Business News - March 18

New Business Alert 🚨

Author

Joya Garris
March 18, 2025

I hope everyone had a fun and safe St. Patrick’s Day! Our office is still recovering from the festivities on Saturday.

Today’s Top Three:

  • Congratulations to the winners of our St. Patrick’s Day window decorating contest! Find out who won below.

  • A new business recently opened inside the Crafteria building.

  • Bites & Bevs is a new downtown initiative, and we’re looking for participants. Register today!

Keep reading to stay informed!  

- Joya Garris, Community Engagement and Communications Manager

Stay Informed

Congrats, Winners! 🏆️ 

Congratulations to the winners of our St. Patrick’s Day window decorating contest! We loved seeing everyone’s beautiful displays and the engagement from our community! Thieves Honor Tattoo and Benny Marconi’s still need to claim their prizes, so please email Joya for details on how to receive your money.

New Business Alert: The Slap Shop 🏺

Did you hear? A new business just opened inside the Crafteria building! The Slap Shop creates one-of-a-kind, handmade products that slap! The space offers custom ceramics, pottery classes, sewing classes, and a wide range of workshops designed to promote creative wellness in Roanoke.

Security Assessments 🔐 & Safety Tips

Crime Prevention Specialists with the Roanoke City Police Department perform Security Assessments on Businesses and Residences when requested. This is a free service to help you stay safe. For more information, please call 540-853-2212 or 540-853-5613. Additionally, RPD compiled a list of tips about auto theft, fraud, firearms, workplace safety, and more.

Get Involved

Register for Bites and Bevs: June 16-22 🥨🍹

Showcase your best appetizers, small plates, cocktails, wines, craft beers, and spirits to attract customers exploring Downtown Roanoke’s culinary scene.

Who: Bars, breweries, and restaurants serving alcohol.

Let’s boost your foot traffic and sales—join us and the other 14 registered businesses for Bites & Bevs!

Join Regional Restaurant Week

May 31 - June 8, 2025

Restaurants across the region are invited to participate in VBR Restaurant Week. Downtown businesses interested in participating should contact Brady Lawrence at 540-853-5661 or [email protected].

Those interested should complete the interest form.

Participate in a Flooding Study 📝 

Virginia Tech is seeking participants for a research study on how the community perceives flood risk in Downtown Roanoke. Participants will view a realistic 3D flooding simulation of the area and share thoughts on local flooding.

Gain Knowledge & Network

Get2KnowNoke’s Q1 Social 🍸️ 

Don’t miss Get2KnowNoke’s first social of the year! Quarterly socials are FREE and open to working-age professionals in the Roanoke Region. The only requirement? Join the Talent Network. I’ll be there, so stop by and say hello (and meet my lovely spouse).

Networking & Career Development Opportunities

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 March 17-23.

  • Straight Street Youth Night on Friday, 3/21 & Saturday, 3/

    • Closure: Luck Ave SW between 3rd St and 4th St

  • Gideons International on Friday, 3/21 & Saturday, 3/22 in front of the City Market Building, on the sidewalk

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.

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.

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!

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.

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!