Jenny Kincaid Boone covers retail and real estate.

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@roanoke.com
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Jenny Kincaid Boone

Retail Roundup columns

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The owners of a Chinese restaurant at Valley View Mall's food court are branching out into hamburgers and all-American fare.

They're opening the Phantastic Burger in the former Steak Escape spot in September.

Co-owner Jay Phan, who also co-owns Fortune Express, said he wants to serve foods that will appeal to the mall's lunch crowd. Hamburgers are a rare find at other eateries at the food court, he said.

So, hamburgers and a variety of other tastes will make up the menu, such as subs, chicken wings, steamed vegetables, mashed potatoes and onion rings.

"They [diners] don't have time to sit down and have a long lunch, but I don't want them to lose a good flavor," Phan said.

Valley View soon will announce the name of a new retailer planned for the District at Valley View, said mall spokeswoman Ashley Likens. Renovations already have begun at a space for a new store at this outdoor shopping area adjacent to Valley View.

Collector's World

A family's fulfillment of a retail dream began in Maine and, eventually, found its way to Roanoke.

Last month, Corey Bell opened a store called Collector's World at 5217 Williamson Road.

Bell, a native of Maine, spent his weekends as a child helping his father and brother sell merchandise at sports card shows.

"We've been inundated with it [collectibles] our whole lives," he said.

In 1998, as a high school student, Bell opened his first store, J&C Cards and Collectibles, with his brother, Justin, in Maine.

In 2002, the brothers moved to Massachusetts, where Justin Bell opened another collectibles store, and Corey Bell worked there.

Two years ago, Corey Bell landed in Roanoke after he was transferred through his full-time job with Kissito Healthcare. But selling collectibles nagged at him.

This year, Corey Bell quit his job as director of building for Kissito to open Collector's World, where he sells autographed sports cards, action figures, comic books and NASCAR collectibles items. There are some unusual finds among his selection, such as a football autographed by Tiki and Ronde Barber, a Larry Bird sports card and Spider-Man and Archie comics.

West Village

West Village's retail offerings are expanding. Miss Me Jeans, Point Zero, Color Me Cotton and Zen Knits are some of the designer lines to be sold at a new store opening on the upper level of this Roanoke County retail center.

The shop, Pink, is owned by Michelle Jackson. She formerly owned Everything Shabby, a boutique in Roanoke County that was located inside Patina Bridal & Formal Wear. Pink's opening date is unknown.

Look for other retail options once West Village's second phase is complete. The second part of this retail center should measure about 13,000 square feet, and house at least eight retailers. The specific stores have not yet been named, nor has the timetable for completion.