Wednesday, November 22, 2006
Bits and pieces
Larry Bly
Larry Bly runs an ad agency and does freelance writing in the Roanoke area.
Recent columns
Most recently, a spate of them closed their doors downtown and on the market. The good news: There's always someone else waiting in the wings.
Two new restaurants are slated for the market, though no names are forthcoming just yet (the contracts are being negotiated). But we'll soon have a sushi-bar where Jeffrey's once held forth; and some sort of barbecue place where Confeddy's used to be.
Just down the street on Campbell Avenue, Sal's continues to keep us guessing about their opening date. They could have built a new building in the time spent in the old Italliano's location. Still no word on a date.
Just up the street on Campbell, 202 Market continues to work on that building---a total redo from top to bottom to make room for restaurant, meeting rooms, two bars, and eventually a roof-top dining experience. It's due to open in March of 2007. More later.
Even as a new restaurant opened in Roanoke County (the new El Rodeo----see last week's article) another closed nearby. Jersey Mike's, a franchise sub-shop closed recently at Cave Spring Corners. A recent visit there found the place locked up with a "equipment for sale" sign on the door. Whoops!
Jersey Mike's never caught on quite like Firehouse Subs (another franchise) at Towers shopping mall, whether because of the location or the product, who knows?
While some were shuttering their doors....others like Famous Anthony's, was celebrating 20 years of serving the Roanoke and New River Valleys. Famous Anthony's has grown to over a dozen locations in their 20 plus years of serving good, cheap eats to families and friends. They get to know their customers so well that Pete File, the President of Famous Anthony's tells me that often the cooks see someone getting out of their car and start fixing their breakfast before they even get inside. That's the kind of personal stuff that makes lasting friends in the restaurant business. I had the pleasure recently to help Pete and the gang at Famous Anthony's to celebrate their 20th by handing out freebies all evening long to customers; and to award some mighty fine grand prizes to their contest finalists.
And finally, my own personal salute to the late Juanita Morrow. Juanita and her husband, Bruce, owned and ran the Community Inn over in Grandin.
Shortly after they bought the place in 1977 it became one of my favorite hangouts; and not just for beverages. Bruce makes great chili and Juanita could do some of the best grill work in town, whipping up great sandwiches like the Community Combo Sub, or eggs to order, or any number of other hot off the grill treats. She ran a clean and tidy kitchen; and she and Bruce shared of love of their business and each other daily.
Every year they'd throw a big pre-Christmas party at the Inn and we (the regulars) were all invited to attend for the free food and good times. The pool tables would be covered and filled with yummy casseroles, deviled eggs, potato salad, baked beans, and lots of other homemade comfort foods.
Hundreds would show up to enjoy this "family" style affair and have a few laughs, sometimes at the expense of Bruce and Juanita. Life was good.
Until Juanita had a recurrence of lung cancer a few months ago and began aggressive treatment. Bruce tells me that what she potentially faced, operation-wise, would have been quite serious and invasive. But the Good Lord stepped in and saved her from that. Unfortunately, she left us at the age of 66----much too soon for such a lively gal.
Juanita loved coming over to my booth and dishing the dirt about this restaurant and that. But it was more out of the love and interest in her profession than of hearing about others' woes. She and Bruce could be seen out on the town, enjoying various restaurants on their nights off. I always admired that. They always seemed to be having a good time; even after over 40 years of being together in marriage and work.
I, along with hundreds of others, attended her service at the downtown Oakey's. There was standing room only---with friends lined all the way out to the sidewalk. After the brief ceremony, we were all invited back to the Community Inn for lunch and fellowship----just like old times. Only this time, Juanita was not there to oversee the pool tables covered with cloth and filled with comfort foods. This time it was for her wonderful memory that we all came. Tales were told, pictures were shared, and tears were shed.
Here's to Juanita Morrow. Long may she live in our hearts and minds.
Bly for now.
