Say Hello to 10 New Staunton Businesses

With the arrival of spring, it’s time to welcome some new local businesses to the Staunton community. Looking for a new favorite place to eat, drink, shop, or create? Here are the businesses that have recently opened their doors. Take a walk downtown to enjoy the spring flowers and celebrate Staunton’s newest small businesses.

Foxtails / 105 E Beverley St 

The charming gifts and home decor you’ll find in Foxtails are inspired by nature. Many are handmade and unique, and some celebrate Staunton or Virginia. Shoppers will find whimsical greeting cards, hand-poured candles, flower presses, journals, purses, stuffed animals, jewelry, and more. Owners Connor and Jessica Fox feature work by local partner artists and are always looking for additional independent makers and small businesses to represent in the shop.

Latin Soul / 300 Church St

Whether you’re a seasoned Latin food lover or you’re just trying something new, check out Latin Soul. The restaurant’s name and the cuisine it serves are inspired by the owners’ Central American and African-American heritage. Menu items include pupusas, Mexican street tacos, ceviche, yuca fritta and fried plantains as well as shrimp and grits, chicken-fried steak, and homemade meatloaf. Breakfast service starts at 8 am and includes omelets, waffles, and eggs Benedict. You can get the signature Salvadorean breakfast and the chorizo con huevo platter all day long. The menu offer fresh dishes from both cultural backgrounds, and there’s also a kids’ menu for smaller appetites.

Bijou / 614 W. Beverley St

Before opening Bijou, Christina Peppas sold her popular soups at the Staunton Farmers’ Market. The new restaurant is a cozy space, designed to resemble small cafes in Venice and Paris. It sells soups, salads, desserts, and wine and beer. While you might associate soup with winter comfort, the seasonal menu will change weekly to reflect what’s fresh and satisfying for every time of year. Along with the regular menu offerings, Bijou also offers vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options for dine-in and take-out. Bijou is open Thursday – Saturday.

Marino’s Lunch

Felicia Sheets is reopening Marino’s Lunch at the end of this month! This Staunton staple is known for its Southern food and vibrant atmosphere. Marino’s will offer breakfast, lunch, and dinner options including burgers, handhelds, salads, pasta, flat-bread pizza, and blue-plate specials. Marino’s will also hold its popular Tuesday and Friday night musical jam sessions.

Queen City Bistro / 23 E Beverley St

Stauntonians have a new reason to visit 23 E Beverley Street. John Allen is opening Queen City Bistro this week in the space that was for many years Emilio’s and the Pompei Lounge. Chef Tom Hughes’s kitchen will serve upscale food like steak, grilled salmon, and chicken cacciatore, and will have a casual vibe. The menu also offers several pasta dishes including mushroom ravioli and pizzaiola primavera as well as salads and appetizers. The restaurant has upstairs seating and event space.

Alpine Goat Brewery

The Shenandoah Beerwerks Trail welcomes Weyers Cave’s Alpine Goat Brewery to the trail. The brewery opens this weekend and specializes in German and Austrian beer styles and incredible mountain views. If you go to the grand opening event (March 15th -17th), you can expect beer tastings, food trucks, chanting, a goat parade, outdoor games, music, and brewery tours.

SolArt Center / 6 Byers Street Basement

The SolArt Center is a safe space for creative expression in all forms including music, art, theater, storytelling, film, and much more. It also hosts community events like art markets, performances and readings of new plays by local playwrights, and yoga workshops. Upcoming events on the bustling calendar include:

• Indoor Yard Sale on March 16
• New Play Tuesday on March 19
• Live Music on March 22 and 23
• Poetry Readings on March 26
• Mushrooms as Medicine on March 28
• Kids’ Bee Pollinator Activity on March 30

Maude and the Bear / 1106 North Augusta

Maude and the Bear is the newest business venture by Ian and Leslie Boden, who brought The Shack to Staunton. The new space is opening this month and will include both multi-course tasting menu restaurant and an upscale three-suite boutique inn. The Shack will now serve burgers, handmade pasta, and wood-fired pizza.

Baby Opal / 107 E Beverley St

Get your babies and toddlers ready for their spring photo shoots with adorable new clothing from Baby Opal. You’ll find tasteful, organic designs in items like onesies, gowns, coordinated outfits, overalls, headwear, and dresses. Baby Opal also carries bath and diapering accessories, bibs, tableware, bedding, and toys. Baby  Opal is the sister store of Billy Opal, an adult clothing boutique. 

The Tubular Toy Box / 10 Byers St

The Tubular Toy Box opens March 16, 2024! Vintage, pre-loved and new toys. Collectibles, comics and other nostalgic finds.