This October, Olde Virginia Gourmet, a family-run shop in Stafford, marks 20 years of offering gourmet products and gifts to the community. What began as a home-based gift basket business, run by owners Annabelle and Sean Tarallo, has developed into a local store focused on Virginia-made goods.

The celebration will be Oct. 5, from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., when they’ll host a free event with Gabriele and Tim Rausse, of Gabriele Rausse Winery. In addition to a wine sampling, the store will offer a sampling of other gourmet food products and a raffle of give-aways, coupons, and gift certificates.


Susan Spears, President and CEO of the Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce shared her enthusiasm during the ceremony. “The Publisher Hotel represents a major investment in our region,” Spears said, commending Vakos Real Estate Services’ consistent dedication to high-quality developments in Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, and Stafford Counties.

Senator Tara Durant (R) highlighted the hotel’s impact on the community. “This hotel is now the crown jewel of our historic downtown, enriching our community economically and culturally,” said Durant. She praised the project as a symbol of growth and a testament to hard work.


Prince William County has unveiled a new digital platform, PWC Works, designed to enhance transparency and communication between the local government and its residents. The initiative aims to provide real-time updates on county projects, address public concerns, and offer a streamlined way for citizens to track government actions, including long-standing issues such as permitting delays.

Tackling Permitting Delays


Electra, a hybrid-electric aviation company, is considering Manassas as a potential location for a new production facility.

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The Stafford County Board of Supervisors voted 6-1 on Tuesday evening to approve a zoning reclassification for developing the Stafford Technology Campus, a project poised to reshape over 500 acres of land in the county’s Falmouth District.

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A new craft brewery with a distinct German flair, Laudenbach Brewing, will bring a unique mix of classic German beers and modern craft favorites to Stafford this fall. Founder Zack Guy’s vision is to create a warm, friendly atmosphere that mimics a Bavarian courtyard and offers a diverse selection of beers that cater to all tastes. The brewery is located at 45 Centreport Parkway.

“The goal is to create a quaint taproom with a sense of comradery. We want our customers to leave wanting to come back,” he explained.


Prince William County is navigating challenges as it seeks to balance the growing demand for data centers with its aspirations for technological innovation and education, particularly around the George Mason University SciTech Campus.

This dynamic was discussed at the Prince William Board of County Supervisors meeting on September 10, when leaders and stakeholders expressed concerns over how the expansion of data centers could impact the county’s economic growth potential, particularly at the college’s Innovation District, outside Manassas.


American Type Culture Collection (ATCC) will invest $54.7 million to expand its campus in Prince William County with a new biomanufacturing facility focused on global health. The expansion will create 75 new jobs and further ATCC’s mission to provide scientists with essential biomaterials for critical life science research. Virginia successfully competed against Maryland to secure the project. The Virginia Economic Development Partnership, alongside Prince William County, facilitated the deal, with Governor Glenn Youngkin approving an $800,000 grant to support the project. ATCC’s expansion highlights the continued growth of Virginia’s life sciences sector, a vital industry for global health and national security.

Press release:


To everyone who had an eye on the restoration of Goolricks Pharmacy on Caroline Street in Fredericksburg as recently as this past spring, it seemed like a long time to wait for an old-fashioned milkshake, a cool treat for which Goolrick’s became famous.

The original Goolricks Pharmacy opened in 1892. Now closed for business, the landmark is being restored to its former glory.


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