Hello Cardinal News readers. Welcome back to Cardinal Commerce Notes, our regular feature catching you up on various recent business news items.
If you missed last week’s edition, check it out here to learn more about Old Dominion Power’s proposed rate increase, two Roanoke businesses expanding, a new Roanoke Region Food & Farm Trail and an upcoming virtual public meeting about Virginia rail transportation.
I’m always on the lookout for news tips. Please email me at matt@cardinalnews.org or connect with me on LinkedIn and message me there.
New Mabry Mill restaurant operator chosen
The Blue Ridge Parkway has chosen a new concessions operator to provide food, drink and retail services at the restaurant and gift shop next to the historic Mabry Mill on the parkway for 10 years.
The operator — MM176 LLC, whose name is likely a nod to Mabry Mill’s location at milepost 176.2 on the parkway — plans interior renovations in 2026 and anticipates opening food and retail services to the public in spring 2027, according to a Thursday news release from the National Park Service.
“We are excited to see food service return to this historic Parkway destination and look forward to working with the new operator over the next decade at Mabry Mill.” Blue Ridge Parkway Superintendent Tracy Swartout said in the release.
Seated dining at the Mabry Mill restaurant stopped being available at the end of 2023 after the previous concessionaire chose not to renew its contract.
Mabry Mill features a historic blacksmith shop, gristmill and sawmill.
“Most of the buildings at Mabry Mill were built shortly after the turn of the 20th century. While the mill building and blacksmith shop are original to the site, other buildings were moved closer to the mill from nearby areas to provide visitors a view of life in Appalachia during that period. A short trail connects these structures and provides informative exhibits and interpretive displays,” according to the release.
This year, park service staff and volunteers will host educational programs, music events, walking tours and other events.
Danville, Tazewell airports to get federal money for projects
Two airports in Southside and Southwest Virginia will receive about $700,000 combined in federal funding for improvement projects.
The city of Danville will receive $439,850 to rehabilitate taxiway and runway lighting at the Danville Regional Airport, according to a news release from U.S. Sens. Mark Warner and Tim Kaine.
The Tazewell County Airport Authority will get $261,647 toward construction of a hangar at the county airport “to assist the airport in its mission to generate new revenue and be self-sustaining,” according to the release.
The two funding amounts are part of more than $21 million going to eight Virginia airports from the Federal Aviation Administration’s Airport Improvement Program, according to the release.
“Travelers deserve the comfort of knowing they can move safely and efficiently through Virginia airports,” Warner and Kaine said in the release. “We’re proud to announce this funding to modernize and improve our airport infrastructure and passenger experience.”
Roanoke law firm expands into Northern Virginia
A Roanoke-based law firm is expanding into Northern Virginia.
Woods Rogers will operate a new office in Tysons, in Fairfax County, led by attorney Neal Seth, alongside James Kelley and Mary Sylvia, according to a news release from the firm.
Before this expansion, Woods Rogers had five offices in Virginia. It’s opening its newest location in a temporary space in Greensboro Station while the company looks for a permanent home.
“We have found that physical presence is increasingly important to our clients, particularly in service areas such as intellectual property, government contracting, and regulatory compliance,” Dan Summerlin, president of Woods Rogers, said in the release.
Home builders group debuts charitable organization
The New River Valley Home Builders Association has launched a charitable arm called the Building Futures Foundation.
The nonprofit will “create opportunity in the New River Valley and surrounding areas by supporting charitable, educational, and community initiatives that expand access to safe and attainable housing, develop the workforce, and strengthen long-term community resilience,” according to a news release from the association.
The foundation was incorporated in March and announced earlier this month. It will support scholarships, grants, and workforce development efforts to raise awareness about careers in construction. It will also support partnerships to “strengthen the housing pipeline and create pathways into the building industry,” according to the release.
“The creation of this foundation allows us to deepen our impact on the community by growing current scholarship and grant programs, expanding hands-on activity initiatives that prepare the next generation for meaningful careers in the skilled trades, and strengthening the housing industry,” said Ian Friend, president of the New River Valley Home Builders Association.
That’s a wrap for this week. Do you know of a new business expanding or relocating in your town? Excited about a restaurant opening up soon? Maybe you’ve got an update on a story we’ve reported before. Please send me your tips and suggestions: matt@cardinalnews.org or connect with me on LinkedIn.
