Business News - February 25

Today’s newsletter is jam-packed with information and events so grab a cup of coffee and settle in for a minute or two.

Today’s Top Three:

• We’re launching a new event: Bites and Bevs!

• If you missed it…Jordan Davis is coming to the Budweiser Summer Series on May 22!

• Don’t miss your chance to win cash prizes in our St. Patrick’s Day window decorating contest.

Bonus: Happy Anniversary to several of our downtown businesses!

Keep reading to stay informed!  

- Joya Garris, Community Engagement and Communications Manager

Stay Informed

Jordan Davis Coming to Roanoke! 🎸 

We're excited to announce that multi-platinum artist Jordan Davis will kick off the 2025 Budweiser Summer Series at Elmwood Park!

Thursday, May 22, 2025

Advance tickets are $69 per person before fees/taxes. Tickets go on sale this Friday at 10:00am via Etix.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the following businesses for celebrating anniversaries in February! Here’s to more milestones and accomplishments ahead!

• Milan Tobacconist - Opened February 1912

  • Celebrating 113 years in business!

• Sidecar - Opened February 20, 2020

  • Celebrating 5 years in business!

• Texas Tavern - Opened February 13, 1930

  • Celebrating 95 years in business!

Business Feature: Texas Tavern 🍔

Texas Tavern has been a Roanoke staple for nearly a century, serving its world-famous chili, iconic cheesy western, breakfast, hot dogs, and hamburgers. From the interior design to the menu, most of Texas Tavern remains the same as when it first opened its doors in 1930.

The small, short-order restaurant was founded by Nick Bullington using a modified recipe for “World Famous Chile” from a hotel in San Antonio, Texas. He decided Roanoke was an excellent location for his restaurant due to the railroad. The restaurant opened just 5 months after leasing the land. With a long counter and 10 bar stools, Nick could serve 1,000 people a day, 10 at a time!

Today, Texas Tavern is still owned and operated by the Bullington family. You’ll find Texas Tavern open 24/7 at 114 Church Ave SW, Roanoke, VA.

Ambassador Updates 📝

Follow the official Downtown Ambassadors Facebook Page to stay updated on everything the team does!

Get Involved

New Event Alert: Bites and Bevs 🥨🍹

Who: Bars, breweries, and restaurants that serve alcohol.

Establishments offer a “limited time” OR discounted appetizer/beverage combination (see example menu). Create or highlight a signature cocktail or appetizer that highlights your business while standing out from your regular menu, incentivizing customers to visit. Let's increase your foot traffic and (hopefully) sales!

Similarly to Restaurant Week, Bites & Bevs has a price structure, menus are required, and DRI will list the price points/menus of each participant.

Enter Our Window Decorating Contest ☘️ 

Our St. Patrick's Day window decorating contest returns. Enter for the chance to win CASH PRIZES! The public votes on the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners. We will post submissions on our social media accounts instructing users to comment with their favorite design(s). The businesses with the most mentions win. The contest is open to all businesses within the Downtown Service District.

Submission deadline: Monday, March 10th, by midnight

Gain Knowledge & Network

Mayor’s Business Summit

Monday, March 10th, 8:30am - 12:00pm | Dumas Center

The City of Roanoke is dedicated to ensuring small businesses have the tools and resources needed to thrive. Mayor Joseph L. Cobb is hosting a Business Summit titled "Starting and Developing Your Small Business" that features panel discussions from experts in funding, business licenses, taxes, permitting, marketing, and more.

This event is free but registration is required. 

Inclusive Leadership Workshop Training 👩‍🏫 

On March 6, 2025, The Roanoke Higher Education Center is offering a low-cost workshop designed to provide leaders and aspiring leaders with the foundational skills for inclusive leadership.

Events, Street Closures, & Parking

Downtown Events and Street Closures 🚧

The following street closures and associated events may affect Downtown traffic and business for the week of February 24 - March 2.

• DRI is not aware of any street closures for the week.

Please review the street closures associated with the Freedom First St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Shamrock Festival on Saturday, March 15.

Check out our Event Calendar for a full list of events.

Find Downtown Parking 🅿️

With more than 1,300 on-street spaces and 7,000+ off-street spaces, plenty of free or paid parking options exist.

Parking Information

DRI - Your Downtown Partner

Put DRI to work for you! 💼

Our mission is to make Downtown Roanoke the preferred place to Work, Live, and Play. As a Downtown business, you have a valuable FREE resource at your fingertips. Let us help share your story!

Website Listings on DowntownRoanoke.org - Our business listings often come up among the first in Google searches. Help us enhance your listing by providing us with vital information including website, phone number, description, hours, menus, and images.

Fill out the form.

Job Listings on DowntownRoanoke.org - Downtown Roanoke is the most vibrant workplace around and a destination for job seekers. Let us help get the word out when you’re hiring!

Submit a job listing here.

Event Listings on DowntownRoanoke.org - Our Event Calendar is THE place people go to find out what’s happening Downtown. Get your event in front of the audience you’re looking for.

Submit an event here.

Important Contacts 👤

Often businesses need phone numbers for government services, such as solid waste, permitting, etc., and other services, such as private parking and transportation.

Check out our list of frequently requested information!

Important Contacts