HAYSI, VA – JULY 31, 2025 – Dine-in and carry-out options are now being offered by Lin’s Bistro at the new restaurant, owned by Henry Viers. From home-cooked meals to sandwiches and fries, the new restaurant, located at 23660 Dickenson Highway in Haysi, VA, also offers online ordering capabilities.
Lin’s Bistro, 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.
“Lin’s Bistro, LLC, offers residents of Dickenson County, as well as visitors to the county, a new sit-down dining option in Haysi,” said Jonathan Belcher, VCEDA executive director/general counsel. “The business projects four full-time and four part-time employees within five years.”
The restaurant officially opened June 25, 2025. Viers’ wife, Natasha, also works in the restaurant which is named after their daughter, LinLeigh, who was named after Natasha’s late mother, Linda.
“She was a good cook and so this has created some very special thoughts also tied to her,” Natasha said of her mother and of opening the restaurant.
According to Henry, everything has gone well and they have received some good feedback on menu items.
“Everything is going well,” he said. “Through the week has been some of our busiest days, but Sundays after church are starting to pick up. Everybody loves the catfish.”
Mozzarella cheese sticks are another favorite as is the Lin’s Bistro burger which features one hamburger patty as the norm, but extra patties may be added for an extra up charge.
“Our goal is to offer a warm, welcoming environment where guests can enjoy a diverse menu of sandwiches, fries, hearty sides and traditional Southern home-cooked meals,” Viers said. “The Bistro aims to become a community staple, known for its comfort food, great service and affordable prices.”
Currently, the restaurant employs three full-time and three part-time employees.
The VCEDA seed capital funds are being used toward a new HVAC system that had to be installed before the business opened.
“Getting that $10,000 will make made a huge difference,” Henry said.
“It’s also very special to not only be able to have the encouragement and support from VCEDA, but also the Town of Haysi and the Dickenson County IDA,” Natasha said. “To have that kind of support is very special and we’re appreciative of it.”
As the business grows, Henry said The Bistro plans to offer party options and has plans for special meals marking special occasions. Outdoor seating is another upgrade planned for the future.
Viers worked with the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Southwest Virginia Community College (SWCC) in developing the application to VCEDA and received a letter of support from the Dickenson County Industrial Development Authority.
“Lin’s bistro marks a significant milestone in Dickenson County’s dining scene — bringing refined, sit-down options to a region that has been underserved in this category,” said SWCC SBDC Director Denise Harmon. “The Viers’ have poured heart and soul into crafting a welcoming space that showcases both their culinary passion and community spirit.”
“We’re proud to welcome Lin’s Bistro to Haysi,” said Dickenson County Administrator Larry Barton. “This family-friendly restaurant will offer a warm atmosphere, comfort food and affordable prices, making it a great addition to our community. Thanks to VCEDA’s Seed Capital Grant Program, we’re supporting local entrepreneurs and helping small businesses grow right here in Dickenson County.”
Lin’s Bistro is open Wednesday through Friday from 12 noon to 7 p.m., primarily for take-out; and on Saturday and Sunday from 12 noon to 7 p.m. (the last order is taken at 6 p.m.). The restaurant may be found on Facebook, or reached by calling 276-865-7146.
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.