PENNINGTON GAP, VA – APRIL 17, 2025 — Wood-fired pizza, sandwiches and a pub will be the specialties found at Outsiders Pizzeria and Bar, a new restaurant opening at 41169 West Morgan Avenue, Pennington Gap, VA. According to owner Jonathan Lynch, the new restaurant will provide a place for locals and tourists alike to get a bite to eat, catch a game, listen to local music, or find a place to relax before and after local events.
Outsiders Pizzeria and Bar 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.
“Outsiders will cater to both locals and visitors, providing an additional dining experience in Pennington Gap,” said Jonathan Belcher, VCEDA executive director/general counsel. “The business projects five full-time employees and eight part-time employees within five years.”
Lynch noted it is anticipated Outsiders Pizzeria and Bar will open later this spring or in early summer after renovations are completed on the new restaurant space. Outsiders is located across the street from the Lee Theatre in the Bailey Robbins building in Pennington Gap. Lynch also operates Locals, a coffee and sandwich shop in Pennington Gap which will be relocated next door to Outsiders.
Outsiders will specialize in crafting brick oven pizzas and subs, complemented by a diverse selection of beverages and the option of a full-service bar, Lynch said. As much locally sourced foods as possible will be used for the pizza toppings. Guests will have the opportunity to build their own pizzas and pasta dishes and appetizers, including wings, mozzarella sticks and spinach-artichoke dip, will also be available. To enhance the dining experience, the restaurant will feature a small stage for live music, creating an inviting atmosphere which Lynch said he hopes will appeal to both locals and tourists.
The restaurant will be able to accommodate up to 65 guests, not including the bar area. Plans also call for four pool tables and the stage.
“Our goal is to provide a welcoming space where patrons can enjoy exceptional food, refreshing drinks and a strong sense of community,” Lynch added. “The community will benefit from a restaurant that will provide a different cuisine option, expanded hours and opportunity for work. Visitors will benefit from a convenient place to eat, and a place to relax before and after events – and to meet the locals.”
Lynch noted the VCEDA grant will be used for continued renovations, furnishings, equipment and operating capital.
“It means everything when you are given a vote of confidence to support your business,” Lynch said of the VCEDA grant. “It gives you a real confidence boost and VCEDA helps even more by promoting local businesses and building them up to grow and succeed.”
Lynch worked with the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Mountain Empire Community College (MECC) in developing his application to VCEDA and received a letter of support from the Lee County Economic Development Authority.
“Mountain Empire Community College’s Small Business Development Center is pleased to have assisted Mr. Lynch with the VCEDA Seed Capital application for Outsiders,” said Becki O’Quinn-Purdie, MECC SBDC executive director. “Building on the success of his previous venture, Locals, Mr. Lynch has demonstrated the experience, vision and passion needed to create a vibrant and welcoming restaurant. Outsiders will not only provide the Pennington Gap community with another great dining option, but will also serve as a destination for visitors traveling to the area for events. We look forward to seeing the positive impact Outsiders will have on the community and beyond.”
“The VCEDA Seed Capital Grant allows the opportunity to promote sustainable economic development and advancement by supporting small businesses and fostering growth,” said Lee County Community Development Director Leslie Litton. “The Lee County Economic Development Authority is excited to see the funds used to upgrade equipment and create new jobs. Outsiders will offer a new dining experience to the residents of Lee County, which will also appeal to and draw visitors as well.”
Outsiders may be reached by calling 276-282-0658 and plans call for it to be open 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday-Thursday and 11 a.m. to midnight on Friday and Saturday.
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.