Greater Fayetteville Business Journal - July 4, 2025 issue
Long time fans of Uptown’s Chicken and Waffles were up bright and early the morning of June 24 for the grand opening of a new sister restaurant located on Murchison
The Ville Wings & Bar. For the restaurant’s team, opening time was go time. With a line waiting before 11 a.m., it was straight to work with staff members immediately seating, serving and taking to-go orders as soon as doors opened.
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Filling the capital gap
TULSA INITIATIVE’S MICRO-LENDING PROGRAM OPENS DOORS FOR FAYETTEVILLE ENTREPRENEURS
In a city where traditional lending channels can overlook aspiring business owners from underserved communities, the Tulsa Initiative is changing the narrative around access to capital. The Fayetteville-based nonprofit has worked to expand its mission beyond education and mentorship to include direct financial support through a new micro-lending initiative designed to bridge the gap for entrepreneurs who struggle to secure conventional financing.
Their new Tulsa Capital Accelerator (TCA) Micro Lending Program offers loans ranging from $500 to $10,000, specifically targeting entrepreneurs who may lack the credit history, collateral or established banking relationships typically required by traditional lenders.
“These entrepreneurs might not have the creditworthiness that banks would like to see,” said Qu’Derrick R. Covington, board chair of the Tulsa Initiative. “They can come to us for help getting their business launched.”
The fund operates as a revolving loan structure, meaning loan repayments are reinvested to support additional borrowers—creating a sustainable cycle of community investment.
What sets the Tulsa Initiative’s approach apart is its emphasis on potential for community impact rather than traditional credit scoring models. Each borrower receives personalized business coaching and financial education, transforming the lending relationship from a purely transactional one into a comprehensive support system.
“The fund is really an anchor,” Covington explained. “It’s meant to help young entrepreneurs scale to their market and move from concept to growth.”
The program has already begun supporting diverse business concepts spanning technology, digital marketing and retail ventures. Early recipients have used funding for inventory purchases, equipment acquisition and working capital to scale their operations.
The TCA Micro Lending Program represents a significant evolution for the organization, which began with the establishment of the Tulsa Leadership and Entrepreneurship Academy (TLEA). This education-
al program trains participants in business fundamentals and leadership skills, creating a natural pipeline of entrepreneurs who are now able to access funding through the new lending initiative.
Central to the Tulsa Initiative’s mission is economic empowerment for young men, particularly those who are college-enrolled or have been involved in the justice system. This demographic focus reflects the organization’s broader commitment to addressing specific barriers faced by underrepresented entrepreneurs.
Graduates of the TLEA program receive priority access to the lending fund, creating an integrated pathway from education to execution. This approach
addresses a common challenge: the gap between learning business skills and accessing the capital needed to implement them.
“Since 2019, we’ve worked closely with young men trying to build something real,” Covington noted. “Many have vision but lack access to capital to bring it to life.”
Micro-lending programs like this one play an increasingly vital role in local economic development, particularly in communities like Cumberland County. Small business development creates ripple effects throughout the local economy—generating jobs, increasing household incomes and keeping dollars circulating within the community.
We’re not just giving out loans—we’re creating momentum,” Covington said. “This is about helping people build something lasting—for themselves, for their families and for Fayetteville.”
— Qu’Derrick R. Covington, Board Chair, Tulsa Initiative
The businesses supported tend to be service-based and neighborhood-focused, meaning their growth directly strengthens the economic fabric of their immediate communities. This hyperlocal impact aligns with broader economic development strategies that prioritize inclusive growth.
“We’re not just funding entrepreneurs—we’re investing in a more vibrant, inclusive economy for Fayetteville,” Covington said.
The micro-lending program reflects the Tulsa Initiative’s commitment to maintaining deep community roots. Headquartered at 109 Hay Street in downtown Fayetteville, the organization maintains an intentionally visible and accessible presence for
entrepreneurs who might otherwise be excluded from regional economic development conversations.
This local focus extends to the organization’s networking and partnership strategies. By connecting borrowers with local mentors, potential customers and business development resources, the Initiative creates value beyond the loan itself.
In its first year, the program aims to fund 20 to 25 loans. However, the organization measures success through multiple metrics, including business sustainability, job creation and the development of generational wealth within the community.
With loan repayments reinvested into the fund, the program is designed to become a compounding investment in the region’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Economic impact projections suggest that each dollar lent could generate multiple dollars in local economic activity as businesses grow and hire within the community.
As word spreads about the lending program, Covington sees this initiative as laying groundwork for expanded economic development efforts. The integration of education, mentorship and capital access represents a comprehensive approach to entrepreneurship development that could serve as a model for other communities facing similar challenges.
“We’re not just giving out loans— we’re creating momentum,” Covington said. “This is about helping people build something lasting—for themselves, for their families and for Fayetteville.”
The Tulsa Initiative’s evolution from education-focused nonprofit to comprehensive entrepreneurship support organization reflects broader trends in community development, where successful interventions increasingly require multiple touchpoints and integrated services.
For entrepreneurs interested in learning more about the micro-lending program or other services, the Tulsa Initiative can be reached at their downtown Fayetteville location or through their website at tulsanonprofit.org.
PHOTO PROVIDED BY THE TULSA INITIATIVE
The Tulsa Initiative’s new “Tulsa Capital Accelerator” Program offers $500–$10,000 micro-loans for underserved entrepreneurs.
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The Greater Fayetteville Business Journal is published twice a month throughout Fayetteville and the Cumberland County region. News related to the region’s business sector is posted daily at bizfayetteville.com.
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No, I am not leaving the Greater Fayetteville Business Journal, but I am going on a long overdue vacation!
Hello dear readers, this is my roundabout way of announcing to the community that starting on July 4, any and all calls to me may incur international charges. I will be on a cruise ship to Alaska and Canada. While I was originally a tad bit offput by the many salmon themed excursions, I am now looking forward to some well deserved R & R and
chucking my phone into the ocean, but that time has not yet come. I leave you in the very capable hands of our Assistant Editor Stephanie Meador, and our new Special Projects and Events Manager Ellie Rhoades. Please feel free to reach out to them at editor@bizfayetteville.com
In the meantime, I hope you enjoy this recent issue including a look at the newest restaurant to join Murchison Road, The Ville Wings & Bar. I was given the inside scoop to help announce it to the community and I was able to attend the grand opening on June 24. As we get ready for the Fourth of July holiday, I hope you’ll also keep in mind some fun upcoming attractions such as the
Haymount Truck Stop’s inaugural burger competition (page 10) and the new Trolley Pub coming to the area (page 13). Also for anyone interested in government contracting, the North Carolina Military Business Center has announced its upcoming webinars through December of 2025, so make sure to check those out on page 5!
I hope you all have a happy Fourth of July holiday! I’ll see you in mid-July.
NCMBC’S UPCOMING WEBINAR SERIES GUIDES BUSINESSES THROUGH GOVERNMENT CONTRACTING
The North Carolina Military Business Center (NCMBC) is hosting a slew of webinars meant to prepare local businesses for emerging and current government and defense industry demands.
The NCMBC, located at Fayetteville Technical Community College, is tasked primarily with increasing federal revenues for businesses in North Carolina. The center acts as a facilitator that connects state firms with current government contracting opportunities in two ways: with a team of business development specialists across the state who also provide technical services, and electronically with www.MatchForce.org
The U.S. Department of Defense has an annual impact of $66 billion and is the second largest sector of North Carolina’s economy, as it accounts for 12% of the state’s gross domestic product. With six major military bases, over 100 National Guard and Reserve facilities and the third highest number of uniformed military personnel in the country, North Carolina is a prime location for services like the ones provided by the NCMBC.
“When contractors join the webinars, they gain early visibility into agency priorities, forecast future solicitations and then the agencies that are participating can also promote industry days or upcoming contract vehicles, share their small business utilization goals, mentor-protege programs, and then their socioeconomic set-aside guidances,” said NCMBC’s Director of Operations Courtney Smedick.
Smedick said contractors and businesses with aspirations to contract with the federal government receive industry feedback in real time during these webinars. Agencies and other government entities, she added, are present to answer questions.
“It’s really connecting government and industry,” Smedick added.
The list of webinars through December include:
Introduction to Federal Contracting (Aug. 6; Dec. 3)
Federal Subsistence Webinar Series (Aug. 7; Aug. 14; Aug. 21; Aug. 28)
DAPAs (Distribution & Pricing Agreements) Made Easy So You Can Sell via DLA MSPV (Aug. 12)
Understanding and Utilizing MatchForce (Aug. 13; Dec. 10)
Introduction to Government Proposals and Source Selection Tips (Aug. 20; Dec. 17)
Why Present Your Technology or Innovations to Federal Agencies (Sept. 24)
Effectively Presenting Your Business to the Government, Military & Prime Contractors (Nov. 5)
Introduction to Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Internet Bid Board System (DIBBS) (Nov. 12)
“A lot of these help contractors stay current with legal updates and any cybersecurity mandates that are going on,” Smedick said. “They help businesses understand how their capabilities can support national defense infrastructure or services that are needed by these federal agencies,
and an educated federal contractor is better equipped to meet the mission and needs more efficiently.”
The NCMBC has relationships with federal agencies like the U.S. Department of Defense to stay up to date on the latest policies, procedures and trends.
“They do reach out to us frequently when they’re just looking to have a touch point with industry,” Smedick noted. “We host these webinars for them because, as a state agency, we are a neutral player for them. We are not selling anything. We’re just trying to help the federal government to receive the best price, the best product, the best service that is available out there to support national security and whatever the mission set is for that particular agency.”
An example of this communication and cooperation between the NCMBC, the industry side and the federal government is a webinar the center hosted in May with the Defense Logistics Agency. That agency wanted to host a COG 4 – the name of a geographic region that includes North Carolina – industry day to discuss a
ground fuels delivery contract.
“They reached out to us, and were really interested in putting this on to get more people interested in that solicitation that’s coming out,” Smedick said. “So we actually ended up hosting a webinar for them. That was a two day webinar and industry was able to come in, they listened to the material, and they were able to ask in real time to DLA questions about the solicitation, or questions about just how to do it in general. That’s really critical.”
While part of the center’s mission is to spur economic development for North Carolina companies, the webinars are open to anyone in the 50 states to participate.
“Our overall goal is national defense and to make sure that the soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines get what they need, where they need it, and how they need it,” Smedick said.
Interested parties can visit www.ncmbc.us to register for the webinars.
GRAPHIC PROVIDED BY CANVA
The North Carolina Military Business Center (NCMBC) is hosting a slew of webinars through Dec. 2025 meant to prepare local businesses for emerging and current government and defense industry demands.
Neil Grant, Gary Futch, Patrick Murray and James Sherrill
>> By Faith Hatton
From VILLE, page 1
Fans of Uptown’s Chicken and Waffles will recognize the team behind the new culinary addition to the city, located at 1911 Murchison Road. Uptown’s Owner, Chef Judy Cage (Chef Judy) and Co-Founder Rashawn Moore have expanded their business with this new sister restaurant.
“Not only do we have delicious wings, but we’re going to have such an amazing bar, great people, great food, great fun. What more can you ask for on Murchison Road,” shared Judy. “We look to get better at every location, so the goal here is to go over and really wow the customers on that side of town. I’m excited about that.”
Some of the unique wing flavors now featured on the menu include honey chipotle lime and raspberry jalapeno glaze.
“It’s going to be the best wings in the ‘Ville. We’ve got 20 different flavored wings, so everything that you could think of, and Judy has come up with some great wing flavors,” shared Moore. “We’re bringing back our Fayetteville famous fried pickles, so it’s going to be a really good spot for lunch and dinner. We’ll be open five days a week over there. We’ll be open Tuesday through Saturday.”
Chef Judy also added that the menu and entrée names are paying homage to the city’s culture and the community that has shown unwavering support for Uptown’s over the past five years.
“We have two chicken sandwiches that we know are going to blow their socks off. One is called “The Scholar,” and this one has lettuce, tomato, a golden barbecue sauce, brown sugar bacon and Chipotle ranch on buttered toast. And then we have one called “The Dropout,” shared Chef Judy. “The dropout has pickles, hot honey, coleslaw, ranch, it’s delicious, but at the same time, it’s messy, and it’s fitting for a dropout. Sometimes during that dropout season, it gets a little messy, right? We’re super excited.”
Regulars at Uptown’s Chicken & Waffles are already familiar with the restaurant space, as the Uptown’s team temporarily relocated there in April of this year while renovations to the kitchen floor were being done at their original location at 1707 Owen Drive in Fayetteville.
“We literally opened up another restaurant in less than seven days. It actually took us five days to get that restaurant up and moved over. We literally had to move everything out of our kitchen here on Owen Drive
to move it to Murchison Road,” shared Chef Judy.
“They had to repair the floor completely. Literally, you could walk in and look down and see the bottom. They pulled the whole floor up, redid the plumbing, redid drain lines and everything. During that time, we weren’t going to be able to use the kitchen at all. So it was either, we shut down for three to four weeks, or we figure something out,” shared Moore.
“We have over 38 employees on payroll, and that’s a lot of mouths to feed. It was important to us to make sure we would be able to gainfully employ the staff, so that they wouldn’t lose out on income,” shared Chef Judy.
Before finding the location on
Murchison Road, previously a restaurant called Henley’s Vintage Kitchen, Moore shared that they had looked into other options including a mobile kitchen, and food truck. Luckily they were able to lease the space and switch to food only and to-go orders during renovations.
Along with facing the challenge of moving day for an entire restaurant, the owners also had to put in time, funding and elbow grease to renovate their new location. Before even deciding to put in a whole new restaurant, staff made improvements to the HVAC system, plumbing, toilets and more.
“It was a time, but it was worth it. We wanted it to be right. We didn’t want people to come and be like, ‘Oh, they just threw this together.’
We want people to feel like you’re still at Uptown’s, even if it’s a smaller version,” shared Moore.
“I hope that customers feel the love and care that we put into it, because we do care. And that was the goal, not to just throw it up as a pop up restaurant,” shared Chef Judy. Now, what was a temporary solution will now be a permanent addition to Murchison Road.
“I am super stoked about this,” shared Chef Judy about the new location. “We’re going to utilize the patio area over there as well, because we want people inside and outside. We just want to make so much noise on Murchison Road that you can’t help but notice something’s going on over there.”
The Ville Wings & Bar is open Tuesday to Thursday, 11 a.m.- 8 p.m., Friday to Saturday from 11 a.m.-10 p.m. and will be closed on Sunday and Monday.
PHOTOS PROVIDED BY GFBJ
The space was originally repurposed for Uptown's Chicken & Waffles staff to continue operating during renovations, now it’s a new restaurant in on Murchison Road in Fayetteville.
PHOTOS PROVIDED BY GFBJ
Uptown’s Owner, Chef Judy Cage (left) and Co-Founder Rashawn Moore (right) where honored with a Certificate of Appreciation, city coin and official welcome to the Murchison Road Corridor by City Councilman DJ Haire.
ACHIEVERS
Fayetteville Dogwood Festival announces new COO & new chairperson
The Fayetteville Dogwood Festival has announced new leadership and a promotion within their team.
SIMONE JOHNSON, who has served on the Fayetteville Dogwood Festival’s Board of Directors since October 2024, will officially step into the role of chief operating officer this month.
With a Bachelor of Science in Political Science and Sociology from Wingate University and a J.D. from DePaul University College of Law (where she also served as president of the Student Bar Association), Johnson’s leadership is backed by experience, education and a true servant’s heart.
Prior to joining the Fayetteville Dogwood Festival, she worked in operations and escalations management.
“Simone has been an incredible part of our organization, always showing up with compassion, dedication and a level of detail that makes the magic behind the scenes possible. She’s been a steady hand, a fresh perspective and someone who truly understands the heart of Dogwood,” shared the Fayetteville Dogwood Festival in a Facebook post congratulating Johnson on the role.
Additionally, Jackie Tuckey has been voted in as the newest chairperson on the Fayetteville Dogwood Festival Board.
“Jackie has been a devoted friend of the festival for over 20 years and a true champion for Fayetteville. After proudly serving the City of Fayetteville for more than three decades, she tried retirement, but anyone who knows Jackie knows she doesn’t sit still for long. Her heart for service and her passion for this community continue to shine, and we are beyond grateful that she chooses to gift her time and leadership to us,” shared Dogwood Festival staff in a post on Facebook.
Fayetteville hires Office of Community Safety Director
JOHN JONES has been named the director of the City of Fayetteville’s newly established Office of Community Safety (OCS).
What are you and your peers achieving? Have you reached a new goal? Have you acquired another business? Maybe your business has a new hire you would like to highlight.
Greater Fayetteville Business Journal wants to hear from you and your business to shine a spotlight on your accomplishments. To nominate someone for GFBJ’s Achievers section, email editor@bizfayetteville.com with the subject line “Achiever.”
Jones brings extensive experience in community safety, violence intervention and public health coordination, positioning him to lead Fayetteville’s comprehensive efforts to address violence reduction, mental health response, homelessness and youth opportunity.
Jones grew up in Fayetteville and is a graduate from Freedom Christian Academy. He previously served as community engagement and rapid response lead for Chicago’s Community Safety Coordination Center. There, he spearheaded multi-agency initiatives aimed at violence prevention and rapid response to critical incidents, directly impacting communities of more than 600,000 residents. His strategic leadership was instrumental in developing and implementing Chicago’s Rapid Response Plan, significantly enhancing community resilience and safety.
“I am deeply honored to lead Fayetteville’s Office of Community Safety,” said Jones in a press release.
“I look forward to working alongside residents, local organizations and city leaders to foster innovative and equitable safety strategies that improve the quality of life for everyone in Fayetteville.”
In his new role, Jones will oversee initiatives funded through a combined $4 million allocation, focusing on mental health diversion, violence prevention, homelessness risk reduction and enhancing youth opportunities.
Cumberland County Board of Education approves new director of
human
resources
The Cumberland County Board of Education has approved SHARON PRESIDENT as the new director of Cumberland County Schools (CCS) Human Resources, following a recommendation by Superintendent Dr. Marvin Connelly, Jr.
President brings to the position more than 25 years of experience in human resources administration, with extensive expertise in recruitment and employee relations. She currently serves as the district’s classified employees supervisor, where she oversees the screening and selection of certified and non-certified employees and ensures compliance with Title IX regulations and other employment-related policies.
Prior to her current role, President worked as the district’s salary administrator from 2000 until 2004, where she helped develop and implement the compensation and classification plans. Before joining CCS, she was a compensation analyst at Aventis CropScience, where she played a key role in the implementation and administration of a new compensation program.
President holds a Master of Science in Human Resources Administration from Central Michigan University and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Methodist College. She is also a certified Professional in Human Resources (PHR) and is an active member of the Fayetteville Area Society for Human Resource Management (FASHRM), the Personnel Administrators of North Carolina (PANC) and the NC Association of Educational Office Professionals (NCAEOP).
FirstHealth welcomes Bradley Icard, D.O., to Pinehurst Medical Clinic
FirstHealth Pulmonology with Pinehurst Medical Clinic is pleased to welcome BRADLEY ICARD, D.O., a board certified specialist in internal medicine, pulmonary medicine and critical care medicine, to the team. Dr. Icard brings extensive experience in lung cancer screening and advanced bronchoscopy, with a strong commitment to improving early detection and patient outcomes.
Dr. Icard completed his medical education at Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine in Blacksburg, Va., followed by his internship, residency and fellowship at Carilion Clinic–Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine in Roanoke, Va.
With a passion for lung cancer screening and early diagnosis, Dr. Icard has been instrumental in expanding screening programs and increasing access to cutting-edge diagnostic tools.
Before joining Pinehurst Medical Clinic under a patient services agreement with FirstHealth Pulmonology, he helped develop and expand a lung screening and advanced bronchoscopy program at Cone Health in Greensboro, N.C., significantly increasing patient access to life- saving early detection. His leadership and expertise have been recognized nationally through his roles as a board member of the Lung Cancer Initiative and Advocacy Chair for the Society for Advanced Bronchoscopy. Dr. Icard will work alongside team members to further develop a centralized lung screening program and enhance the management of incidental pulmonary nodules. His vision includes streamlining patient care through the Chest Center of the Carolinas, improving patient experiences and reducing time to treatment. He also plans to expand outreach efforts through the FirstHealth Lung Bus, bringing screening services directly to surrounding counties.
“Advancements in blood-based biomarkers and artificial intelligence will revolutionize early detection,” Dr. Icard said in a press release. “I want to see FirstHealth and Pinehurst Medical Clinic become a destination for thoracic health care on the East Coast.”
See ACHIEVERS, page 9
Johnson
Icard
Jones
President
Two Fayetteville Technical Community College staff members selected for William C. Friday Fellowship for Human Relations
Two Fayetteville Technical Community College staff members have been selected for the 2025-2027 class of the William C. Friday Fellowship for Human Relations.
Director of Operations for FTCC’s Student Learning Center
BRENDA HARRIS and Director of IT Service Management CYNTHIA MASSIE were selected for the class, whose 18 members represent 12 counties in the state.
The Friday Fellowship for Human Relations, named for longtime UNC System President Bill Friday, is the flagship program of Wildacres Leadership Initiative (WLI). The Friday Fellowship is dedicated to fostering relationships across
differences and utilizing dialogue to address North Carolina’s most pressing issues.
Friday Fellows demonstrate commitment to leadership in North Carolina, model curiosity and continuous learning and are courageous risk-takers seeking to create innovation through their work in the world.
The selection for this prestigious honor involves a months-long process including a formal application, written application, virtual-based conversation and in-person regional interview. The incoming class members will engage in professional and leadership development both individually and collectively throughout the duration of the two-year fellowship cycle. The program is structured over six four-day seminars and allows for shared experiences across the state.
Before and after each seminar weekend, class members are invited to embrace new and different pathways toward building and sustaining relationships across lines of difference.
“Each of these individuals have already made choices to stop, reflect and step into something not fully known,” said Hunter Corn, director of WLI, in a press release.
“I am grateful for their choices to intentionally be in relationship with those different from themselves. It is choices like this that strengthen communities.”
Sandhills Community College team member receives national award
MARIA MOTTA , director of More Than A Job NC (MTAJ-NC) Educational Navigator at Sandhills Community College, has won the National Americanism Award from the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR).
In addition to her work at Sandhills Community College, Motta volunteers on the board of Sand -
ACHIEVERS
hills Coalition for Human Care and Motta has helped create and extend programs to assist people in economically disadvantaged portions of Moore County, educated people on civic responsibilities, helped create assistance programs for homeless in Moore County and participated in a myriad of other volunteer activities.
Motta was presented the certificate and medal by the State Regent, Cricket Crigler, and is believed to be the first from North Carolina to have won this award.
PHOTO PROVIDED BY SANDHILLS COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Maria Motta (left) receives national award from State Regent, Cricket Crigler at the 125th North Carolina DAR State Conference.
Harris
Massie
>> By Kate Griffin
Buns of glory
LOCAL FOOD TRUCK PROS PREPARE TO COMPETE AT HAYMOUNT TRUCK STOP’S INAUGURAL BURGER COMPETITION ON JULY 19
Cookout season is officially in full swing, and if you’re tired of grilling your own, the Haymount Truck Stop has an exciting option for the whole family! The Truck Stop’s inaugural burger competition is happening on Saturday, July 19, and will be an exciting addition to your summer calendar. The competition will be held at the Haymount Truck Stop on 100 Broadfoot Ave. starting at 11 a.m. four food trucks will compete for awards from a panel of judges, and also for a People’s Choice Award. Visitors of the competition can channel their inner food critic by sampling a slider from each truck, and submitting their vote which will be tallied up by the end of the event.
Inspired by the prior success of the past barbecue and taco competitions, Operations Manager Doug Ray wishes nothing but the best for the participating food trucks, and is excited about this newest installment in the competition series.
“Thus far all the competitions have been every single thing I’ve wanted them to be, the trucks are successful, the people are happy, our single-day sales record since we’ve been open was set during the second barbecue competition, [and] I can only hope that the burger competition will be the same for the trucks,” said Ray.
For the competition, the official judges will be assessing the burgers blind, and will not know which burger comes from which food truck. The burgers are assessed by presentation, taste and creativity in two categories: a beef burger and an ‘exotic’ burger, which will require chefs to use anything but beef for the patty.
It’s a creative outlet for the local chefs to have fun and showcase their strengths, and a great opportunity for these local businesses to get further traction and advertisement.
“Food competitions are not unique, but I think it’s something that’s proven to be successful, they’ve become a key part of the Truck Stop and hopefully will stay anticipated events on the calendar, just like any other holiday,” said Ray. “There’s certain things people come to expect annually so going
The Haymount Truck Stop commissioned
tattoo artist Malia Tyner, commonly known as @missmarymack.ink on Instagram; The Truck Stop’s inaugural burger competition is happening on Saturday, July 19, on 100 Broadfoot Ave. Starting at 11 a.m. four food trucks will compete for awards from a panel of judges, and also for a People’s Choice Award; In addition to the food trucks, a unique cocktail menu will be available that day only, along with the regular bar and a plethora of beers on tap for enthusiasts.
forward for us, barbecue, taco and burger competitions, same time every year, will become a regular event people will expect to have happen.”
From 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., live music will take place at the event, provided by N.C. indie alternative rock artist, Buster Jangle. In addition to the food trucks, a unique cocktail menu will be available that day only, along with the regular bar and a plethora of beers on tap for enthusiasts.
“We are always updating the menu, we have seasonal changes –the creativity of the bars up here are unmatched so we are working to again elevate what the city and county can do to get on board with the larger cities of the state,” said Ray.
And of course, none of the deliciousness and fun would be possible without the employees at Haymount Truck Stop, and the food truck owners themselves.
The food trucks at the competition that day to look forward to are Grill Me Up, a gourmet sandwich shop on wheels with unique flavors, Oink ‘N Moo, a Raleigh based catering company that specializes in smokehouse specialties, R Burger, a beloved local staple for burgers and Savory Southern Cuisine, a classic southern soul food truck and catering company.
“It’s a huge amount of work. we know what they have to go through to serve on a normal day let alone a competition, it takes an incredible amount of work and we love our food truck workers and we need them. They're the billboards out front that bring people outside,” said Ray. “We appreciate every single person who walks through the doors, their patronage tells us that our idea is working and they want to be a part of it so shout-out to customers as well.”
This competition is not only a
showcase of the finest in the local food truck business, but also an intersection of community involvement all around.
“It is a lot of work but that’s what it takes, y’know? We need people to show up and have a good time, all the work we do is transparent to a certain extent but it is not easy,” said Ray. “Food and beverage, if you’re doing it right and wanting to put out a good product it takes a lot of work and we have an amazing team and it takes all of us to put it together.”
Competition attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, as seating is limited, as well as extra water. Learn more about upcoming events, menus and more at www.haymounttruckstop.com.
PHOTOS PROVIDED BY HAYMOUNT TRUCK STOP & GFBJ
Clockwise:
Fayetteville based
A nationally recognized continuing education program for trust bankers, TAI offers participants Certified
Planner continuing educational credit and leads to Accredited Trust and Financial Advisor (ATFA) certification.
Advising advisors
CAMPBELL UNIVERSITY’S LUNDY-FETTERMAN SCHOOL OF BUSINESS HOSTS 55TH ANNUAL TRUST ADVISORS INSTITUTE
The Lundy-Fetterman School of Business hosted the weeklong 55th Annual Trust Advisors Institute (TAI) from May 30 to June 7. A nationally recognized continuing education program for trust bankers, TAI offers participants Certified Financial Planner continuing educational credit and leads to Accredited Trust and Financial Advisor (ATFA) certification.
The ATFA certification program belongs to Campbell University and is rapidly becoming a standard of excellence for fiduciaries nationwide. In addition, TAI graduates meet the education requirements to sit for the Certified Trust and Fiduciary Advisor certification offered by the American Bankers Association.
The TAI faculty is made up of leading attorneys, investment experts and trust managers from around the country. This year, 62 trust officers representing 20 states participated. Attendees were introduced to the very latest in regulatory
requirements and complex planning strategies in the areas of law, taxation, administration, employee benefits, financial planning, investments, the management of specialty assets, compliance, sales and estate planning.
TAI is one of several continu-
ing education programs offered by Campbell in conjunction with the Trust Education Foundation, Inc. The mission of the Foundation is to support both the graduate and undergraduate Trust & Wealth Management degree programs. Profits generated by TAI each year are used
to fund scholarships for undergraduate Campbell Trust majors. More information about the Foundation can be found at www.trusteducationfoundation.com.
Trust and Wealth Management graduates are employed each year by major financial institutions including Bank of America, Wells Fargo, JP Morgan Chase, Truist, City National Bank/RBC and First Citizens Bank. More than 95% of Trust graduates are placed within one month of graduation each year.
In addition to the undergraduate program, the School of Business offers the Master of Trust and Wealth Management degree. Students can complete their master’s courses in person or online. Applications are being accepted now for both the undergraduate Trust and MTWM programs for the 2025-2026 academic year which begins in mid-August.
PHOTO PROVIDED BY CAMPBELL UNIVERSITY
Financial
County drops Salvation Army talks
CUMBERLAND COUNTY ENDS NEGOTIATIONS WITH THE SALVATION ARMY
Cumberland County has been in discussions with The Salvation Army regarding the potential reopening of its Fayetteville shelter. However, it was announced on Friday, June 20, that due to multiple ongoing issues and unresolved concerns, the County made the decision to end negotiations and cease further discussions with The Salvation Army.
The County provided updates on The Salvation Army Shelter contract negotiations.
KEY DATES IN THE PROCESS INCLUDED:
May 19: The Board of Commissioners voted 4–2 to direct the County Manager to negotiate an MOU with The Salvation Army, not to exceed $563,000 annually. The Board also requested an environmental health inspection and continued financial review, as well as the explo-
ration of cost-sharing with the City of Fayetteville.
June 6: The County received the first draft of a contract from The Salvation Army.
June 12: An environmental health inspection, conducted by the Cumberland County Department of Public Health, found mold in bathrooms and a separate area of concern.
June 13: County legal staff completed their review and returned the contract listing several concerns.
June 17: A revised draft contract was submitted by The Salvation Army.
June 20: County decides to end negotiations and cease further discussions with The Salvation Army.
There is no Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) or executed con-
tract in place. While The Salvation Army requested advance payments, Cumberland County’s standard and responsible approach is to reimburse for eligible, documented expenses, a practice designed to ensure public accountability.
The County is also aware of approximately $100,000 in unpaid invoices involving a staffing agency formerly contracted by The Salvation Army. The County is not a party to those private agreements.
The County continues to coordinate with the City of Fayetteville, which is considering contributions toward shelter operations, pending Council approval.
Following the closure of the Regency Inn, Cumberland County provided temporary housing and case management for 20 families (a total of 68 individuals) at the Knights Inn. The County funded hotel stays to
ensure immediate shelter during the transition.
During this time, County staff coordinated with community partners to provide meals and essential services to the families at no additional cost to the County.
Despite ending negotiations, the County shared that they remain committed to building long-term sustainable shelter options for residents facing housing instability.
“We recognize that homelessness is a complex issue that requires collaboration, accountability and compassion,” said Board of Commissioners Chairman Kirk deViere in a press release. “The County has a significant need for emergency temporary shelters for women and women with children. Our focus remains on ensuring public resources are used responsibly to provide safe, supportive and effective shelter services.”
For 120 years, PWC has been Fayetteville’s trusted hometown utility, delivering safe, reliable, and affordable electric, water, and wastewater services. With a 99.99% reliability rate and nationally recognized performance, we support economic growth by offering competitive rates and strategic incentives. Our infrastructure and capacity are built to fuel community and business success, making Fayetteville a prime location for growth.
Keep the good times rolling
TROLLEY PUB FAYETTEVILLE OFFERS A NEW AVENUE TO EXPERIENCE DOWNTOWN’S RESTAURANT AND BAR SCENE
Downtown Fayetteville is set to welcome a new addition to its hospitality scene as local entrepreneurs Kevin Walker and Darnisha James prepare to launch a trolley service aimed at connecting residents and visitors with the city’s vibrant bar and restaurant community.
James and her nephew have been doing business together for 10 years now. They opened their first joint business in Fayetteville in 2015, RDL Therapeutic Adult Day Center, and later expanded to open RDL Therapeutic Outpatient Therapy Health and Wellness.
Now, they’re branching out from health care into hospitality.
“She [Darnisha] rode a trolley back home in Detroit. I had never gotten on a trolley. She brought it to my attention, said ‘Hey, that would be pretty cool if we brought it to Fayetteville.’ So we did some research, [and] found a couple companies that had trolley franchise opportunities,” explained Walker.
Trolley Pub is a franchise with locations across the country. Walker and James connected with the location in Raleigh to establish a Trolley Pub operation in Fayetteville.
The Fayetteville Trolley Pub experience brings people together to explore the city’s vibrant downtown in a unique way. Passengers board a 14-seat, pedal-powered trolley, where they can bring their own beer, wine or seltzer to enjoy as they cruise between some of Fayetteville’s best bars and restaurants.
“They go inside, socialize, get to get familiar with the different pubs and bars that we go to, have a drink
or two, and then they come back out and keep the party going on the trolley,” explained Walker.
Tours are available as either private bookings for groups or as “mixer” tours where individuals can join and meet new friends. The trolley makes stops at select local establishments, giving riders a chance to sample drinks, socialize and discover hidden gems in the downtown area.
Riders must be 21 or older for mixer tours, while private tours require riders to be at least 15 years old. Tours last about two hours with
the opportunity for passengers to extend their ride if the following tour is not private or fully booked. There will be different routes available with stops at different bars to be selected from when booking online.
The Trolley Pub made its first appearance downtown on Saturday, June 28, for a trial run, and the community was buzzing with excitement.
“We were really excited about the positive feedback, and especially from a lot of the other business owners downtown with the bars, and they were saying how it’s going to impact their business in a positive way by bringing more attention, because there’s restaurants and bars that people don’t even know of downtown, so this will give them exposure that they need. So it’s a win-win for everyone,” remarked James.
The team also has a brick and mortar Trolley Pub location at 218 Robeson St. that is being renovated. Once complete, the space will serve as a check-in station with a carport where the trolley is housed. There
will also be a souvenir shop with t-shirts, koozies and drinks and snacks available for purchase to be brought along on the trolley.
As the business prepares for its official launch, the founders hope their efforts will inspire others to invest in Fayetteville’s downtown and bring other new businesses to the area.
“I just hope it gives people other ideas to bring more into the city, the downtown. You always hear about what we don’t have and what we’re lacking. And so hopefully people see this, and say, ‘Oh, okay, you know what? Maybe this would be great for us,” just to help to build up our downtown and our city, that’s what we hope is to come,” shared James.
Walker shared that as they gear up for their grand opening they’re looking to hire trolley drivers. Great drivers with great personalities are wanted to help make Trolley Pub Fayetteville a lively, fun experience.
To learn more about Trolley Pub Fayetteville, visit their website at www.trolleypub.com/fayetteville.
PHOTOS PROVIDED BY KEVIN WALKER AND GFBJ
L to R: The Fayetteville Trolley Pub is a 14-seat, pedal-powered party on wheels that lets you enjoy a lively tour of downtown’s bars and hotspots; Darnisha James and her nephew Kevin Walker have been business partners for 10 years now. Trolley Pub Fayetteville is their third joint business venture.
PHOTO PROVIDED BY GFBJ
Once complete, this brick and mortar space will serve as a check-in station with a carport where the trolley is housed.
Cheers to Little Heathen’s
LITTLE HEATHEN'S BREWERY COMING SOON TO SPRING LAKE
Anew brewery is in the works and expected to open in Spring Lake in 2025.
Little Heathen’s Brewery, the newest addition to the Spring Lake area, is looking to create a space for the community.
The business, owned by retired Army Veteran Adam Terry, is located at 3266 Ray Road inside of the Anderson Creek Shopping Center.
Terry, who began as an at home brewer, was working on this business before leaving the military in 2023.
“I retired from the military in December of 2023 and I wanted to open a brewery. I’ve wanted to do that since I started home brewing in 2009. My wife said I needed a hobby,” shared Terry. “I started because some buddies were doing it and really enjoyed it.”
Before going into commercial brewing, Terry decided to take advantage of education opportunities offered by the military to learn the tricks of the trade from local brewers.
“The military offers what’s called a Career Skills Program (CSP). It’s an internship program where you can go work for a business and learn a trade or get some certification. I did that with a local brewer, so I knew how to home brew, but I’ve never worked on a commercial scale before so I knew it was going to be different. So, I did the CSP program with Gaston Brewery. I worked at his taproom down on Chicago Drive, he was a big help,” said Terry.
While completing a six month
Little
internship, and working part time for Gaston Brewing Company, Terry was working to get things set up in the space in Spring Lake. Construction began and now, the dining room portion and attached brewery section are nearly complete.
“I liked it being an open concept where the customer feels like part of the brewing process, they can still see all of the beer and all the equipment and how it’s made,” said Terry.
To open, the brewery will offer four beers all brewed on site, including a blonde ale, a pale ale, an IPA and a Hazy IPA. The menu will also
expand over time to include wine, seltzer and cider along with some classic cocktail options.
Terry shared that he took inspiration from his two daughters, ages nine and 10, for the businesses’ name and naming the in-house brews.
“I named it after the kids, and they love it too, they say ‘Daddy named the brewery after us,’” shared Terry. “Our beers are going to be named Problem Child, Trouble Maker, my daughter is blonde so we’ll have one called Crazy Rae [a blonde ale], then we’re still going back and forth on a couple others, trying to keep that
Little Heathen’s theme.”
Terry shared that to start, no food will be offered, but plans are in the works to incorporate food trucks on site in the back of the building.
“The overall intent of this place [is] to be community focused, family friendly, dog friendly, you know, all the friendlies. Mainly just a place to hang out. There is not much on this side of town yet. You come home from post or from Fayetteville, drive through all that traffic, you don’t want to turn around, drive right back to Fayetteville to get something to eat or something to drink. So, hopefully this fills that void in this area,” said Terry.
As of June 15, 2025, Little Heathen’s Brewery was officially given the green light to begin brewing and have already started the process.
Information about hiring and a grand opening date are also expected to be announced in the coming weeks on the brewery’s Facebook page.
PHOTO PROVIDED BY GFBJ
Heathen's Owner Adam Terry pictured in front of the newly installed fermenters.
PHOTOS PROVIDED BY GFBJ
L to R: To open, the brewery will offer four beers all brewed on site, including a blonde ale, a pale ale, an IPA and a Hazy IPA; Interior of Little Heathen's dining room. Terry is working to increase community spaces, with plans to expand into holding community events, nights and more both inside and behind the brewery in the future.
Passing the keys to success
CITY OF FAYETTEVILLE HOSTS A KEY HANDOFF CEREMONY, OFFICIALLY OPENING THE WAY2REAL COMMUNITY CENTER ON MURCHISON ROAD
The city of Fayetteville, in collaboration with Tony Haire Ministries, is excited to announce the opening of Way2Real Community Center, the newest community center for the city located at 2400 Murchison Road.
The city commemorated the opening with a key handoff ceremony on Friday, June 27.
The newly renovated facility, acquired and rehabilitated through $1 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds, will now serve as a center for low-cost mental and behavioral health services, youth and teen enrichment programs, academic tutoring and career and workforce development.
This center will offer Fayetteville youth the opportunity to grow their skills, learn more about future opportunities and grow in the community. With summer camps, after-school
Many partners came together to make this center happen including legendary music executive, Benny Pough, who sponsored the recording studio, and Matthew Knowles, philanthropist and father to Beyoncé, who sponsored the podcast studio.
tutoring, low/no-cost mental health services and a food pantry, this center will be a hub for youth success.
“The opening of the Way2Real Community Center is another meaningful step the city of Fayetteville has taken in the transformation of the Murchison Road corridor,” Mayor Mitch Colvin said in a press release. “This center will serve as a safe space where our youth can learn, grow and be supported.”
The opening of Way2Real Community Center is a component of the Murchison Choice Neighborhood Plan. This plan reflects the collective vision and aspirations of the Murchison Road community and serves as a roadmap for the neighborhood transformation.
For the past two years, Director of the Way2Real Community Center Dr. Tony Haire and his team have worked closely with residents, busi-
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ness owners, educators and youth to shape a center that directly reflects the community’s needs and priorities.
Many partners came together to make this center happen including legendary music executive, Benny Pough, who sponsored the recording studio, and Matthew Knowles, philanthropist and father to Beyoncé, who sponsored the podcast studio.
The center will operate Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with special events on Saturdays. Programming will be powered by partnerships with Best Buy, local record labels, Fayetteville State University, NCWorks, local schools, mental health providers, public safety agencies and others.
Community members can learn more about the programs and services provided by the community center by visiting Way2Real.Life or call 472-210-7840.
PHOTO PROVIDED BY CITY OF FAYETTEVILLE
BIZ LEADS
Reader’s Guide
BizLeads is a collection of information gathered from greater Fayetteville courthouses, state government offices and information websites. The listings are intended to help the business community find new customers and stay on top of happenings with current customers, vendors and competitors.
New Corporations lists firms from the Greater Fayetteville Business Journal region that were recently incorporated in the State of North Carolina.
CUMBERLAND COUNTY
BlueLeaf Botanical LLC
3371 Quarry Drive
Fayetteville Agent: Vincent daSilva
Scotland County Agriculture Society
10555 Ramsey St Linden Agent: Robert E Lee
Lagunes Lawnscaping & Concrete Corp.
307 Thomas Edison Pl Hope Mills Agent: Bernardo Moreno
Trotter Psychiatric & Associates PLLC
5511 Raeford Rd Suite 201 Fayetteville Agent: Sarah Elizabeth Parker
Genesis Texpile LLC 7711 S Raeford Rd Ste 102 PMB 199 Fayetteville Agent: Luis Torres
Gateskeeper Logistics LLC
2510 Matthew Thomas Circle Apt E Fayetteville Agent: Danarius Gates
The Center for Emerging Business LLC 621 Shortridge Rd Fayetteville
Jon A`Mel Enterprise LLC 4401 Betsy Ross Dr ope Mills Agent: Jonathan Melton Wilson Energetic Massage LLC
5231 Hidden Valley Fayetteville Agent: Kevin West Bridgeman
Chronic Aura Studios LLC 4351 Baxley St Fayetteville Agent: Roxanne Williams
Tyros BBQ LLC 5141 Tern Pl Fayetteville
Stacked Logistics LLC 1417 Benchmark Way Parkton Agent: Nakeish Little
AJSA TRANSPORTATION AND LOGISTICS INC.
3710 Morganton Rd Ste 110
Fayetteville Agent: Alvita Graham McNeill
Untamed Escapes LLC
634 W Manchester Rd Spring Lake Agent: Michelle Kettering
CBL Cleaning Solutions LLC 1257 Barn Owl Dr
Fayetteville Agent: Brent Travis Langman
Pop's Lemonade LLC 736 Cl Tart Cir Apt 700 Fayetteville Agent: Winslow Ratliff Jr.
Bantu Clan Motorcycle Club LLC 8440 Burnett Rd Dunn Agent: Christopher Thomas NC Crown Construction Llc 304 Helen St Fayetteville Agent: Cesely Arnecia Martinez
WH Unified Solutions LLC
5065 Berry Tree Ln Stedman Agent: Gregory Washington
3030 Homeschool Community
3205 Jean Bullock Rd
Fayetteville Agent: Kelly J Dodson
V8 UMI SUSHI SEAFOOD INC.
5548 Yadkin Rd
Fayetteville Agent: YINGYING LIU
RTS ACTIVEWEAR LLC
720 Fairbluff Dr Hope Mills Agent: SHANICE STOKES
SMITH'S ESE INCORPORATED LLC 820 Algood Ave
Hope Mills Agent: ENOCH SMITH
Blue Haven Outreach Services LLC 1832 Sand Hill Rd
Hope Mills Agent: LaKesia Chance
RedBirds Travel llc 3447 Sugar Cane Cir
Fayetteville Agent: Ricky Olivas
Grace In The Waters Publishing House LLC
3071 Stone Carriage Cir Apt P
Fayetteville Agent: Jessica Mouzon
Finest Quality Cleaning LLC 470 Homestead Dr
Fayetteville Agent: Trederica Lawrence
TJR Leadership Academy Incorporated 1 4221 Black Ridge Road
Hope Mills Agent: Charlotte Robinson
Vanity and Volume LLC
1579 Chicken Foot Rd
Hope Mills
Agent: Marshall Bledsoe Barnette
East Carolina hauling &transport LLC 713 Windy Hill Cir Apt D
Fayetteville Agent: Zachary Tristian Batie
Miranda Salters Photography LLC
3333 N Main St Ste 150
Hope Mills Agent: Miranda Salters
Crescent Real Estate Investments LLC
3314 King James Lane
Fayetteville Agent: Tahir Kazmi
Horizon Ridge LLC 733 Pecan Grove Loop
Hope Mills Agent: Alyssa Kayla Marie Hernandez
T Gibson Consulting LLC
6525 Portsmouth Dr Fayetteville Agent: Taisean J Gibson
Breese Literary Catalog LLC 149 Maranatha Cir Spring Lake Agent: Audrey Pacheco
Artic Ember LLC 4009 Newgate St Fayetteville Agent: Jerrod Wayne Elliott
Back Porch Golf of North Carolina LLC 183 Kensington Dr
Spring Lake Agent: Tyler Crawford
Seeds to Apples LLC 5637 Kingstree Dr Fayetteville
