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Tracking development, business openings, and growth across the Roanoke Valley
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Founded and run by Scott Clower, a Roanoke native and local Realtor®

06/07/2026

🏗️ DEVELOPMENT UPDATE: NEW DETAILS EMERGE FOR THE FORMER WALKER MACHINE & FOUNDRY SITE

I recently spoke with the development team behind The Foundry, the planned transformation of the former Walker Machine & Foundry property in Roanoke’s Norwich neighborhood.

For decades, Walker Machine & Foundry served as one of the area’s major industrial employers before operations ceased in 2019, leaving more than a dozen acres of vacant industrial property along the Roanoke River Greenway.

Now, developers are working to breathe new life into the site with a vision that combines housing, commercial space, and adaptive reuse of portions of the historic property.

One detail that stood out during my conversation was the project’s focus on workforce homeownership opportunities. According to the development team, the first phase is expected to include for-sale townhomes rather than rental units, helping create a pathway to ownership for local residents.

The team is also exploring programs designed to assist qualifying buyers with down payment costs and other homeownership barriers.

Additional plans currently being discussed include:

• Adaptive reuse of approximately 16,000 square feet of existing industrial buildings

• Future commercial space and potential food & beverage concepts

• Integration with the Roanoke River Greenway

• Multiple phases that could take several years to fully complete

Developers told me they hope initial site work could begin as early as this summer, with additional announcements expected as plans continue to progress.

It’s still early in the process, and several details remain subject to change, but the project represents one of the largest redevelopment efforts currently underway in Roanoke.

💬 What would you most like to see incorporated into the future of the Foundry site?

06/05/2026

🍪 TENANT WATCH: CRUMBL PROGRESS + INSIDE LOOK

Construction continues to move forward at the future Crumbl location in Old Country Plaza, and Roanoke Growth & Development recently got a behind-the-scenes look inside the buildout.

Workers were on site this week installing rooftop HVAC equipment as interior construction progresses inside the space. The project remains on track, with ownership currently targeting a mid-to-late July opening timeframe.

The Roanoke location will be the company’s first in the Roanoke Valley and is expected to employ approximately 50-60 team members. The store will be operated locally by Clay, whose family owns the franchise.

I also asked why Crumbl chose Old Country Plaza for its first Roanoke Valley location. Ownership cited the center’s strong neighboring businesses, visibility, and convenient access as major factors in selecting the site. The large footprint of the space was another advantage. The store will open with significant production capacity and has room to add additional ovens in the future if demand exceeds expectations.

According to ownership, Crumbl’s expansion into Southwest Virginia began with Lynchburg, followed by Blacksburg, before ultimately making its way to Roanoke. They view the Roanoke market as an area with significant untapped potential and have been working toward a location here for some time.

While an official grand opening date has not yet been announced, signage is expected to be installed once the storefront reconstruction is complete and new windows are in place, potentially within the next month.

Ownership also indicated there will likely be a soft opening prior to the public launch, with additional opening details expected closer to opening day.

💬 Are you planning to try Crumbl when it opens?

06/03/2026

📍 LOCAL SPOTLIGHT: DESIGN HOUSE FABRICS

When Joann Fabrics closed, many local sewers, designers, and crafters were left wondering where they would find fabrics and supplies.

That’s exactly the opportunity Terrisa Vaughn saw when she launched Design House Fabrics,LLC in July 2025.

The business began in a small space inside Valley View Mall, but after less than a year of growth, Design House Fabrics recently relocated to a larger storefront just outside the mall in the former T-Mobile space near Barnes & Noble.

The expanded location allows for a larger selection of fabrics, sewing supplies, accessories, vintage patterns, and formal wear materials, while also providing easier access for customers.

In addition to retail sales, the business offers custom dressmaking, alterations, and restyling services. Design House Fabrics is also working to introduce sewing classes for customers of varying skill levels in the near future.

Terrisa says the goal has always been to fill the void left by Joann Fabrics while creating a local destination for designers, seamstresses, crafters, and anyone looking for specialty fabrics in the Roanoke Valley.

💬 Have you visited Design House Fabrics yet?

06/02/2026

🏗️ DEVELOPMENT WATCH: A NEW CHAPTER FOR A FAMILIAR SALEM CORNER

Construction continues on Salem’s future Panda Express at the corner of W. Main Street, where a longtime local restaurant building once stood.

Over the years, the property has been home to several different businesses, including Fast Freddy’s, a Mexican restaurant, and a donut shop, among others, before the building was ultimately demolished earlier this year.

Today, heavy equipment remains on site as work continues on what will become Salem’s first Panda Express and the third location for the Roanoke Valley.

The project comes as Salem’s Asian dining scene continues to expand. Panda Express joins previously announced plans for Teriyaki Madness nearby, while a teppanyaki concept, Teppan, is also working toward opening along the W. Main Street corridor.

👀 I’ll be sharing a closer look at the upcoming Teppan project soon.

📍 W. Main Street, Salem

What businesses do you remember operating at this location over the years? And can Salem support Panda Express, Teriyaki Madness, and Teppan, or do you think the market is becoming too crowded?

06/01/2026

🕵️‍♂️ SPECULATION: UNNAMED GROCERY STORE PROPOSED FOR DALEVILLE

A newly filed planning document for Daleville Town Center reveals plans for a 50,800-square-foot grocery store with a drive-thru pharmacy adjacent to the future Wawa site. No public renderings or site plans are available at this time.

While the grocer has not been officially identified, the application describes the tenant as a “well-respected” grocery chain known for its high-quality products.

Interestingly, a grocery store has been part of the long-term vision for Daleville Town Center for years, appearing on previous master plans as a future anchor for the development. This latest filing represents the clearest indication yet that those plans may finally be moving forward.

The proposed store would be located near the corner of Roanoke Road and Glebe Road and would represent another major step forward in the ongoing expansion of Daleville Town Center, filling one of the development’s last major vacant parcels.

As for who the tenant could be, Publix remains one of the most heavily rumored possibilities among local residents and development watchers. Other grocery chains could also fit the description provided in the application, but no tenant has been officially announced.

👀 With a future Wawa, additional retail development, new housing, and now a proposed grocery anchor, Daleville continues to see significant investment and growth.

As always, I’ll be keeping a close eye on this project and will share updates as soon as additional information becomes available.

💬 Do you think this project ends up being Publix? If not Publix, what grocery store would you like to see come to Daleville?

📄 Source: Newly filed Botetourt County planning documents

📸: Jacob West Media

05/31/2026

📊 ROANOKE DEVELOPMENT RECAP + RUMOR WATCH: MAY EDITION

Another busy month in the Roanoke Valley.

New restaurants. Major property deals. Redevelopment rumors. Construction progress across the region.

Here’s a look back at the 5 biggest stories from May, plus the latest updates and what I’m watching heading into June.

👇

⸻

👉 TOP 5 STORIES

📑 1. Former Jersey Lily’s Under Contract (158k views)

One of the Roanoke Valley’s most talked-about vacant restaurant properties officially went under contract in May. The longtime Salem landmark had sat vacant for nearly two years, sparking significant speculation about its future.

✅ UPDATE: No buyer or tenant has been publicly identified yet. However, the announcement generated one of the most active discussion threads of the month, with residents suggesting everything from local concepts to major national chains as possibilities. For now, the future of the site remains a mystery.

🍜 2. Teriyaki Madness in Former Salem Sonic (135k views)

A listing on Teriyaki Madness’ website suggests the fast-growing Seattle-style teriyaki chain could be headed to the former Sonic property on W Main St in Salem, generating significant interest among local restaurant fans.

✅ UPDATE: No major updates since the original report. The location remains one to watch, but there have been no publicly announced opening dates, permits, or construction activity tied to the project so far. The location remains listed on the restaurant’s website.

🍗 3. Wingstop Grand Opening (110k views)

After months of anticipation, Wingstop officially opened its first Roanoke Valley location at Southwest Plaza Shopping Center on Electric Road, bringing another fast-growing national restaurant brand to the area.

✅ UPDATE: Attention now turns to the brand’s second and third Roanoke Valley locations, which continue to move forward.

👀 4. Former Burlington Redevelopment Speculation (106k views)

A new pre-application filing tied to the long-vacant former Burlington property on Hershberger Road sparked significant discussion in May. While details remain limited, the filing suggested a potential retail redevelopment could be in the early stages.

✅ UPDATE: No major public updates have emerged since the original filing. No tenants, plans, or redevelopment concepts have been officially announced at this time.

⛽️ 5. Former Williamson Road Sheetz Could See New Life (104k views)

After sitting largely unchanged for more than two years, new activity at the former Sheetz site on Williamson Road has sparked speculation about a future convenience store redevelopment.

⸻

👀 RUMOR WATCH

As always, take these with a grain of salt until something official emerges:

🍦 Multiple readers continue to point toward a possible Cold Stone Creamery location in Salem.

☕ Unconfirmed chatter continues around a potential future Wawa location in the Vinton area.

🥢 Rumors of a PF Chang's entering the Roanoke market continue to circulate, though no credible evidence has surfaced publicly to support it at this time.

These remain firmly in the rumor category for now, but they’re definitely some of the most talked-about topics heading into June.

⸻

If you’ve got a project, tip, or something I should check out, feel free to send me a message or reach out at [email protected]. Always appreciate the insight from people around the area.

📬 Want more updates like this? Join 325+ local subscribers receiving the Roanoke Development Weekly newsletter every Monday with development news, restaurant openings, project updates, and rumors from across the Valley.

Sign up link in the comments👇, next issue drops Monday at 9am (including our next monthly gift card giveaway).

💬 Have a question for me? Ask below!

05/29/2026

⛽️ WAWA WATCH: SALEM LOCATION MAKING STRONG PROGRESS

Construction continues moving quickly on the future Wawa along W Main St in Salem, located near Walmart and VelocityCare.

Recent progress includes:
• Exterior work advancing on the main store building
• The fuel canopy now fully installed
• Wawa “Now Accepting Applications” signage now posted on-site

The hiring signage is one of the clearest indicators yet that the project is moving closer toward opening.

Elsewhere in the region, the future Daleville Wawa is also beginning to show noticeable progress with its fuel canopy now in place. Meanwhile, the planned Roanoke location at the former Jersey Lily’s site along Route 460 still appears to be in earlier stages with limited visible activity so far.

At this point, it’s becoming pretty clear: Wawa is making a major push into the Roanoke Valley.

Big question: once they finally open… does Roanoke become Team Wawa or stay loyal to Sheetz? 👀

📍W Main St, Salem

05/28/2026

🌭🍪 LOCAL SPOTLIGHT: THE SCALDED DOG HOTDOG CO. x CRUMBL ROANOKE

Before Crumbl officially opens its new Roanoke-area location, the popular dessert brand is teaming up with a growing local food business for a one-day collaboration event in Bonsack.

The Scalded Dog Hotdog Co. says Crumbl Blue Ridge will be joining them at Bonsack Lowe’s on June 13, bringing together giant cookies and some of the Valley’s most unique hotdog creations ahead of Crumbl’s highly anticipated opening.

But behind the collaboration is a pretty interesting local story.

Owner Nick says he originally started The Scalded Dog with his son Landon last year simply wanting to create “a really good hotdog.” After a trailer company unexpectedly backed out midway through their original build, he ended up purchasing a “bare bones” trailer and building much of it himself to keep the business moving forward.

The business originally launched at Ace Hardware in Brambleton before eventually partnering with Lowe’s in Bonsack, where they now operate every weekend and are already preparing to expand with a second trailer currently under construction.

According to Nick, the Crumbl collaboration actually came together after the local Crumbl owner became a regular customer of The Scalded Dog and expressed interest in working together.

Popular menu items include:
🌶️ Mango Diablo
🌭 The Scalded Dog
🔥 The Carolina
🏙️ Chicago Dog

Nick says both the Mango Diablo and The Scalded Dog were creations made alongside his son.

Love seeing local businesses building partnerships and momentum like this across the Roanoke Valley

Have you tried the Scalded Dog Hotdog Co before? Favorite dog you’ve tried?

(Photos via The Scalded Dog Hotdog Co.)

05/26/2026

👀 SPECULATION WATCH: WHAT COULD LAND AT TANGLEWOOD CROSSING?

According to a recent WSLS report, developers behind the future Tanglewood Crossing project at Starkey Rd and Route 419 say all five storefronts in the first retail phase are now fully leased, including 3 national restaurant brands and 2 national retailers that are completely new to the Roanoke market. The mixed-use development is being led through a joint venture between A. Boone Real Estate and Boxley.

The front retail building totals roughly 13,270 SQFT and sits near Carilion Wellness and Tanglewood Mall. Tanglewood Crossing appears positioned for smaller-format national brands focused on dining, wellness, lifestyle retail, and walkable mixed-use environments.

While no official tenants have been announced, the size, layout, and location of the project may offer some clues about the types of businesses that could realistically fit here.

🍴 RESTAURANT CONCEPTS THAT COULD FIT:

• Sweetgreen: Health-focused fast casual concept that would align well with the wellness-oriented corridor.

• Bartaco: Upscale casual restaurant with strong patio/lifestyle center appeal.

• Maple Street Biscuit Company: Popular breakfast/brunch concept that has expanded aggressively into suburban lifestyle centers.

• Noodles & Company: Smaller-format fast casual chain that could benefit from nearby office and healthcare traffic.

• Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams: Premium dessert concept commonly found in walkable mixed-use developments.

🛍️ RETAIL CONCEPTS THAT COULD FIT:

• Lululemon: Wellness-focused apparel brand frequently tied to affluent suburban corridors.

• Vuori: Fast-growing athleisure retailer rapidly expanding nationwide.

• Warby Parker: Modern eyewear retailer known for smaller-footprint lifestyle center locations.

• Kendra Scott: Jewelry/accessories brand commonly seen in newer upscale retail projects.

• Athleta: Activewear concept that would complement the area’s growing wellness presence.

🚫 CONCEPTS THAT PROBABLY DO NOT FIT THIS PROJECT:

Based on the available site plans and overall square footage, several frequently requested names may actually be unlikely here:

• Cheesecake Factory
• Trader Joe’s
• Culver’s
• Bonefish Grill
• P.F. Chang’s

Most of those concepts typically require significantly larger spaces, standalone buildings, or major parking/drive-thru infrastructure that this project likely cannot accommodate.

At the moment, all of this remains speculation until official announcements are made, but Tanglewood Crossing is already shaping up to be one of the more closely watched retail developments in the Roanoke region. 👀

💬 What brands do YOU realistically think could fit here?

05/24/2026

⛽ DEVELOPMENT WATCH: FORMER WILLIAMSON ROAD SHEETZ SITE COULD SEE NEW LIFE

New signage and site modifications have appeared at the former Sheetz property at 1212 Williamson Rd NE, raising fresh questions about what may eventually replace the longtime convenience store location.

According to special exception documents filed with the City of Roanoke, plans for the property include a proposed drive-through component and the large digital billboard structure now installed on site.

While no official tenant has been announced and major redevelopment work has not yet begun, the application has pointed toward the possibility of another gas station and convenience store concept potentially being planned for the property.

One detail drawing attention is the applicant connection reportedly tied to an operator associated with the gas station and Chester’s Chicken location on 10th Street NW, leading to speculation that a similar setup could eventually be proposed here.

The property previously operated as one of Roanoke’s longtime Sheetz locations before the company relocated a few miles away to its newer Orange Avenue store.

After sitting mostly unchanged for more than two years, the highly visible Williamson Road site now appears positioned for some type of future redevelopment.

Do you think another gas station/convenience store works here, or would you rather see something completely different on the site?

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