Greater Fayetteville Business Journal - June 28, 2024 Issue
amily-owned business Apple Crate Naturals has been a staple in the community for 27 years now, providing customers with healthy, natural alternatives that can’t be found at other retail chains.
Opened in 1997 by Brenda Harris, the business’s humble beginnings as a modest 800 square foot store in Hope Mills evolved into two locations in Hope Mills and Fayetteville. Along the way Harris’s daughters, Emily and Allison Davis, began to play a larger role in the endeavor and continue the mission their mother started.
PHOTO PROVIDED BY GFBJ
Naturals
Davis (left) and Brenda Harris (right) stand in the future Apple Crate
The Greater Fayetteville Business Journal is published twice a month throughout Fayetteville and the Cumberland County region. News related to the region’s business sector is posted daily at bizfayetteville.com.
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Summer has arrived and like the theme song from the first Beverly Hills Cop soundtrack, “The Heat Is On!” And with the heat, comes summer vacation, but not for everyone.
This has usually been the time when families get away for vacation and travel, but it can be an exhausting time, both physically and financially. In fact, a recent survey by Bankrate showed that only 53% of Americans are planning a summer vacation and the Pew Research Center recently reported that the American middle income family continues to shrink, declining by 10% over the last 50 years. Although there was a positive sign from the research that showed the upper-income households had grown by 8% during that same period, the growth in the middle income households has not stayed in step with the growth of the upperincome tier and their share of US household income has dropped significantly.
According to CPS (Current Population Survey), middle-income
households with three people have incomes between $61,000 and $183,000 annually and the lower and upper income families represent the lower and the higher end of these numbers.
One of the most important stabilizers for household incomes, our economy and a significant key to growing both middle and upper income families, is the entrepreneurial mom and pop small business.
According to the Center for American Progress, Forbes and Fast Company - entrepreneurs started 5.2 million businesses between January 2021 and December 2023. That’s 33% more than those filed between 2017 and 2019.
All of this growth has happened in spite of a difficult regulatory environment and, as always, comes from individuals of all backgrounds, seeing themselves and their businesses as “gap fillers” and problem solvers.
In this election year and beyond, the best thing our government (federal, state and local) can do to
help is to develop “do no harm” agendas that fuel business growth and creation - not hinder it.
My hope for the future of our country, state and city/county is that we will do whatever it takes to keep this momentum moving forward. Where there are hindrances - we will remove them. Where there are opportunities - we will seize them. As we celebrate our country’s 248th birthday this Thursday, let’s remember how blessed we all are.
I for one would love to see that all families could take a summer vacation. Those that have done well can help here by continuing to grow and improve and help others in the process.
God bless you and yours!
MARTY V. CAYTON is the publisher of the Greater Fayetteville Business Journal. 910-240-9697, Ext 101 • martyc@bizfayetteville.com
Summer student success
FSU’S FREE SUMMER SCHOOL REACHES RECORD
4,463 ENROLLMENT
In its fourth year, Fayetteville State University’s 30-60-90 Free Summer School Program reached record enrollment for the second consecutive year, just days after receiving a $750,000 private foundation donation that will further support its summer school student success goals.
On June 19, FSU Chancellor Darrell T. Allison announced the gift to students, faculty and staff in the Rudolph Jones Student Center Amphitheater adding the news that 4,463 students are attending summer school. The enrollment increase is nearly 21% from the program's inception in 2021.
“We launched the idea of 30-6090 Free Summer School in 2021 in the hopes that this concept would truly take [off] at Fayetteville State University,” said Chancellor Allison in his address to the crowd. “Today, we stand here fully committed where 30-60-90 Summer School has become an integral part of FSU.
“We are no longer a two-semester institution – fall and spring, but FSU is now a three-semester institution where 66% or two-thirds of our nearly 7,000 student population is enrolled in summer school. FSU is doubling down on its commitment to ensuring that students have real pathways of obtaining their degree in four years or less, which also equates to less debt in their pursuit of graduating,” Chancellor Allison added.
The large crowd also heard about the successes and accomplishments since launching the Free Summer School Program, like first-time freshmen retention rate. “Our one-year retention rate for first-time freshmen cohorts in fall 2020 was 63.3%,” Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Success & Enrollment Management Pamela Baldwin, Ed.D., said during the event. “In fall 2021, we saw an increase to 69.7%. Fall 2022, another increase to 77.7%, and I am excited to share we project another increase for fall 2023.”
FSU student, Deborah Cathcart, recounted her personal experience with summer school. “The benefits of the Free Summer School program are invaluable and [the program] has significantly decreased the financial burden of my family,” Cathcart said. “The opportunity to take free courses during the summer has placed me
ahead of some of my peers, putting me on a smoother path toward timely graduation.”
FSU’s 30-60-90, Free Summer School Program is a completion assistance program aimed at helping students graduate on time, in four years or less. Programs like the 30, 60,90 Initiative also promote lowering student debt aligning with UNC System and State of North Carolina priorities.
“The 30-60-90, Initiative with the focus on free summer sessions is truly game-changing and groundbreaking across the system,” said David English, Ph.D., senior vice chancellor for academic affairs with UNC System. “This model of dedication to
On June 19, FSU Chancellor Darrell T. Allison announced the gift to students, faculty, and staff in the Rudolph Jones Student Center Amphitheater and that 4,463 students are attending summer school.
student success backed by private donors investing in the program… is a testament to the confidences that individuals have in this institution and its students.
The $750,000 private donation to Fayetteville State University to support summer school operations is evidence of the community’s advocacy and backing of the 30-6090, Free Summer School Program. It additionally allows FSU to highlight the program’s successes, such as two consecutive years of record-high enrollment and increasing the number of graduates and improving fall-tofall retention rates.
“This is the latest private contribution to our summer school initiative,” said Chancellor Allison. “Since 2021, FSU has received more than $3.1 million for the Free Summer School Program, which speaks very strongly about our program’s success in helping FSU students to finish.”
Emphasizing being a three-semester institution, FSU provides up to seven
during the summer, which helps students reach or exceed the number of credits needed to progress to graduation. Additionally, completion assistance programs within the UNC System are designed to help avoid students dropping out due to financial shortfalls.
“
This model of dedication to student success backed by private donors investing in the program… is a testament to the confidences that individuals have in this institution and its students.”
—
free credit hours to students
PHOTO PROVIDED BY FAYETTEVILLE STATE UNIVERSITY
PHOTO PROVIDED BY FAYETTEVILLE STATE UNIVERSITY FSU student, Deborah Cathcart, recounted her personal experience with summer school.
David English, Ph.D., Senior Vice Chancellor for Academic affairs with UNC System
>> By Stephanie Meador
From NATURALLY, page 1
Now, the mother-daughter trio is ready for the next big step.
The Apple Crate Naturals team is in the process of consolidating their Camden Road and Raeford Road locations to one larger store on Sycamore Dairy Road. The new 8,500 square foot store will offer the natural products customers know and love, organic produce, made-toorder food and a wide selection of beer and wine.
“Our current stores are fairly small. Raeford Road is about 2800 square feet. Our new location is 8500 square feet, so it’s a big jump for us,” shared Allison Davis, General Manager of Apple Crate Naturals.
This new, larger location will allow the business to expand their offerings to the community.
“We really wanted to bring more local food to Fayetteville, reach out to different farmers and support our local farming community as much as we could. So we’re really expanding our food section,” shared Davis.
New food items will include a hot bar with soup everyday, made to order sandwiches, coffee, tea and smoothies, all of which will be made with ingredients that uphold the strict standards of the business.
Customers can feel comfortable knowing they’re being served humanely raised meat, organic fresh produce and dishes made without seed oils.
“We have taken a lot of pride and [shown] a lot of dedication to sourcing all those ingredients that really fit the mission of the store and to be as healthy and conscious as possible,” remarked Davis.
The space for the new store used to be home to a club called The Speakeasy.
“We wanted to upgrade something. We wanted to beautify something that once lived before [and] bring it back to life. And we completely restored everything. Everything but basically the walls that hold it up have been redone and restored,” explained Davis.
Davis shared that they are about 90% done with their restoration of the new location and plan to open the store later this summer.
“It’s really impressive, just how different it looks. You see it on the mock ups, and you see it on the plans, and you pick all the paint col-
ors, but to really see it come together is–it’s really been an incredible experience. And, we just can’t wait for the community to see it,” shared Davis. By the time she was an adult, Davis already had a good amount of work experience under her belt.
“I’ve technically been on payroll since 2004,” shared Davis.
Davis worked for the store in middle and high school. Once she and her sister both had finished school they began to consider their career path options.
“You know, we've been doing it our whole lives, so only the short amount of time that we went away to school was really the only time that we haven't worked there. We’ve both had some other jobs over the years, but this has been our primary focus of our entire life.”
From being homeschooled as children in the back of the store to pricing supplements and putting in the work from a young age, the path seemed clear to the sisters.
“My sister and I finished school around 2008 - 2009 when the economy was not doing super great and there weren’t a ton of job opportunities. But the business had been slowly but steadily growing in that time frame. And [we] kind of looked at our options at this time, and we’re like, let’s go with the thing that we’ve put the most work into.”
The sisters stepped up to join their
mother in running the business and taking it to the next level.
“We kind of all came together and implemented a new point of sales system and different training programs and stuff like that to become more organized and to really lay the groundwork for being able to grow. It’s been a slow and very long process. We’re finally here, and we’re really excited for the next chapter of this,” added Davis.
The business’s new address will be 3983 Sycamore Dairy Road Fayetteville, NC 28303. Community members can keep up with Apple Crate Naturals and their new chapter by following them on Facebook: Apple Crate Naturals and on Instagram @applecratenaturals. Additional information about the business can be found on their website: www.applecratenaturals.com.
PHOTOS PROVIDED BY GFBJ
Clockwise: Their new home at 3983 Sycamore Dairy Rd (right) is taking shape with a full remodel of the space that was formerly a cocktail lounge; Creator of the business Brenda Harris and her daughters Emily Davis and Allison Davis are the power trio behind the brand and business today. Photo by Faith Teasley.
PHOTO PROVIDED BY GFBJ
The new store will be the result of combining their previous Hope Mills and Raeford Road locations into a new, freshly constructed 8,500 square-foot space to match the energy and vibrancy of the brand.
ACHIEVERS
Taylor Stephenson named new Managing Partner for TRP Sumner PLLC
TRP Sumner recently named TAYLOR STEPHENSON CPA, CGMA, as the firm’s new Managing Partner, starting July 1, 2024.
Stephenson began her journey with the firm as staff accountant in 2001. She was quickly promoted to partner in 2006 and has served a variety of businesses and notfor-profit clients. Her experience at TRP Sumner includes managing the firm’s Human Resources, leading the Audit and Assurance Service Line and serving in leadership roles on the Board of Directors.
Kelly Puryear served as the firm’s Managing Partner for nearly 20 years and led TRP Sumner to be recognized as one of the top 500 public accounting firms in the nation. Puryear will step back from managing partner but continue to serve clients as a partner in the firm.
As Managing Partner, Stephenson's expanded responsibilities include helping the team set and achieve their goals. She develops and oversees strategies to support the firm’s evolving vision for smart growth, as well as its continued commitment to exceeding clients’ expectations and providing services that enhance their wealth and help their businesses grow and prosper.
“I have been with TRP Sumner for almost my entire career and I feel very lucky to have picked the right firm from the start,” shared Stephenson in a press release. "We truly are a ‘team,’ and working together helps us deliver quality services for our clients.”
FLRI’s
Stephen DeLellis,
inducted into inaugural class of Special Operations Forces Medical Hall of Honor
LTC (RET.) STEPHEN DELELLIS, PA-C, Executive Director of The Geneva Foundation’s Fort Liberty Research Institute, has been honored as one of nine medical leaders inducted into the inaugural class of the Special Operations Forces Medical Hall of Honor at the 2024 Special Operations Medical Association (SOMA) Scientific Assembly.
With a distinguished career spanning over 36 years on active duty,
What are you and your peers achieving? Have you reached a new goal? Have you acquired another business? Maybe your business has a new hire you would like to highlight.
Greater Fayetteville Business Journal wants to hear from you and your business to shine a spotlight on your accomplishments.
To nominate someone for GFBJ’s Achievers section, email editor@bizfayetteville.com with the subject line “Achiever.”
including more than 31 years with Army Special Operations Forces, LTC (Ret.) DeLellis has been deployed 16 times across six separate conflicts. He concluded his military service as the Deputy Command Surgeon for the United States Army Special Operations Command (USASOC) and previously managed the longest continuously funded traumatic brain injury project in Department of Defense history. DeLellis has partnered with Geneva since 2019 and currently serves as the Executive Director of the Fort Liberty Research Institute and Senior Technical Director.
The United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) Office of the Command Surgeon (SOCS-SG) established the Special Operations Forces Medical Hall of Honor to recognize leaders who have demonstrated exceptional medical leadership and service within the Special Operations Forces (SOF) community. Inductees have made significant contributions that have enhanced the quality of life for SOF units and embody the highest ethical and medical standards, reflecting the spirit, values and skills of an SOF warrior and health professional.
Upon receiving the award, LTC (Ret.) DeLellis remarked, “It is an absolute honor to be recognized alongside true military-medical thought leaders, innovators and
trendsetters. I am humbled to be able to stand among them.”
Disclaimer: The views expressed do not reflect the official policy of the Army, the Department of Defense or the U.S. Government
City of Fayetteville earns Distinguished Budget Presentation Award
The City of Fayetteville has been awarded the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA). The City won for its annual budget document for Fiscal Year 2024, which began in July 2023.
This award is the highest form of recognition in governmental budgeting and represents a significant achievement by the City of Fayetteville and reflects the City’s commitment to meeting the highest principles of governmental budgeting.
To receive the award, the City had to satisfy nationally recognized guidelines for effective budget presentation, which serve as a policy document, a financial plan, an operations guide and a communications device. The City’s budget document was rated "proficient" in all four categories and in the 14 mandatory criteria within those categories.
In addition to receiving the award, the City of Fayetteville’s budget received special recognition for its excellence in presenting strategic goals and strategies, achieving the highest possible scores in this category from all reviewers.
“I’m honored we were recognized for this special honor,” said Kimberly Leonard, Budget and Evaluation Director for the City of Fayetteville in a press release. “A lot of people in our Budget Office and Strategic and Performance Analytics Department worked together to make this happen and everybody’s efforts deserve
acknowledgement,” Leonard added.
The City of Fayetteville is honored to be recognized among the leading municipalities demonstrating excellence in budgeting.
Cape Fear Valley Medical Center named “Best Regional Hospital for Equitable Access”
Cape Fear Valley Medical Center was recently recognized as one of 53 hospitals in the country named a “Best Regional Hospital for Equitable Access” by U.S. News & World Report.
“The Best Regional Hospitals for Equitable Access demonstrate by their example that a hospital can both excel in overall quality of care and also provide a substantial amount of that exceptional care to historically underserved communities,” said Ben Harder, chief of health analysis and managing editor at U.S. News in a press release. “Recognizing community hospitals that lead in this respect is a modest but necessary step toward ensuring everyone in the U.S. has access to high-quality medical care.”
Cape Fear Valley Medical Center opened in 1956 as a 200-bed county hospital and now includes 544 acute care beds and 78 rehabilitation beds. In the fall, it will complete a $110 million expansion that will add 100 beds and two floors to the Valley Pavilion section of the medical center.
In February 2023, it was announced that the hospital will also be the site of a new medical school in partnership with Methodist University. The new medical school will be an important contributor to the healthcare industry, addressing the shortage of healthcare professionals and improving the quality of healthcare delivery.
“We’re honored to be included in this new recognition,” said Cape Fear Valley Health CEO Michael Nagowski in a press release. “There are a lot of exciting changes happening on our campus, but this latest recognition is a special acknowledgement of a lot of the work we’re doing that doesn’t typically make headlines. When we say our mission is providing exceptional healthcare for all our patients, the emphasis is on ‘all’ just as much as it is on ‘exceptional.’ That’s what we work toward every day.”
PHOTO PROVIDED BY FLRI
Lieutenant General Francis L. Donovan, Vice Commander, USSOCOM (left) pictured with LTC (Ret.) DeLellis (right).
Stephenson
Let freedom ring
FORT LIBERTY GEARS UP FOR ITS BIGGEST 4TH AT THE FORT CELEBRATION YET!
In Cumberland County, North Carolina, where history echoes with the booms of the Howitzer Cannon and the spirit of freedom resonates in every corner, lies Fort Liberty. The surrounding communities were recognized over a decade ago as one of the most patriotic in the United States. In the ensuing years, this reputation has not diminished.
The full impact of their patriotism will be on display this coming Independence Day weekend, as Fort Liberty once again hosts “4th at the Fort,” an event that is free and open to the public and is expected to be their biggest Independence Day celebration yet. Taking place on June 29, 2024, the public is invited to join them at 1500 Howell Street for the return of a longtime favorite.
While the country at large takes its observation of Independence Day very seriously, the celebration at Fort Liberty, the largest military base in the United States, is not just an event; it’s a 55-year tradition woven into the fabric of the community. Each year, locals and visitors gather to honor the nation’s birth in a spectacle that encapsulates the essence of American pride and unity. For Veterans, the holiday takes on a special meaning.
For Dan Garcia, a Veteran formerly stationed at Fort Liberty, Inde-
pendence Day reminds him there is a much larger purpose to his life and serving others is a big part of that.
“My air crew relied on me just as much as I relied on them. It was humbling but noble at the same time,” shared Garcia. Garcia served in an Intelligence Unit with the Joint Special Operations Command and feels that the combined civilian and military community surrounding Fort Liberty is special, focused on a singular mission. “It’s tough to beat a community that is filled with people so willing to sacrifice everything for their fellow citizens.”
Amanda Cahill, the special events coordinator for Fort Liberty Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR), is also the action officer for the “4th at the Fort Event.”
“We are expecting a huge turnout this year,”said Cahill. “We are excited to have three big-name performers from three different musical genres, so there will be something for every
taste in music.”
Headlining this year’s event is rapper/singer Flo Rida whose breakout single “Low” was number one for 10 weeks in the US. Alternative/indie rock band Plain White T’s and country music duo Maddie & Tae will also perform, arguably the most popular lineup in Fort Liberty’s history.
If this isn’t enough, the 82nd Airborne Division Rock Band will be performing and the United States Army Parachute Team, known as the Golden Knights, will conduct a skydiving and parachute demonstration.
Cahill encourages all to attend the “can’t-miss-event of the day,” the Flag Ceremony. “This is one of the most anticipated events, with a traditional flag ceremony featuring service members from all Fort Liberty units, representing all 50 states and US territories. When each state is called out, a cheer goes up and the Howitzer booms out. It is quite a dramatic and memorable experience,”
Musical guests will include Flo Rida, Maddie & Tae and Plain White T's, plus the
she explained.
The base will open the gates for the celebration at 3:00 p.m. on June 29 and visitors are encouraged to arrive early and expect heavy traffic. Anyone 18 years of age or older will require a military ID or a visitor pass and the public is encouraged to pre-register for the pass. Between 50,000 to 70,000 visitors have attended in the past and with all the talented performers this year, that number could be even higher.
The event is a boon to the local economy, with vendors selling food and wares and travelers from around the nation coming to watch the fireworks show, where the sky will become a canvas of red, white and blue.
“This event is a reminder that our military service members are deployed around the world protecting our country and securing freedom and liberty, even as we here at home are enjoying those freedoms at the “4th at the Fort” celebration,” said Cahill.
Additional information, including maps, prohibited items and guest access request forms are all available at the Fort Liberty MWR website at www.liberty. armymwr.com. Click on the “4th at the Fort” banner to get all the latest information.
PHOTO PROVIDED BY FORT LIBERTY PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE
This year’s “4th at the Fort” event is expected to be the biggest one yet with three big name performers and local talent acts ready to take the stage.
PHOTO PROVIDED BY FORT LIBERTY PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE
82nd Rock Band.
Nighttime Could Be the Right Time to Save.
With PWC’s Super Off-Peak Rate
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• Charging fleet-managed EVs, or providing managed EV charging for multi business/residential units, during Super-Off Peak hours
• Performing power-hungry tasks or running large machinery/ non-essential equipment between 9:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m.
For more information, visit: FayPWC.com and click on the TOU Rates for Business in the business section of the website. Or call 910-483-1382 to speak with a PWC representative and learn how our new Whole Business electric rate may benefit your business
Growing by the day
MOTHER-DAUGHTER DUO BEHIND ZOË NOELLE'S PRINCESS SPA, LLC ANNOUNCES EXPANSIONS AND SECOND LOCATION COMING SOON
Since opening in downtown Fayetteville a little over a year ago, 12-year-old business owner, published author and pageant professional Zoe Noelle Whitehead has seen her idea for a kid focused spa not only become a reality, but become a set space for children of all ages to come and relax and be catered to.
Zoë Noelle’s Princess Spa, LLC officially launched on June 21, 2023 at 321 Hay Street in downtown Fayetteville. Offering salon services such as manicures, pedicures, facials and more for both children and adults, the spa is able to provide the ultimate princess package to pamper and spoil their guests. Zoe herself has been getting her nails done for a decade and wanted to provide kids with a kid friendly experience.
“I wanted to make a spa for kids because when I was younger, I used to go to a spa and I noticed that there weren't that many spas here specifically for kids. A lot of the spas didn't allow kids to come in. So I decided to make a spa just for kids because I want them to be able to experience that,” shared Zoe. “Something I knew for sure that I wanted to include was definitely the color pink because pink is my favorite color. I know that a lot of girls like pink, so I wanted to make
sure to include [it] into my spa so it could be their happy place.”
Over the past year Zoe has been working the front desk in her spare time, greeting her customers and watching her business grow. She says that her experiences with pageants over the past three years have provided her with transferable skills that she uses as a business owner.
“I can definitely say that the interview [portion] has helped me a lot,” shared Zoe. “Being able to talk to other people has become a lot easier for me now that I’ve been doing pageants for a very long time. Because in pageants, you get to socialize with a lot of people and not only that, but the judges were really nice, so I
feel more comfortable speaking to adults.”
Working alongside Zoe on the back end of things, her mother Dr. Shenae Whitehead continues to guide the map towards additional growth.
Dr. Whitehead provides funding, orders in inventory and coordinates events throughout the community along with the spa’s management and staff.
That teamwork has led to the opportunity to expand in downtown Fayetteville by acquiring a new 5,000-square-foot location. The former Veterans Lending Group Building, located at 159 Maxwell St., will soon be a full party and event space for guests of the spa.
This will be a huge addition to the current 900-square-foot space on Hay Street and will provide more privacy for guests and their special events. This will also allow the team to expand the party selections they currently offer to include a red carpet experience, tea parties, the ever popular spa parties and more.
“Zoe’s thing is that she’s big on luxury and having kids feel special, almost like mini celebrities. So that was our vision for the party event space and then of course, adults can rent it out too, for conferences, baby
showers and things like that. We want to respect the historic nature of the building.” shared Dr. Whitehead.
Dr. Whitehead also shared that a second Zoë Noelle’s Princess Spa location is in the works and is planned for the Raeford area, in the Midway Plaza off of Fayetteville Road. Construction has begun and plans have been made to continue to personalize the spa for kids.
“It’s going to be the same concept. The only thing we think is cool is that we're kind of building into it and we can take our time. That one will have the kiddie sized pedicure bowl chairs, so that is a difference there. So it'll be more like the adult experience but for the littles. The same kind of concept and decor, we might make that one a little more purple,” shared Dr. Whitehead.
Both of those locations are expected to open in late 2024 but for now, Zoe’s dream business is becoming more and more real.
“I would like to franchise it and put it all around our state. And hopefully I can put my business in other states too. I would really like to see my business grow, so that’s something I’m really looking forward to,” concluded Zoe.
PHOTOS PROVIDED BY GFBJ
Twelve-year-old Zoe Noelle Whitehead is the name and face of Zoë Noelle’s Princess Spa, LLC. After being open for a year, the brand will be expanding their business and offerings with a new party and event space located at 159 Maxwell St. in downtown Fayetteville. A second location is also in the works at the Midway Plaza in Raeford, NC.
PHOTO PULLED FROM GFC
Zoe Noelle Whitehead (left) and her mother and business partner Dr. Shenae Whitehead pictured together during the Spa’s grand opening in 2023.
>> By Faith Hatton
Party like it’s 1924
HUSBAND AND WIFE TEAM BEHIND LORI’S ACE HARDWARE PREPARE FOR 100 YEAR CELEBRATION
Abig birthday is coming up for local hardware resource
Lori’s Ace Home & Hardware and Ace Handyman Services Fayetteville.
Known for being the “friendly, helpful place,” Lori’s Ace Home Hardware has been serving the Fayetteville community since their official opening in March of 2023. Now, with over a year in the community, Co-Owner’s Lori Tracy Stobbe and Nate Stobbe are inviting the community to the company’s 100-Year Anniversary Celebration to be held at their storefront at 2800 Raeford Road on June 29, 2024.
THE CELEBRATION AT LORI’S ACE WILL INCLUDE:
• Free limited-edition Ace 5-gallon buckets to the first 100 customers
• Grill demos and free sampling of BBQ sauces between 11 a.m.-2 p.m. with Lori’s Ace BBQ experts and Vicious Pig BBQ
• Giveaways of a Louisiana wood pellet grill and an Ego blower
• Free popcorn
“Being a part of the 100-year anniversary of Ace is a very proud and nostalgic moment in time for us,” said Lori Tracy Stobbe. “So many people, myself included, have fond memories of growing up with an Ace store and experiencing that genuine, welcoming environment that is hard to find anywhere else.”
It has been a busy year for the Stobbes who have worked together to bring the brand to Fayetteville.
Originally from Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN, the pair met and fell in love in August of 2020. They later decided to relocate their new family to Fayetteville, NC with a focus on starting a new business.
“We wanted to move somewhere that was warmer because we came from Minnesota and we wanted to have the opportunity to work togeth-
er. This store provided that opportunity and it’s been absolutely fabulous being able to work together on a day to day basis and we really love it,” shared Nate Stobbe.
Being the first to bring the Ace brand to the area, they were able to completely customize their store, bringing the reliable products and brands that customers love while
also being able to take into account local needs and preferences to create a unique Ace storefront for Fayetteville.
Browsing through the shelves, customers can expect to find local brands like the Flip Flop “everything” sauce along with Ace exclusive brands such as Loud Mouth Barbecue brand rubs.
“It’s called niche product and I source it all directly,” shared Lori Tracey Stobbe, “All of this; home and gift, a lot of the patio, toys and games, the garden center. That is all product that we source outside of Ace because it makes the store a lot more than a hardware store. We really wanted to make this place something that both men and women, families with little kids, would want to go to. We’ve customized it in a way so that when you walk in, there’s something new for everybody.”
As the brand’s 100 year anniversary approaches, the Stobbes say they are incredibly grateful for the support from the community during their first year.
“I would just like to say how thankful I am to the Fayetteville community, honestly, truly, legitimately. I mean, we came here from, Minneapolis-St. Paul. We didn't know anybody. We’ve never lived in North Carolina before and you kind of cross your fingers with adventure like this,” shared Lori Tracy Stobbe. “From the day we opened the store, people are just so welcoming and they are delightful and they’re friendly and appreciative. We couldn’t ask for better community support.”
The community is invited to keep up to date with the latest events, sales and products on the Lori’s Ace Home & Hardware Facebook page.
PHOTO PROVIDED BY GFBJ Co-Owners Nate Stobbe (right) and Lori Tracy Stobbe have spent the past year personalizing their store offerings and services for the Fayetteville community.
PHOTO PROVIDED BY GFBJ
Customers can find local, Ace exclusive and other trusted brands throughout the store along with brands, art and other hidden gems from North Carolina vendors and artists hand picked by Lori Tracy Stobbe.
Fayetteville R&B Fest
INAUGURAL RIBS AND BUTTS FEST COMING SOON TO PUT FAYETTEVILLE PITMASTERS TO THE TEST
The City of Fayetteville can expect a grand cookout event this fall brought to the community by one of Fayetteville’s Favorite Chefs: President and Co-Founder of Flip Flop Sauce “Uncle” Carl Pringle.
The First ever R&B (Ribs and Butts) Fest, sponsored by the Marius Maximus Foundation and presented by We Are One Big Family, will be coming to the Crown Coliseum on Sept. 13-14.
This event will feature an unforgettable two-days of delicious BBQ, live music, fun activities and fantastic prizes.
“Doing all of the community cooking in the few competitions that I do, I wanted to create one for everybody. I'm blessed to be a part of the Black Barbecue Cook Off, but also wanted to include the other barbecuers around. I'm proud of my heritage but barbecue is a little bit of everybody now,” said Pringle.
Masters of BBQ will put their skills to the test with 16 pit teams already signed up to compete in two cookoff categories: Pork Ribs and Pork Butts. These teams will be at the mercy of public opinion, with the Viewer's Choice Contest. Chefs will be required to provide at least 10 samples of each meat to guests who will then place a branded coin into a team’s bucket to mark their favorites.
Later, the heat will really turn up when the teams are judged by professionals from the Southern BBQ Network (SBN).
“One thing about competitive judging compared to back yard judging; they look at appearance, they look at texture, they look at the aroma, they look at the presentation of the box. There's a lot of detail that goes into competitive cooking,” said Pringle. “We’ve partnered with the Southern BBQ network to have them do our judging. I've done a couple of competitions with them, I have a good relationship with them, I enjoy their style and I figured let's take BBQ to the next level in Fayetteville,” said Pringle.
An R&B Festival Grand Champion will be selected, with the winner receiving $1,000 and a trophy. A second winner will be chosen for the
PHOTO PROVIDED BY CARL PRINGLE, FLYER CREATED BY KRES THOMAS
Flip Flop sauce President/ Co-Founder “Uncle” Carl Pringle is working to bring a premiere barbecue event to the Fayetteville area in fall 2024.
R&B Reserve Grand Champion title, receiving $500 and a trophy.
First, second and third place winners will also be announced for the Ribs and Pork Butt categories, with cash awards ranging from $400, $200 and $100 respectively and with first place winners receiving a trophy to mark their victory. The winner of the R&B Festival Viewers choice will take home $100.
In order to keep the competition fair across the board, all competitors will be subject to a meat check before the cooking can begin.
“There will be a meat inspection. The reason we do that is because we want to keep everybody on an even playing field. All meat has to be sealed prior to the cook’s meeting and the meat inspection. The reason for that is, not to say someone would, but we want to take the prep possibility out of the way. No pre-injections, no pre-rub, no pre-sauce, no pre-marinating. Everybody starts at the same time and goes from there,” said Pringle.
This event is expected to take up the entirety of the Crown Coliseum's
VIP Parking Lot located at 1960 Coliseum Dr., generously donated by the Crown Coliseum. With additional attractions planned including a beer garden, cigar lounge, DJ soundstage featuring live R&B musical performances, a local artist showcase, a cornhole tournament, food trucks and a vendor space the area will be well utilized.
Proceeds from this event will benefit the We Are One Big Family Mentoring Camp, supporting youth development and community initiatives.
“I love Fayetteville, and I want it to be something that we can grow and we all grow together. This event is bigger than me, this is bigger than my idea for putting out my cooking and my flip flop sauce, etc. I want us all to grow it. I've been blessed to partner with the Crown Coliseum. It’s about us all growing. Who’s to say in two years we won’t have 100,000 people coming here, that this can’t be an annual event marked on people’s calendars to come and check out,” shared Pringle.
Spaces can be booked for both food trucks and vendors.
There is a $200 vending fee for a two day setup for food trucks and 10x10 spots are going for $100 for a two-day setup for product vendors.
The entry fee for any additional pit teams that wish to compete is $250.
Outside space will also be utilized for event sponsor advertising and sponsorships for the event are still available.
Interested sponsors, vendors and competitors can contact Carl Pringle at 910-584-0203 or by email at flipflopsauceorders@gmail.com.
Whether you are a BBQ aficionado, a music lover or just looking for a fun filled weekend with family and friends, the Ribs & Butts Fest will have something for everyone!
BIZ LEADS
Reader’s Guide
BizLeads is a collection of information gathered from greater Fayetteville courthouses, state government offices and information websites. The listings are intended to help the business community find new customers and stay on top of happenings with current customers, vendors and competitors.
New Corporations lists firms from the Greater Fayetteville Business Journal region that were recently incorporated in the State of North Carolina.
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JOY CONCRETE LLC
4647 CHENTELHAM RD
Fayetteville Agent: JAVIER
JIMENEZ CAMACHO
MEP INVO LLC
100 Hay Street Ste 503
Fayetteville Agent: Abundant Living Consulting Corporation LLC
Hiraya LLC 3279 TURTLE POINT DRIVE
APT A
Fayetteville Agent: MARIA
ISABEL PITOS TONG
Nu Caliber Cars LLC
6721 Clinton Road
Stedman Agent: Michael Spell
Diamond Supply Agency LLc 4240 Huntsfield Rd
Hope Mills Agent: Phillip Williams
Rove Capital LLC 1605 ROCK MERRITT AVE #71600
Fort Liberty Agent: Jaxon kyle Morrison
Fayetteville Agent: Diquan Washington Sharp
Paratrooper's Chocolate Bar LLC
1407 Carnsmore Dr
Fayetteville Agent: Jazlyn Maria Ortia
New Envy Nails Spa Inc 2132 Skibo Rd Unit 108
Fayetteville Agent: Thuy T Tran
Revilo Veritas Group inc. 7023 Kittridge Dr
Fayetteville Agent: Anthony Dewayne Oliver
CRAVE WAVE VENDING LLC 2205 HORSE CHESTNUT PL
Fayetteville Agent: ALEXCEIA CRANDLE
P&K Painting & Handyman Services LLC 5748 Hilltop Street
Agent: Lawrence Matthew England
Valleygate Dental Surgery Center of South
Charlotte LLC 2028 Litho Place Suite 300
Fayetteville Agent: Anuj Jones DDS
Got your 6 roadside service LLC
6945 Woodmark Dr
Fayetteville Agent: Jerry Lee Willmann
No Boss Trippin Trucking LLC 3542 Winesap Rd
Hope Mills Agent: Terrence Lee Palmer
S.A Mendoza Construction LLC 3311 Bragg Blvd Suite B
Fayetteville Agent: Fredy E Vazquez Mendoza
TRUTH HILL CHURCH INC.
100 Hay Street Ste 503
Fayetteville Agent: Abundant Living Consulting Corporation LLC
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