Home to the world’s largest naval base, Norfolk is home for many who served in the military. You’ll find several veteran-owned businesses throughout Norfolk, with their own unique story and journey. We hope you’ll support these Norfolk veteran-owned businesses not just around Veterans Day but throughout the year.
Pendulum Fine Meats
Pendulum owner Dylan Wakefield was in the Navy for eight years as a chef on submarines. Once his navy career ended, he wanted to continue his passion for food and recognized Norfolk’s need for a neighborhood butcher shop. In 2014, Dylan and his wife, Dana, decided to open Pendulum Fine Meats. It’s become a staple in Norfolk, a familiar place for community members to connect with their food, ask about the farmers and how the animals were raised. Locals pop in and out, friends gather around family-style tables for lunch, and Dana’s mother makes desserts from scratch. Their lunch menu is drool-worthy and because they’re a whole animal butcher shop, no piece goes unused, from beef bones for stock to tallow candles to roasted skins for pets. Dana and Dylan love their location in the Ghent neighborhood for its historical buildings, sense of community and walkability, and we know you will too!
Bold Mariner Brewing Company
Bold Mariner owner Michael Stacks is a third-generation brewer and Navy veteran. His grandfather and father were both homebrewers in Michigan, and since the Navy brought Michael to Virginia, he decided to carry on the family tradition here in Norfolk. Michael attributes a lot of the brewery’s success to head brewer John O’Reilly, who is also from a Navy family. The duo has successfully created many ales and lagers and keeps their brew game strong.
Rip Rap Brewing Co.
Tucked in the Railroad District of Norfolk, Rip Rap is owned and operated by Liam Bell, a former Coast Guardsmen. Homebrewing was a hobby of Liam’s while in the Coast Guard, and since turning it into his career, he hopes to spread his passion of beer to each person that walks in. The theme of coastal waterways is felt throughout the microbrewery. Liam himself painted the interior mural showcasing the Chesapeake Bay’s waterways. Their beers are enticing and ever-changing, so once you find something you love, you may want to stock up.
Kobros Coffee
Twin brothers Erik and Sean Copack grew up in Orlando, Florida before both joining the military. They always had a love for coffee, but their extensive travels around the world broadened their appetite and amplified their appreciation for the coffee bean. Now, veterans, they are creating some of the most tasteful and compelling lattes in our city. Their rotating seasonal flavors are a bit out of the ordinary—butternut/acorn squash craft latte or fig/brown sugar craft latte, for example—but always a hit. They also typically incorporate notes of citrus into their coffee as a tribute to their original sunshine state. Their beloved shop is bursting with plants, and the team is extremely accommodating and friendly. It’s hard not to be an avid Kobros Coffee drinker.
Wands Books
Wands Books represents the fruits of many years of labor for Morgan Wood, former Marine and longtime Hampton Roads resident who is happy to talk about books any time, all the time.
“If there’s anything I love to do, it’s talk about books and bookshops,” Wood says.
The 900-square foot store at 2501 Fawn Street is the former home of an indoor farmers market, an industrial bakery and is part of the burgeoning area known as Fawn Street Artists’ Lofts. Flanked by The Annex performing hall and set squarely at the intersections of Lindenwood, Old Hunterville and the Railroad District, the area is home to photography and recording studios, makeup artists and a glass blower.
PJay’s Kitchen
Veteran owned and operated business seafood carry out. Committed to providing high-quality, fresh seafood to the local community. A diverse menu of seafood options, ranging from popular choices like shrimp, crab, and fish to unique and signature dishes.
Blyss Ice Cream
BLYSS Ice Cream owner Bria Suggs Suggs is not only a veteran of the ice cream business, but of the armed forces, as well. An eight-year Air Force vet who grew up in Coastal Virginia and was stationed at Langley Air Force Base, she previously worked at Dairy Queen and went on to start her own frozen treat truck called Shake It Up Shakes. She now operates her own ice cream and dessert shop at 112 Granby St.
All Hands Pottery
Angela Tilley, a 26-year Navy veteran, found a love for pottery during a deployment in Iraq. Post-deployment, she started taking classes in Germany to learn the fine techniques of pottery as well as courses that gave her experience with porcelain and Raku (a technique involving heating pieces at 1,800 degrees F and then creating a reduction environment to achieve unexpected surface decoration on pottery).
After her time in Germany, she brought her new talent to Norfolk and opened All Hands Pottery Studio which offers classes for beginners and beyond. Tilley also offers an open studio for skilled pottery makers and students trying to perfect their practice. These classes make for the perfect team bonding activity or a great date night idea!
