BIG STONE GAP, VA – May 15, 2026 — When Patrick Ryan set out to open Gap Antique Parlor in Big Stone Gap, VA, he had in mind opening an antique vendor mall with true antiques, vintage goods, cultural workshops and a vinyl record store and listening room. The new business is located in the historic three-story Minor building at 301 Wood Ave., East, which Ryan has been renovating to accommodate up to 125 antique/vintage vendor booths. Plans are to open during the month of July.
Gap Antique Parlor LLC is a recent recipient of a $10,000 Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority (VCEDA) Seed Capital Matching Grant. Seed capital grants are funded from regional funds received by VCEDA which are paid by the natural gas industry.
“Gap Antique Parlor LLC offers a unique opportunity to both locals and tourists, providing one stop to browse through antiques and other goods offered by various vendors, as well as to learn more about the history and culture of the area,” said Jonathan Belcher, VCEDA executive director/general counsel. “Additionally, the business provides opportunities for other small businesses to grow, thereby further increasing its overall impact. The business itself projects three full-time and two part-time employees within five years.”
Ryan said the idea for the antique mall came from his partner, Kendra Miller.
“She was the one who pushed me to do this, Ryan said. “Without her, I would have never taken on this project. She has been here every step of the way and taught me things about remodeling that I didn’t know myself. She knows a lot about woodworking, interior design and so much more.
“The building in which Gap Antique Parlor is located is probably one of the most iconic buildings in town,” he added. “We want to preserve and revitalize this treasured piece of Appalachian history while creating a vibrant commercial hub that supports local antique vendors, enhances tourism and offers visitors more retail diversity downtown.”
Ryan noted that once in the building, they found they had inherited a lot of photos from Westmoreland which occupied the building 30 years ago.
“We probably now have thousands of pictures from the area. We also found a time capsule from 1908 which we opened,” Ryan said. “We created a display in the building around it.”
Ten vaults in the building have been repurposed into specialty vendor booths and additional space is available as well. Vendors for the space in the building are now being sought at https://gapantiqueparlor.com/vendor-waitlist.
“We envision becoming a regional destination for antique lovers, history buffs and travelers seeking authentic charm,” Ryan said. “Through a thoughtful blend of historic preservation, community involvement and curated retail experiences, the Gap Antique Parlor will foster economic growth and cultural enrichment in Wise County.”
The building itself had been vacant since 1996. As Ryan began to renovate it, new lighting and security cameras were added. Old carpet and paneling were removed and painting was next on tap.
“I’ve been doing everything I can myself,” Ryan said. “You could say I’ve been a one-man wrecking crew. We’ve also brought on a contractor to take care of those things I can’t do, but overall, the vision has been to transform this three-story 15,000-square-foot building into a vibrant mixed-use development featuring a three-level antique mall, a space for heritage workshops and a dedicated vinyl record store and listening room.”
The record store is Listening Room Records which Ryan started in his home in his own listening room.
“It outgrew the space in the house and the online sales are now so large, I need to give it a storefront so I’m giving it a room in Gap Antique Parlor,” Ryan said. “We plan to host small live shows featuring local musicians.”
Ryan noted the third floor of the building will not be open at first as there is still much to do there. When that renovation is completed in the future, it will house Listening Room Records and be the exhibition hall to show off the history of the building and the items in the time capsule. Additionally, once that floor is opened, the live music events will be moved to that location in the building.
“During the demo phase, I did a lot by myself at points, but I also had the help of family and friends often and I think they deserve some recognition,” Ryan said. “Kendra helped when and where she could, but I also had friends like Brianna Collins, Jeff Harvey and Bethany Miller help out early on. One of our vendors, Josh Leonard, has also been helping me out when he can as we try to put the finishing touches on this place to get the first two floors open for business.”
Ryan used the VCEDA seed capital funds toward the security system, signage, a POS setup and marketing.
“It’s been a lifesaver for me,” Ryan said of the seed capital grant. “It cost quite a bit to do this and I’ve poured everything I have into it. I think it’s the biggest project I have ever taken on in my life. The grant is helping me to get to the finish line. It has helped a lot.”
Ryan worked with the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Mountain Empire Community College (MECC) in developing his application to VCEDA. He received a letter of support from the Wise County Industrial Development Authority.
“Congratulations to Gap Antique Parlor on being selected as a VCEDA Seed Capital Fund award recipient,” said Becki O’Quinn-Purdie, SBDC director at MECC. “It has been a pleasure working alongside this business as they continue investing in downtown Big Stone Gap and creating a unique destination that celebrates history, creativity and community. Small businesses like Gap Antique Parlor help bring energy and opportunity to our region by creating spaces where both locals and visitors can gather, explore and support local entrepreneurship.”
“The possibilities are endless for the Gap Antique Parlor,” said Wise County IDA Executive Director Brian Falin. “The Wise County IDA was proud to support the application for the VCEDA seed capital grant program and we are excited to see what a great impact this new venture will have on the growing downtown Big Stone Gap business district. Combining refurbishment of a historic building with antique shopping is sure to be a winning combination.”
For more information about Gap Antique Parlor, interested persons may call 276-870-2107; find them on Facebook; or visit their website at www.gapantiqueparlor.com.
About Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority and Southwest Virginia’s e-Region: The Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority, created by the Virginia General Assembly in 1988 to enhance and diversify the region’s economy and help create jobs, markets Southwest Virginia’s e-Region and its focus on electronic information technology, energy, education, emerging technologies, and entrepreneurship. VCEDA is a unique economic development organization that manages funds for economic development projects from a percentage of the coal and natural gas severance taxes paid by coal and natural gas companies that operate in the region. Located in southwestern Virginia, the region includes Buchanan, Dickenson, Lee, Russell, Scott, Tazewell, and Wise counties and the City of Norton. www.vceda.us or www.e-Region.org.
About the Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority Seed Capital Matching Grant Fund: VCEDA region for-profit businesses, within qualifying business categories, one year and under with less than 10 full-time employees are eligible to apply for dollar-for-dollar matching grants up to $10,000 from the VCEDA Seed Capital Matching Fund. Applicants work with the Small Business Development Centers at Mountain Empire and Southwest Virginia community colleges to prepare the applications to VCEDA that include detailed business and financial plans. Businesses must be located in or plan to operate in the VCEDA region in southwestern Virginia that includes Buchanan, Dickenson, Lee, Russell, Scott, Tazewell, and Wise counties and the City of Norton.
(PHOTO CAPTION: Patrick Ryan and Kendra Miller stand on the steps of the former Minor Building in Big Stone Gap, home to Gap Antique Parlor, LLC, which is preparing for its grand opening later this month or early in June. The new business is a recent recipient of a $10,000 VCEDA Seed Capital Matching Grant.)