Dine with Dukes

Support alumni-owned small businesses

Alumni
 

If you love food, then you are sure to love these alumni owned businesses in the food industry. Whether it’s dinner for the family or drinks after work, these businesses are a tasty way to support JMU alumni with your next meal.

And remember, this list is just a starter course. Check out the full Alumni Owned Small Business Directory for a list of more alumni owned restaurants and other businesses.

Are you alumni business owner? Let us know and we will add you to the directory for fellow Dukes to support your business.  

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Bear Chase currently grows hops and plans to plant an orchard of fruit trees this year, continuing to utilize crisp mountain water to create unique beers.

Bear Chase Brewing Company

Location: Bluemont, Virginia
Website: Bear Chase Brewing Company

In the rolling, wooded hills of western Louden County, Bear Chase Brewing Company recently celebrated its one-year business anniversary. Owned by Benji Farmery (’92), Bear Chase currently grows hops and plans to plant an orchard of fruit trees this year, continuing to utilize crisp mountain water to create unique beers. The company was named #1 brewery by readers of Loudoun in their 2019 Annual Loudoun Favorites Poll for its craft beers and beautiful landscape. Bear Chase is currently open for take-out food and beer seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. During the pandemic, they have reduced pricing on beers to offer 64 oz growlers for $20, including the glass. They will also fill individual growlers after properly sanitizing. In addition, Bear Chase is offering 32 oz crowlers for $10 and four packs of 16 oz cans for $16. Pizza and pretzels are available to-go. Order take-out from Bear Chase to enjoy an incredible craft brewery experience from home while keeping others safe.

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Chap's Pitt Beef recently made the regional news with their 500 rolls of toiletpaper giveaway.

Chap’s Pitt Beef – Frederick

Location: Frederick, Maryland
Website: Chap's Pitt Beef

Owned by Josh VerStandig (’12), Chap’s Pit Beef is a franchise serving charcoal pit cooked BBQ meats and sides in Frederick, Maryland. Since the pandemic started, the store has also been selling “essential groceries” like chicken breast, ground beef, pork ribs, and produce at wholesale price. In addition, VerStandig and his team have provided free kids lunches with no purchase necessary during school days. From sandwiches and sides to platters and ribs, Chap’s Pit Beef delivers fresh, high-quality products backed with outstanding customer service. Chap's Pitt Beef recently made the regional news on NBC Washington and Fox Washington with their 500 rolls of toilet paper giveaway in April.

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Owned by Laura Wayland (’98) and her husband, Chip's Wine and Beer is located in the Outer Banks. 

Chip’s Wine & Beer

Location: Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina
Website: Chip's Wine & Beer

Whether you’re looking for the perfect wine for a romantic dinner or something new to sip at home tonight, Chip’s Wine & Beer will help you make the right selection. Located at mile post six in Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina, Chip’s Wine & Beer Market has the largest selection of wine and beer on North Carolina’s Outer Banks with more than 2,000 wines and 600 beers. Owned by Laura Wayland (’98) and husband, Phil, the store is home-owned and family-run featuring knowledgeable and friendly staff, discount prices, and a hand-picked selection. The store can also fill growlers for at-home enjoyment. In addition, Wayland owns Outer Banks Olive Oil with three locations including inside Chip’s at Kill Devil Hills, the Waterfront Shops in Duck, North Carolina, and the outlets in Nags Head. While Outer Banks Olive Oil stores are closed due to COVID, the stores will reopen according to state and national guidelines. 

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Lauren Heberling (’07) and her family enjoy time on the farm. 

H.E.B. Farm Homestead

Located: Fort Definace, Virginia
Website: HEB Farm Homestead

Located in Fort Defiance, Virginia in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley, H.E.B. is a small farm that sells food raised with integrity. Lauren Heberling (’07) and husband, Eric, wanted to offer their children chemical-free food made with real ingredients. H.E.B. owns pasture-raised chickens, laying hens, turkeys and pigs that rotate to fresh pastures, thriving on grasses and bugs while supplemented with fermented non-GMO grains. They also have honeybees that make fresh, local honey. During the COVID-19 pandemic, H.E.B. is doing social distancing and no-contact pick-up, drop-off, or delivery. They also deliver to JMU’s campus. Check out the farm on Facebook at HEBfarm and Instagram @HEBfarmhomestead, and stock up on items for your next dinner at home!

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Hope Lawrence (’94) has operated a small-batch granola company for about eight years.

Hudson Henry Granola

Located: Palmyra, Virginia
Website: Hudson Henry Granola 

Just outside of Charlottesville in Palmyra, Virginia, Hope Lawrence (’94) has operated a small-batch granola company for about eight years. Lawrence works with a great team of stay-at-home moms and dads, retirees, college students, and high school work/study students to create light, crisp, and delicious granola. This granola is a four-time Sofi award winner and feature on the Today Show as one of Kathie Lee & Hoda’s Favorite Things. Hudson Henry Granola offers five great flavors including: maple, pecans and coconut; cashews and coconut; maple and walnuts; pistachios, almonds and coconut; and pecans and chocolate. In light of COVID-19, the organization is baking with a smaller team and keeping distance while offering flat rate shipping or free shipping with a purchase over $50. Use code “dukedog” for 10 percent off your first order!

 

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Seasonal Roots partners grow flavorful and nutritious produce as well as humanely raised animals for meat, eggs, and dairy.

Seasonal Roots

Location: Serving Virginia and Maryland
Website: Seasonal Roots

Duane Slyder (’86) founded Seasonal Roots in 2011 to connect Virginia and Maryland families to local farmers, helping everyone eat and live better. The organization supports local family farmers and artisans who use sustainable practices – practices that are less about short-term profit and more about preserving the land and environment for future generations. Seasonal Roots partners grow flavorful and nutritious produce as well as humanely raised animals for meat, eggs, and dairy. This online farmer’s market offers convenient home or office delivery handled by a team member who lives near you with every order including delicious recipes. Since the pandemic, Seasonal Roots has implemented no-contact deliveries and delayed their box reuse program to ensure the health and safety of team members and customers.

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This year marks Souther Shores Pizza's five-year anniversary. 

Southern Shores Pizza

Location: Outer Banks, North Carolina
Website: Southern Shores Pizza

In spring of 2015, Colby Boone (’14) opened Southern Shores Pizza in the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Southern Shores Pizza specializes in delivery and take out, hand-tossed, New York style pizza. The store also sells great cheese steaks, Italians, wings, and much more. During COVID, Southern Shores has taken necessary precautions to remain open. The entire staff is required to wear masks and gloves throughout their shifts and all orders and payments are taken over the phone. This year is Southern Shores Pizza’s five-year anniversary, and Boone is staying positive about opening for socially distant family vacations. He said, “Whatever the new normal is, we are going to adapt, overcome, achieve, and be here for you on your vacation.” Those hoping to support Southern Shores Pizza can purchase gift cards by emailing southernshorespizza@gmail.com or calling 252-715-3940 as they will be mailed out at no charge. Gift cards never expire, so Dukes can buy them now to use on vacation!

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Published: Thursday, May 28, 2020

Last Updated: Thursday, November 2, 2023

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