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Beloved Restaurant “Friends and Family” Reopens after fire in Pearisburg

A community staple returns to Pearisburg

Pearisburg – The Giles County community is full of excitement as “Friends and Family,” a cherished local restaurant, reopens its doors after a devastating fire nearly two years ago. Known for its home-cooked meals and warm atmosphere, the restaurant is once again serving the New River Valley. The newly built restaurant comes with modern upgrades and seating, yet sits at the same location and serves up the same taste of home as before.

“Friends and Family” has been a cornerstone of the community since it was opened by owner Becky Young and her family in 1996.

Daughter, Danielle Booth practically grew up in the restaurant, and worked as a waitress there for years. “It’s amazing. We have lines out the door, we have a parking lot full of people right before we open the door. We are like, “oh my gosh, people are already here.””

As staff continue to train on the new system, the restaurant is only only limited hours during soft openings, but each one has been filled with customers who have anxiously awaited the restaurants return.

“We are just so excited they came back,” said customer Deborah Martin of Ripplemead. “When this restaurant burned down, we were so disappointed because a lot of us came here to eat our meals, lunches, dinners, etc. breakfast.”

The fire that broke out in the early morning hours of February 21, 2023, left the community heartbroken. Thankfully, no one was hurt, but the loss was deeply felt in the community.

Despite the initial uncertainty about reopening, the support from the community was unwavering. “When it first happened, I had no inkling that we would reopen at all. Over time, we realized that the community really needed us, and we loved to serve the community. We loved our regulars. That is what kept us in business. We said we have to do this for them,” said Booth.

“Giles County as a whole, we are a small-knit community. We are always there for one another. Tragedy happens, and we try to help them out by supporting them all we can,” said Jeff Spicer, a local customer who attended one of the soft openings.

Now beautifully rebuilt, “Friends and Family” is welcoming back customers with open arms. Owner Becky Young was busy in the kitchen Monday for a soft opening. “It’s been tremendous. I’ve been so excited, nervous, can’t sleep.” The overwhelming response has even led to adjustments in their hours to accommodate the influx of eager patrons.

Becky Young describes the reopening as a fresh start. “Oh my gosh. This has been almost like a dream. It’s like starting a new chapter in your life all over again.”

With its doors open once more, “Friends and Family” is ready to continue its legacy of serving the community.

“We are just happy to be here and happy to serve the community. This is what our goal has been the past two years, and we are thrilled to have everyone back,” Booth said.

They hope to have the restaurant’s grand opening within the next week.


About the Author
Rachel Lucas headshot

Watch Rachel anchor weekdays during 10 News at 5, 5:30, 6 and 7 p.m. Rachel also specializes in health reporting and provides daily reports during HealthWatch. A Southwest Virginia native, Rachel takes pride in covering local news for the place she calls home.