“You Pick Two” meals will allow rewarded guests to select any combination of two half-size entrees from the Panera Bread menu.

The new restaurant will be at 940 Wonder Road, in the Embrey Mill Town Center in Stafford. Even if you don’t make the first 50, all guests who visit on opening day between 6 a.m. and 10 a.m. will have a chance to spin a prize wheel to win free tumblers, car coasters, cookies, bagels, and more.


Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce: The Chamber’s Leadership Fredericksburg program graduated its seventeenth class during a May 17th ceremony at the Stevenson Ridge in Spotsylvania.

Donna Kraus, a graduate of LF 2010, was the keynote speaker for the event. Donna shared her leadership journey and how the program helped shape her into the leader she is today. Jaime Garza from Ignite Cinemas is the 2024 Class President. Jaime shared an inspiring message about the 2024 class’s experiences over the past nine months.


This summer, New York style bagels and hand-scooped ice cream are coming to Gainesville. Two foodies with bagel and scoop training are opening side-by-side restaurants for the food they couldn’t find in their new town. When Scott and Annie MacDougall relocated to Bristow from the New York, New Jersey area in 2002, they missed two things from back home: bagels and ice cream. “We couldn’t find a bagel to our liking.  The other was the hand-scooped ice cream.

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When Woodbridge resident Patricia Breeden first started as a cashier at her local Food Lion grocery store, Bill Clinton was president. On average, a dozen eggs cost less than a dollar, and a gallon of milk typically costs less than three dollars.

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At Dixie Bones BBQ, there’s more than just mouthwatering ribs and savory brisket simmering behind the scenes. Nestled within the heart of our kitchen is one of our best-kept secrets: Melanie.

For nearly two decades, Melanie’s family has been an integral part of the Dixie Bones family. Her mother, Claudia, has gracefully managed our front-of-the-house operations since 2005, while her father, Elpidio, helps at catering events, ensuring every gathering is a memorable one.


The upcoming location will feature six indoor courts, along with amenities such as a ball machine, a cutting-edge court reservation system, private event accommodations, and a pro shop. Situated at 8300 Sudley Road in Manassas, the mall will soon house this exciting addition.

Expanding beyond Manassas, Dill Dinkers of Northern Virginia is in the process of establishing its first club in Falls Church. The launch timeline hinges on securing an appropriate venue, with a preference for spaces spanning 15,000 square feet to accommodate six to 12 courts. The fledgling firm is also considering abandoned warehouses, malls, and other mixed-use development spaces, from Fairfax to Fredericksburg.


Chalk N More in Fredericksburg is approaching its five-year anniversary following the surprise purchase in 2019 by Roderick and Tracee Fisher.

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The collapse, which occurred on March 26, 2024, has had a far-reaching impact on commerce and transport across the region, necessitating these federal measures. Eligible areas extend beyond Maryland and include certain counties in Delaware, the District of Columbia, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia.

The SBA is offering up to $2 million in loans to businesses and non-profit organizations. Interest rates for businesses and small agricultural cooperatives are set at 4.000% and 3.250% for non-profit organizations. The loan terms may extend up to 30 years, depending on the borrower’s financial condition. Applications are open until December 30, 2024.


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