Business and Economy - The Roanoke Rambler

Once Roanoke's Sleepy Blue-Collar Neighbor, Vinton Tries Making Itself a Hip Destination

Big things have been happening in Vinton, where $50 million in investment since 2015 has filled once-empty buildings with new restaurants and retail businesses.

Business

FarmBurguesa Among Roanoke Area Restaurants Targeted with Criminal Meals Tax Charges

As part of the enforcement, authorities recently conducted a “till tap” by visiting a city eatery unannounced to seize register cash.

Food Access

One of Roanoke's Few Urban Farms Clinches a Deal To Protect Its Land

A new land ownership model will protect the farm in Northwest Roanoke and enable some financial security for farmer Cameron Terry.

Economy

Roanoke Regional Tourism Agency Faces Repeated Council Scrutiny Over Value, Leadership

City leaders say a new strategic plan for Visit Virginia's Blue Ridge should address what they see as a bloated board of directors.

Housing

Affordable Apartment Tower No Longer Planned for Downtown Roanoke Site

The city agreed last year to sell its former Homeless Assistance Team office for a proposed 80-unit affordable housing project.

Travel

Wise Up: Southwest Virginia County Banks on Music and Nature in a Post-Coal Future

Wise County is building an economy on things that can’t be outsourced: natural beauty and traditional mountain music.

Business

Roanoke-Based Credit Union's New Checking Accounts Spark Concerns Over Fees

Freedom First Federal Credit Union says new accounts will offer perks, including the potential to save on insurance.

Neighborhoods

Ownership of Historic Gainsboro Property Fraught with Legal Claims of Fraud, Defamation

Two Roanoke community advocates are asking a judge to decide who’s the proper owner of a building recently eyed by city officials for rehabilitation.

Development

As Riverdale Expands, Residents Hear Vision for New Southeast Roanoke Neighborhood

Residents asked how Riverdale development might address addiction and homelessness in Southeast Roanoke, and how affordable rents may be.

Business

Roanoke Artists Market Crafts Identity As 'Gathering Spot' in Trendy Retail Corridor

Blue Ridge Indie Market opened its doors this month on an increasingly hipster stretch of Salem Avenue in Roanoke’s west downtown area.

Business

Roanoke Leaders Herald Plan By Amazon To Build Warehouse on Former Deschutes Brewery Site

Amazon intends to construct a roughly 123,000-square foot distribution center in the Roanoke Centre for Industry and Technology.

Development

Houses of the Holy: Plans Seek To Convert Historic Roanoke Churches into Apartments

The idea to transform churches into housing is becoming a trend in Roanoke, where at least three such projects are either under construction or being planned.

Development

Carilion Clinic Moves Planned Cancer Care Center Closer To Biomedical Research Labs

Carilion did not make a public announcement about the move, but made it clear in planning documents filed this month with the city.

Business

Hotel Roanoke Explores Expanding Conference Center, Including Possible Rooftop Bar

The latest expansion exploration comes after several major renovations, and as the hotel is preparing for additional investments.

Arts

Fewer Hours, More Tours: Roanoke's Taubman Museum Charts a Post-Pandemic Future

The museum has settled into a new routine post-pandemic: fewer public hours, more group tours and more special events.

Development

Goodwill Buys Roanoke Properties Around Burgeoning Melrose Plaza

Goodwill sees expansion potential in the properties that abut Melrose Plaza, but has not identified a specific use for the properties yet.

Economy

Is Roanoke's Regional Tourism Group Doing Enough for City? Some on Council Wonder.

Roanoke City Council is revisiting its 10-year-old agreement with Visit Virginia's Blue Ridge.

Business

War on Retail? Radical Bookseller Opens Brick-and-Mortar in Roanoke

The pop-up bookstore trading in radical literature has opened a permanent shop in Roanoke's trendy west downtown area.