HILTONS, VA – DECEMBER 12, 2024 – For Jeff and Rebecca Arrington, of Hiltons, VA, doing what they can to help grow and revitalize their community while at the same time preserving its heritage and culture is important and as such, the Arringtons have worked to establish Revolutionary Market and Community Center — a country store, restaurant and community center all in one location.
Revolutionary Market 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.
“Revolutionary Market and Community Center is a combination project in Scott County with a rather unique twist as the business – which operates as a country store, restaurant and community center — also bottles water from an artesian spring which is then sold in its store and restaurant,” said Jonathan Belcher, VCEDA executive director/general counsel. “The business projects eight full-time and eight part-time employees within five years.”
“We really want to highlight the heritage of our area and preserve it,” said Jeff Arrington. “Our business aims to become a focal point for local residents and tourists, offering local produce and products, services, delicious meals and space for community events.”
Fostering community engagement with a memorable shopping and/or dining experience at the restaurant, The Gathering, while bringing to the attention of tourists and travelers of all Southwest Virginia has to offer is the overall goal, Arrington said. The market, restaurant and community center are located on the corner of A.P. Carter Highway and Highway 38 at 120 AP Carter Highway in Hiltons.
“Hiltons and the surrounding area is home to those who visit for fishing, kayaking, biking, wedding venues, Airbnb rentals and hiking, including the Mendota Trail,” Arrington said, noting the proximity to the iconic Carter Fold further makes the area where his new business is located a desirable one in which to be.
The center will also serve as the home for Revolutionary Alkaline Water, which he bottles from a rare artesian alkaline well in Hiltons. Arrington said local sales of the water have exceeded expectations and he added he hopes to scale up distribution of the water in the not too distant future.
Revolutionary’s restaurant, The Gathering, is open six days a week, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. A regular menu is offered and daily specials are also available. An online ordering system is being added and should become operational in the first quarter of 2025. Free live music is featured on the weekends to include local talent, as well as professional bands. On December 17, from 6 to 8 p.m., a local church puppet ministry will be performing, singing Christmas carols, and ending with a visit from Santa and the Grinch. There is no admission charge and free snacks and gifts will be available for children in attendance. Adults, who are also admitted free, may choose to order off the menu at the pricing listed.
The VCEDA grant will be used to give the outside of the building a facelift.
“We already have a mural painted on the side of the building by Madison Ramey and we plan to re-do the façade of the front of the building incorporating a barnwood finish and then a back-lit relief letter sign,” Arrington said. “We’re trying to be creative with what was an old gas station and to preserve the image of a country store. It will be kind of a mix of old and new.”
Arrington said he hopes to have the building facelift complete in January, depending in part on weather.
“The VCEDA grant is really helping us out,” Arrington said. “It’s a challenge to build up capital as when a breakdown occurs, funds have to be diverted to that repair. The grant will enable us to do the curb appeal facelift changes to the building which will give it a more permanent look than a banner sign hanging across the front as it is now. In the process, I think it will open us up to a whole new clientele in addition to the local folks who already know us.”
Arrington 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 Scott County Economic Development Authority.
“Mountain Empire Community College’s Small Business Development Center thoroughly enjoyed collaborating with Jeff and Rebecca on the VCEDA grant application,” said Becki O’Quinn-Purdie, SBDC director at MECC. “Their passion for the community and commitment to showcasing its strengths are truly inspiring. We are honored to support an initiative that has such a positive impact on our local communities.”
Revolutionary Market and Community Center may be reached by calling 423-723-4029. The business also has a page on Facebook, along with the affiliated restaurant, The Gathering, which has a separate Facebook page.
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.