Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, April 11, 1991 TAG: 9104120673
SECTION: NEIGHBORS PAGE: E-4 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: TIM MOSER/ SPECIAL TO THE ROANOKE TIMES & WORLD-NEWS
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
American Discount Furniture and Carpet Inc., 107 S. Pollard, will add another store two blocks away "just as soon as we can get moved," owners Gerald and Virginia Adams said.
George and Donna Ferraiuolo, owners of Georjoe's Seafood Sub Shop on South Second Street, plan to open Frandanvin, downtown Vinton's first sit-down restaurant with evening hours, at 111 S. Pollard this spring.
American Discount Furniture and Carpet will move part of its present inventory to the new store and emphasize different types of merchandise in each location, Gerald Adams said. The present 5,000-square-foot building will continue to showcase "moderately priced, quality furniture," area rugs, and other floor covering; the other location will feature "all kinds of crafts, country furniture, and work clothes [uniforms]." Samples of bedding will be displayed, too, but the bulk of the furniture will remain at the present site.
The Adamses opened the business in 1983. In the first four years, business doubled and space needs tripled, Adams continued. But in 1987 his warehouse space was sold and eventually he decided downtown Vinton would be his best second location.
The added store will give American Discount the advantage of catching traffic on both ends of downtown, Main and Walnut, Adams said. He wants to continue offering "a lot of different things." He currently sells living room, dining room and bedroom furniture; wicker furniture; pictures [including a John Wayne]; lamps; baskets; and bears, bears, bears, among a myriad of other items.
Adams said the economy has been good to them, and he expects to make a profit at the new location "as soon as the doors opened."
The Frandanvin, named after the Ferraiuolos' sons, Frank, Daniel, and Vincent, will be open Tuesday-Sunday evenings and probably will offer such fare as filet mignon, surf and turf, and a raw bar with steamed shrimp, oysters on the half shell, clams and lobster available. Beer and wine will be served.
Actually, George Ferraiuolo said, he has not yet determined a final menu, but a couple will be able to eat for as little as $7 or an individual can spend $30 or more on a meal.
Seating capacity will be about 150, with a large room available for groups and meetings, as well as a second dining area. There also will be a trophy room.
Ferraiuolo said he has been "very pleased with business at the sub shop and certainly likes the people in Vinton. They just want more space and have encouraged us to open the new business." This input plus "Vinton needing a place like this for a long time" were factors that caused the Ferraiuolos to expand, George said.
Remodeling on the 3,000-square-foot store began several months ago and the business should open sometime this spring.
Vinton Mayor Charles Hill said, "I think this expansion speaks well for the economy in Vinton. I am glad these two businesses see the potential there for a second location. Their moving will help turn around the economy. We're also happy to see two more buildings being used."
Brad Corcoran, Vinton Town Manager, said the moves "will help stimulate the downtown area. I believe they should encourage outside businesses to consider Vinton because they see a business can open even a second location here."
Bruce Mayer, Vinton Chamber of Commerce president, said, "The Chamber has determined a lot of people in the surrounding area believe there is a shortage of restaurants. This one will help." He also said the Farmers' Market, located behind the Frandanvin and present American Discount Furniture and Carpet, will help both businesses by providing ample parking and allowing front and rear access to the stores.
Business inquiries about the downtown Vinton area can be directed to the town manager, chamber of commerce, or Vinton Association of Merchants and Professionals.
by CNB