Bar for Christmas. But Wertz’s closed on Dec. 22, and they weren’t sure what to do with the gift certificate. Here’s news for those of you who may be in the same predicament. New restaurant owners who plan to open another eatery at the former Wertz’s space on Market Street in downtown Roanoke said they will redeem all Wertz’s gift certificates. Debbie Spangler and her son, Scott Lockhart, expect to open Horizon Bar & Grill there by February. December 31, 2007Last day for Billy's RitzToday is the last day that you can dine at an upscale restaurant in downtown Roanoke. 
The Williams are in the process of selling two adjoining buildings at 10 Market St. and 102 Salem Ave. that house the restaurant and cheese shop. But John Williams said he will not yet reveal the name of the potential buyer. In August, I reported that a local person had a contract to purchase the property, according to commercial real estate firm, Poe & Cronk Real Estate. On Jan. 19, there will be an auction at the former Billy's Ritz building to sell its antiques and other furnishings. John Williams and two business partners opened the restaurant about 27 years ago. Eventually, John and Betsy Williams became the sole owners. December 28, 2007Wertz's Restaurant & Wine Bar shuts its doors
Crowder has had some health problems, and he said that is why he is closing Wertz's, which is located on Market Street in downtown Roanoke. But he will continue to sell produce from a booth at the city's downtown farmer’s market. Crowder’s wife, Shellie Crowder, also co-owns Little Dipper, an ice cream and food shop on Market Street. A mother and son team who own a local catering company, called Divinity Catering, plan to move into the Wertz’s space and open a restaurant there by February, Crowder said. Debbie Spangler is the president of Divinity. Crowder still owns the Wertz’s building, and he said he’s leasing the space to the new restaurateurs. And he plans to stay involved in the city’s downtown, through his produce stand and his seat on the board of directors for Downtown Roanoke Inc. “The Market is me. It’s what I am and what I’m about,” Crowder said. Stay tuned for more details about the new eatery that will open this winter in Wertz’s space. December 19, 2007Panera Bread brings dough to New River Valley
But this new eatery, at 2610 N. Franklin St., sports a feature that other Virginia Panera Breads may not have. It has a drive-through. Rick Postle, owner of Blue Ridge Bread, a franchise group that owns Panera Breads in other parts of Virginia, said he expects to open more locations for the restaurant in the New River Valley and possibly, in other parts of Southwest Virginia. Blue Ridge Bread owns the Panera Breads in the Roanoke Valley. He said other new Panera Breads may have drive-throughs, but the feature is more feasible at restaurant locations with stand-alone buildings. Panera Bread is based in Missouri, and it has 1,137 locations nationwide under the Panera Bread or Saint Louis Bread Co. name. The photo was taken by Roanoke Times photographer, Stephanie Klein-Davis, at a Roanoke area Panera Bread. December 11, 2007Fuddruckers has closed
A spokesperson for Fuddruckers, based in Texas, was unavailable on Monday. Viamac, a company that owned the Western Sizzlin franchises in the Roanoke Valley, also owned the Salem Fuddruckers. The restaurant opened in 2001 near the intersection of Electric Road and Main Street, at Lakeside Plaza. According to online records for the Roanoke and Alleghany health districts, Fuddruckers had four health violations in October. They included soiled food contact surfaces in the kitchen, a chemical spray bottle that was unlabeled and certain openings in the kitchen that did not guard against entry of insects and other rodents. It’s unclear if these violations are related to Fuddruckers' closing. A representative at the health district could not be reached. November 28, 2007Finding more Roanoke tables onlineThe Internet may not be the first place that you turn when deciding where to have dinner. But more regional restaurants have joined OpenTable, a reservations Web site. Used more heavily by high-end eateries in larger cities, OpenTable slowing is attracting some Southwest Virginia eateries. 202 Market in downtown Roanoke joined the site when the eatery opened in April. And last year, Metro, another downtown restaurant, was the first to register at OpenTable. Other Southwest Virginia restaurants on OpenTable are Chateau Morrisette in Floyd and three Lynchburg eateries-- Shoemaker’s Fine Dining, Meriwether’s Market Restaurant and The Neighbors Place. To make reservations, patrons log on, click the desired restaurant and enter the time and name. There is no fee to make reservations online. Restaurants do pay for the OpenTable listing. Metro paid a $900 start-up fee and a $300 to $350 a month charge, said Andy Schlosser, the chef and owner, when the eatery joined the online service last year. Also, restaurants pay $1 for each reservation made. October 30, 2007New Bojangles' moving in
A Roanoke area franchisee for Bojangles’, Stan Seymour, still wants to open a Bojangles’ restaurant at Colonial and Brambleton avenues in Southwest Roanoke County. It’s been several years since he first announced this news. But Seymour has run into some challenges developing the site. He has had to install an 8-foot pipe underground and get the land rezoned. Now, he expects June to be the opening month for the restaurant. That’s not all. Seymour also plans to build a Bojangles’ on Peters Creek Road in Roanoke, not too far from the intersection of Airport Road. The land there already is being cleared, and Seymour said the fast food restaurant should be ready to open in January. Once these two new locations are up and running, Seymour will own five total Bojangles’ in the Roanoke Valley, including ones in Daleville and Salem. October 21, 2007Mill Mountain's future home
To the left is a picture of the coffee retailer’s future digs, a building at 117 Campbell Ave. that most recently housed an antique shop. A city building permit filed this week reveals that renovations soon could begin there. Earlier this month, when I first reported that Mill Mountain’s retail space at 112 Campbell Ave. would be coming up for lease, several of you weighed in about what that news could mean for this local coffee chain. Now that Johnson has confirmed the shop’s move, I’d like to know your thoughts. What works about Mill Mountain’s current location, and what features would you like to see in its new spot? October 16, 2007Cheeburger Cheeburger will open next week
The 1950s-style restaurant chain's opening has been delayed more than a month, and finally, it will deliver on its promise. The restaurant is taking up a 2,410 square foot space beside Stein Mart, fronting Tanglewood's west end, according to the mall. If you like hamburgers, milkshakes and related fast food fare, this is your place. The hamburgers served here come in at least four different sizes, including the 20-ounce Pounder Burger. Check out Cheeburger Cheeburger’s menu here. The chain, based in Florida, has about 60 locations nationwide. Its other Virginia locations are in the Richmond area and in Williamsburg. Cheeburger Cheeburger’s debut will add more flavor to the dining options at Tanglewood. The only restaurants currently inside the mall are Chick-fil-A, K&W Cafeteria and Applebee’s. If you’ve ever eaten at a Cheeburger Cheeburger restaurant, let me know what you think of it.
October 15, 2007More barbecue newsAnother barbecue restaurant is coming our way, and this time it will land in Salem. Dickey’s Barbecue, a Dallas-based chain, will open a restaurant on Nov. 19 at 1419 West Main St., according to Rebecca Carter, a spokeswoman for the company. The space slated for Dickey’s is near some other new businesses, including the second location for Firehouse Subs. Also, down the street is the second local spot for Henry's Memphis BBQ at 1122 West Main St. As of February, Dickey’s had 67 restaurants across the United States and 48 others were in construction. Dickey’s also will open an eatery in Lynchburg on Wards Road in December, Carter said. You can check out Dickey’s menu at www.dickeys.com.
October 10, 2007New El Rodeo coming next yearHow many Mexican restaurants can this area hold? Here’s news of yet another one in the works. The owners of the popular El Rodeo and El Toreo eateries here are making plans to land a new location in Roanoke. El Rodeo will open sometime next year on Orange Avenue, according to one of its owners. It’s heading for the former location of Western Sizzlin, which most recently was the Steakhouse. This new El Rodeo likely won’t open until next year after renovations and other changes are made there, Arellano said. Once this one opens, there will be five total El Rodeos in the Roanoke Valley. Other Mexican eateries are finding the Roanoke area attractive for business. A new Mexican restaurant is slated for Campbell Avenue in downtown Roanoke. And last fall, Abuelo’s Mexican Food Embassy debuted at the District at Valley View. October 3, 2007Blues BBQ coming soonBlues BBQ’s debut in downtown Roanoke has taken longer than expected, but the wait may soon be over. The owner, Patrick Maggi, initially said the new restaurant would open in May or June, but renovations at the Market Square space were more extensive than planned. An opening date is nearing for this eatery that will serve a variety of barbecue dishes and feature blues and other music as entertainment. Maggi now predicts that next week, on Oct. 10, the restaurant will be ready to welcome its first patrons. For the last three years, Maggi has operated a barbecue restaurant in Frederick, Md., and lately, he’s been splitting his time between that location and Roanoke. In a phone conversation from his Frederick restaurant recently, he spoke of plans for another barbecue eatery in Frederick that would be poised to draw tourists in that area. Luckily, plans for that restaurant are farther down the road. It’s set for a 2009 opening. Maggi’s putting his efforts into downtown Roanoke right now, including appearing at his first local festival last weekend. Blues BBQ had a food booth at the Henry Street Festival at Elmwood Park. Blues BBQ is joining a line-up of barbecue eateries new to the Roanoke Valley in the last year. They include Pitt Boss BBQ in Southwest Roanoke County and a second location for Henry’s Memphis BBQ in Salem. The apparent success of some local barbecue concepts here calls into question the announcement in May that Smokey Bones, a barbecue chain owned by Darden Restaurants Inc., was shutting down some of its locations nationwide and selling the remaining eateries. The Smokey Bones in Roanoke was for sale, but it will remain open. A few reasons for Smokey Bones’ downfall were that the chain’s sports-bar and barbecue focus turned off some women, and other diners didn’t want to eat a heavy barbecue meal regularly. October 2, 2007Mill Mountain Coffee on the moveHere’s more coffee-related news. The local coffeehouse’s flagship location at 112 Campbell Ave. will be available for lease to another retailer on Jan. 1, according to Andrea Clark, the property manager for the building. Last year Mill Mountain’s owner, Dave Johnson, purchased a building at 117 Campbell Ave., which is across the street from the current shop, according to Roanoke real estate records. He paid about $425,000 for the 96-year-old one-story structure that measures 2,281 square feet. But whether Mill Mountain will relocate there is unknown. Johnson could not be reached today for more information. Mill Mountain has a three other locations in the Roanoke Valley and one in Richmond. What do you think of the possibility of Mill Mountain's relocation? October 1, 2007A whole new retail worldWelcome to the wonderful world of retail. The virtual world, that is. Let’s get this blogging thing going. When I moved to Roanoke in 2002, there were no Starbucks here. But this gourmet coffee retailer since has latched onto the Roanoke Valley quickly. What do think? What coffee shop serves the best coffee around here and why? |
.....Advertisement.....
|
...Advertisement...
...Advertisement...
