Primavera:
Downtown Buzz
it’s like family
what’s coming up
By a.e. bayne On the corner of William and Liberty Streets sits a restaurant with a humble facade, but walk through its green wooden doors and you’ll find yourself awash in conversation, laughter, and community. It’s a pizza joint, a neighborhood joint, a family joint. It’s a place for birthdays and graduations, for lunch hours and Friday night take-out on your way home to the kids. For the past eight years, Primavera has earned a wordof-mouth reputation that makes it one of the city’s culinary success stories. With many years of experience in the food service industry between them, owners Rami Hamrouni, Sami Brahem, and Sami Bchini decided on a Greek/Italian theme when they opened Primavera because it seemed to be a favorite among customers. Hamrouni says that starting up was tough, but an article in the Free Lance-Star and word-of-mouth recommendations carried them through the early lean years. He explains, “We all liked Fredericksburg and it was a good way to invest in the town. Good service and quality food are most important to us. We try to stay consistent, and I keep my eye on everything. No box or plate will leave the kitchen without me looking over it. They
call me OCD back there, you know.” Customers notice the attention to detail, just ask John Picariello of Old Town Enterprises, “I’ve been Italian my whole life, and they make it like my mother makes it. Nobody cooks like my mother - except my wife - make sure you write that down.” Picariello says that he’s toured the kitchen at Primavera and was impressed that everything is fresh, including the sauces, chopped toppings, and the pizza dough. He says, “I tell all my friends, if you want authentic Italian food that’s fresh and reasonably priced, it’s the place to go.” And the pizza! Oh, the pizza! Not only do they offer a buy one get one free deal, but according to regular Clark Henshaw, “It’s the best pizza in Fredericksburg. I’ll tell you something, I’m a meat lover. If I made the perfect pizza I’d put one of every animal on it, but they’ve got the best meatless pizzas that I have ever eaten. We generally get something there every weekend, and my wife Nancy has lunch there about twice a week.” With full disclosure, I have to admit that Primavera is a favorite with my family, as well. In fact, my mother, Micki
By anne glave
Rami Hamrouni checks on the Platt family as they enjoy their first Primavera pizza. Bayne, has been a regular since opening day. She explains, “My mother and I started going there every day because we liked everything about it: the food, friendly service, and prices that didn’t break the bank. Then Mother developed increasing dementia, but she still remembered Primavera and wanted to go there for lunch to see everyone. I keep going for the food, but also because I love the owners and staff, plus it is nice to see all the other regulars. It’s like family.” Christine Vellenga has waitressed at Primavera for the past four years and says working for Rami is as good as it gets. She says, “He’s smart, efficient, and able to keep an eye on everything all at once. Rami’s generous and funny, and for me that’s crucial. When you get busy with a hundred things going on, you’re able to
just laugh a little bit and it’s all fine.” She finds herself eager to go to work, even after teaching full days during the week, “There’s something about interacting with your customers that’s pure enjoyment, because no one has to go out to eat. It’s a chance to make people feel cared for, and I love that.” Hamrouni says of Primavera’s customers, “Any chance I can, I come out and say hello and hug people. I appreciate them, always. That’s the whole point; you know what I’m saying? They keep coming back, and that means I’m doing my job.” A.E. Bayne is a teacher, writer, and artist who lives in Fredericksburg and frequently enjoys meals with friends and family at Primavera. photo by A.E.Bayne
Your downtown source for all Vera Bradley items
606 Caroline Street Old Town Fredericksburg
Fall has arrived signaling the Holidays will soon be here! Fredericksburg Main Street is bustling like Santa’s elves! Our Holiday Open House Weekend is coming up on November 7 and 8, that announces that the Holidays have arrived Downtown. Open Late Fridays and Small Business Saturday campaigns are two new ways that Main Street is partnering with Downtown businesses. For the seven Fridays prior to Christmas, businesses are being encouraged to be Open Late to at least 8pm. Look for flags to indicate participating shops. On Small Business Saturday on November 29, “Early Bird Specials” will be offered from 8am to 10am by Downtown businesses. To encourage “early birds,” free coffee and pastries will be offered at 8am at two downtown locations by the Economic Development & Tourism Office.
Special a c t i v i t i e s encouraging visitors to experience D o w n t o w n during the Holiday countdown include Santa Strolls, George Washington Young Friends and the Civil War Civilians of Spotsylvania (history interpreters). Visitors can experience a sample of Downtown’s history with free admission at Hugh Mercer Apothecary Shop on Friday, November 7 from 5pm to 8pm; Rising Sun Tavern on Friday, December 5 from 6pm to 8:30pm; James Monroe Museum on Saturday, December 6 from 3pm to 5:30pm; and the Fredericksburg Area Museum & Cultural Center’s McKann Building on December 12 from 5pm to 8pm. It’s exciting to see the Community come together to promote Downtown and our unique historic area. Experience Fredericksburg Downtown Gift Cards are coming soon! Main Street is pleased to offer this new option to shoppers. With help from the Economic Development Authority, Main Street will begin selling the gift cards in
November at the First Friday and Holiday Open House Weekend. Watch for a special promotion announcement coming in November. A social media component, “Elfie Selfie,” has been added to the favorite Window Wonderland program coordinated by the Economic Development & Tourism office and media partner, Free Lance Star. One $100 gift card will be awarded randomly for 7 weeks to encourage repeat visits Downtown. Tweet or post your Elfie Selfie pictures on Fredericksburg Downtown Facebook. This is Main Street’s first venture in social engagement. Ribbon cuttings are on the rise with new businesses locating in Downtown. October 3 is the grand openings of Bourbon Street Studio of 620 Caroline Street at 5:30pm followed by Peacaloo Boutique at 614 Caroline Street right after at 6:15pm. October 11 welcomes Alan Furs and Bash Boutique at 804 Caroline Street at 6:30pm with a red carpet fashion walk. A big thank you goes to these Main Street volunteers who have helped to develop exciting marketing ideas for the Heather Downtown Holiday season:
Stapleton, Penny Parrish, David Frazier, Bob Whittingham, Heidi DiEugenio, Susan Larson, Kathleen Owens, Jael Cooper, Julie Perry, Sheryl Bryant, Eileen Boyd, Risa Ryan, along with the cooperation of the Department of Economic Development & Tourism and the Economic Development Authority. Our Holiday Open House Weekend, special shopping promotions, free admission to historic sites, and “Elfie Selfie” contest are just the beginning of your exciting holiday experience in Fredericksburg! Look for more details coming soon!
Ann Glave is the Executive Director, of the Fredericksburg Main Street organization. Previous store owner of glave & company, she’s excited to be involved with an organization that represents the whole of Downtown. www.fredericksburgmainstreet.org 540-479-1595.
Private Security Investigations Services Employment Verification Background Checks Certified Process Servers
373-7847 www.gemstonecreations.org Tuesday - Saturday 10-5 Wednesday 10-6:30
Justice Cucci 540-324-6265 www.cops-pi.com
Where Fredericksburg Gets Engaged 6
October 2014
Front porch fredericksburg
front porch fredericksburg
October 2014
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