Next month it will be a year since this women-owned business transitioned from a beloved food truck…read moreto a charming brick-and-mortar location in the heart of Salem, Virginia. After being awarded the Yelp Triad Squad Yelper of the Year 2024 Award at the Yelpies Award Ceremony last year, an event that honored the highest-performing Yelp Elites, celebrating their contributions and accomplishments throughout the year, I decided that this year, as an All-Star Yelp Elite, I not only wanted to be the first to discover new restaurants, businesses, and entertainment venues, and bring them to the attention of the public, but also to uncover those found in hidden paths that for one reason or another have not reached the public in its totality. And Bean Bliss Coffee Bar in Salem, Virginia, is a perfect example. As I drove by the window display of this quaint and one-of-a-kind coffee shop, I couldn't help but to think what kind of secrets that shop held. It wasn't just coffee; it was an experience, a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. Once inside, its rustic design and cozy decor, created a warm and inviting atmosphere, in which to relax and enjoy an expertly crafted coffee, with a food item imported from local providers. Its walls showcased local artists' work, and its small living room with a sofa and coffee table, in the front of the shop, made one feel relaxed and at home. The owner herself, a friendly and very hospitable lady, welcomed me behind the counter, and explained how she wanted her coffee shop to be a place where members of the community could come to relax, work, and catch up with friends. When it came time to order, I ordered a couple of Bacon & Cheese Frittatas, a Cherry Danish, and a Mocha Coffee. Everything was amazingly delicious. While I ate there was another customer working on his laptop computer at another table, and a young lady customer arrived, ordered her coffee and breakfast and went to enjoy it at the comfortable sofa and coffee table area in front of the shop. Before I left, I went to the back to use their restroom, and before I reached it, there was a blackboard wall full of well wishes for the owner of the store, handwritten in color chalk, from customers of all ages. As I was ready to leave, I thanked the owner for her hospitality, and also wished her well. I highly recommend this Coffee Shop and encourage all those reading this review to give her your total support.

The new guy in town!…read more So many options, so many flavors, and so many different snacks and treats to get you through the day! A couple small tables and a couch available if you choose to stay awhile, but quick and friendly service is abundant. I was very excited to try a blue raspberry latte... spoiler alert: it's DELISH. We also tried their honey bee specialty which hit the spot. Prices are a bit steep, but quality syrups and grounds helped make up for it.

For some time now people lined up in long lines with the hope of getting a taste of Mama Jean's BBQ…read moreout of their very popular Food truck. But today, they didn't have to, because the owner's dream of having one day a brick-and-mortar Mama Jean's BBQ Restaurant came true! After being awarded the Yelp NC Triad Squad Yelper of the Year 2024 Award at the Yelpies Award Ceremony last year, an event that honored the highest-performing Yelp Elites, celebrating their contributions and accomplishments throughout the year, I decided that this year, as an All-Star Yelp Elite, I not only wanted to be the first to discover new restaurants and businesses, and bring them to the attention of the public, but also to uncover those found in hidden paths that for one reason or another have not reached the public in its totality. And Mama Jean's BBQ Restaurant, in Roanoke, Virginia, is a perfect example. At precisely 11:00AM this morning, the long awaited Mama Jean's BBQ Restaurant finally opened its doors to the public, and I was fortunate enough to be one of the first ones to be there for this momentous occasion. Located at 3404 Brandon Ave in Southwest Roanoke, it occupies the building where Jimmy V's Restaurant used to be, but with a complete renovation that went above my highest expectations. I arrived early at about 10:30AM when people were just starting to arrive and line up on a covered porch surrounding one side of the building. I quickly parked my Lexus in their conveniant parking lot and got in line. A gentleman standing in line next to me from Brent Mountain was planning on getting his Smoked Turkey and gravy, to take to their Thanksgiving dinner tomorrow, on Thanksgiving Day. As we waited in line to enter the restaurant, two restaurant's lady employees came around to take alcohol drink orders and credit card payments, and then brought back their drinks so they could drink while waiting. Along the porch, they had these warmers to warm the customers up in the evenings since they now planned to stay open until 7:00PM, The new hours of operation would be Wednesdays through Sunday 11:AM to 7:00PM. Inside, I was very impressed with the simple yet eclectic decor with artworks hanging from the walls which were a combination red bricks and white painted walls. The shiny flores and light treatment made the restaurant stand out. The bar was also decorated in very good taste. The small size of the place just gave it a warm and cozy ambiance in which one could enjoy their food and drinks. Most people were ordering their food by the pound to take out, but a few, like me, ordered ours to dine in and experience Mama Jean's BBQ in the comfort of a brick-and-mortar restaurant. The lady and gentleman, at the ordering counter were very friendly and helpful. When I explained I wanted to dine in and try a couple of BBQ items and sides, the lady suggested that I design my own try with one meat and two sides. Iincreased it to two meats: 1/4 lb of Pulled Pork and 1/4 lb of Brisket, with sides of Coleslaw and Mashed Potatoes. To drink I had a Cherry Coke. When the food was ready a server would call out our name and bring it to our table. On the condiment table they had the plastic silverware, together with the different BBQ sauces. The food was amazingly delicious. Now I knew fist hand what all the hipe was.all about. I would have had one of their banana puddings as dessert but it was getting late for my 12 Noon appointment for my haircut. I highly recommend this brick-and-mortar BBQ restaurant that used to be a Food Truck, and invite you to view my photographs and video clips that accompany this review to get a better sense of the place and the quality of its food.

Out on the road, I visit a lot of restaurants, because let's be honest, on the road, there's not…read moremuch better than a good piece of meat. Consequently, I end up at a lot of BBQ joints. On New Years Day, 2026, I found myself at a new BBQ hotspot in Roanoke, VA. Welcome to Mama Jean's. They started as a food truck, 2018. In 2025, they moved into a building. It reminds me of every BBQ joint in Alabama or Mississippi. If they have any problems right now, it's not enough seating. The menu glowed with all the BBQ mainstays, brisket, pulled pork... And then I hit something I don't recognize, baudin balls. This Louisiana specialty is a ball of pork and brisket and fried like a hushpuppy. For a BBQ lover, like myself, it is perfection. But I am distracted, let's keep going. The ambiance of this place is pure southern hospitality. Everyone knows your name and works together to make sure no one leaves this place unsatisfied. My own experience was brought to me by a lovely lady who will from this moment forward be known as, her Majesty, Queen Daphne. She took the time to make sure I understood what I needed and was pleased with the experience. This team understands customer service! And finally, the highlight of Mama Jean's BBQ, the meal! I ordered, well, everything. Brisket, pork, some ribs. Heck, I even bought the hat... From the moment I took my first bite of the brisket, I knew every cent I spent was well given. I mean do the kids need a college education? Maybe. Do I need this brisket? Definitely. It melted in my mouth. I took the whole sausage, not all at once mind you. You have to build up to that. You ladies understand. Make sure you don't forget the balls, baudin balls. Served five at a time, they are the perfect side dish for that moment when the flavor of the sausage veritably explodes in your mouth. Ah, Mama Jean, I will be coming back to Roanoke if for nothing more than your meat... Follow on note, this is a family friendly restaurant... ;-)

Today was the day that the hubs and I decided to take the plunge and try out this food truck. We…read morehave zero regrets in doing so, it was absolutely fabulous, two thumbs way up. The food was excellent. The customer service was excellent. The prices were excellent. Find them on Facebook to find their schedule, you won't regret it.

From the owner: I offer Nathans all beef hot dogs, 1/4lb beef hot dogs, and Sausage sandwiches with a variety of…read moretoppings. Multiple hot sauces, chili, sourkraut, mustards, bbq sauces, sweet and dill relishes, etc., in a unique hand built gypsy wagon that I have just completed building, and am now decorating with lively carvings, paint, etc. As I am now booking events, my page on FB shows when I will not be setting up at the Northwest Ace in Salem (Glenvar) VA.

Delicious sauces, wonderful people, and quality food! We always love seeing them at our favorite…read morebreweries!

From the owner: Catering, Full Service Caterer, BBQ, Barbeque, Pulled Pork, Rib, Brisket, Smoked Sausage, Chicken,…read moreMac&Cheese, Comfort Food, Smoked Products, BBQ Sauces, Food Truck, Competition BBQ Team, full service caterer, bartender,

Celebrating some of the best women small business owners, I can't think of a better person to…read moreinclude than the owner of Kippy's Kustard. I met her for the first time when my friend and I arrived at her amazing Kustard business, housed in a small, cute, yellow trailer, parked in a parking lot, high on top of a mountain next to a college, at 1819 Electric Road, in the corner of Keagy Road and Sugar Loaf Mountain in Roanoke, Virginia. As you well know "Frozen Custard is more creamy and flavorful on the palate since it's not as cold as ice cream. It also has a higher content of egg yolks and butter fat". For ten years she has been sharing this information with her customers, who she also considers as friends, through her amazingly delicious Frozen Custard. When we arrived to the trailer on a bright and windy sunny day, Keller quickly opened the window of the trailer and welcomed us with a warm greeting and a big smile. You could immediately tell that she was a people person and had a delightful personality. She genuinely enjoyed talking with us about her business. The business has also provided a means of her spending time with her twins - daughter Jordan and son, Noah - who have both joined her in the stand, as well as some of their friends. This and the people she interacts with daily have been one of the best things about having the custard stand. On the side of the trailer, she has posted several sheets of menus with an amazing variety of ways we can order her frozen custard. Since it was our first time there we both ordered a Vanilla Chocolate Twist in a Large Waffle Cone. Since it was extremely windy and somewhat cold, we ate the custards standing up next to the trailer. They we amazingly delicious: very soft and creamy. We looked forward to returning when the weather gets nicer and have another custard with more things on it, sitting at one of the tables with umbrellas provided in the area. I highly recommend this Frozen Custard Stand. It is an extraordinary sweet dining experience eating these amazing Frozen Custards and interacting with the friendly owner of the business who is so warm and friendly and such a wonderful personality that you would think you've known her all your life.

I could not figure out why there was a frozen custard van that is apparently set up permanently in…read morethe parking lot to a nursing school. There weren't any nurses around after hours, so it was an isolated spot. And yet some other people drove up after me so apparently they have a non-nurse customer base as well. The custard was available in chocolate or vanilla only, but they had a range of menu options, including several based on banana. The one I ordered had cherry and chocolate. It's not a place that will reset expectations and you can't really get anything without eggs or dairy, but the basic pleasure that it delivers will work for many.

Just the other day as I was driving down Brambleton Ave, Southwest Roanoke, on my way to Brambleton…read moreImports to have my Lexus washed, after having experienced a snow and ice storm, I happened to pass by this lively color food truck with the name of The Rad Shack Shaved Ice. Then and there, I decided to stop and visit it on my way back. After having been selected as number 4 of Yelp's Top 50 most prolific Elites of 2025, a year when I also was awarded the Yelp Triad Squad Photographer of the Year Award at their Yelpies 2025 Award Ceremony, an event that honored the highest-performing Yelp Elites, and where last year I was awarded the Yelp Triad Squad Yelper of the Year Award, I decided that this year, as an All-Star Yelp Elite, I not only wanted to be the first to discover new restaurants and businesses, and bring them to the attention of the public, but also to uncover those found in hidden paths that for one reason or another have not reached the public in its totality. And The Rad Shack Shaved Ice in Roanoke, Virginia, is a perfect example. Established in 2023, by Sean W, who also teaches Church History at a Christian school, this veteran-owned food truck specializes in rad hot dogs and shaved ice. Sean and his wife started the business because they value the simpler times in life. Their vision was that "people would make memories by sitting back and relaxing without the cares of the world." And I had an opportunity to experience this first hand, when I stopped by and visited the place. Sean's welcoming and hospitable personality immediately made me feel at home there. He explained the menu, and I would have liked to order one of their Rad Chili Dogs, if it were not that I just had lunch not so long ago, and a Shaved Ice served as a dessert. I ended up having a medium Mango Shaved Ice with vanilla ice-cream, melted marshmallows, and sprinkles. By having it this way, they call it: "Making It A Rad Stack." I invite you to view my photographs accompanying this review to get a better sense of the place and the quality food and shaved ice. As I was enjoying my shaved ice, a friend of the owner ordered a Rad Chili Hot Dog and it looked so good. Next time I'll have one. While there, I also had the opportunity of meeting Sean's wife and learning about their favorite hobby of running, and his enjoyment of teaching Church History. I've eaten at many food trucks before, but I consider this one special, because it's one where you not only enjoy some quality shave ice or rag hot dogs, but hang out and enjoy some quality time with the owner, family, or close friends.

Wonderful Business. Best Shaved Ice, and so many flavors. Owner is nice and friendly, outgoing…read more We like the coffee shaved Ice with ice cream in the center. My partner will try the hotdogs soon. I highly recommend you try them. Every flavor shaved ice under the sun. With whipped cream, and or ice cream added if you choose. Made my day when I was trapped at a tire place for almost three hours. Go try them! Business is located in Fishburn park, so plenty of parking. Picnic bench outside.

Every good thing experiences growth, and so has this family-owned business that started as a food…read moretruck in 2023 with a menu of North Carolina- and South Carolina-style barbecue staples. And now has opened a brick-and-mortar shack with a Texas-style barbecue in the heart of Salem, Virginia. After being awarded the Yelp NC Triad Squad Yelper of the Year 2024 Award at the Yelpies Award Ceremony last year, an event that honored the highest-performing Yelp Elites, celebrating their contributions and accomplishments throughout the year, I decided that this year, as an All-Star Yelp Elite, I not only wanted to be the first to discover new restaurants and businesses, and bring them to the attention of the public, but also to uncover those found in hidden paths that for one reason or another have not reached the public in its totality. And Big Daddy's BBQ & Sweet Shack, in Salem, Virginia, is a perfect example. I love a good barbeque, so as soon as I found out about this place, I set-up the GPS of my Lexus to 602 W 4th Street, Salem, Virginia, and drove down there to go try it out. As I was approaching the restaurant, I was intrigued by the architectural design of the this small restaurant. Words can't do justice to describe its appearance, so I invite you to view my photographs accompanying this review to get a better sense of the place and its food. It was literally a shack with two large glass garage doors serving as the windows. Inside the place was clean with a rustic look that created the perfect laid down ambiance to better enjoy eating your barbecue. There, I had the opportunity of meeting Brent Bowles, the owner and the artist who designed the cute pig image for their logo. He was able to explain that his restaurant has a full bar with beer, wine and liquors, highlighting a selection of bourbon. He also was able to clarify the "Sweet" in the restaurant's name, in that they plan to carry special desserts such as smoked pecan pies and top-notch ice cream from the Tillamook Creamery. After I sat myself at a table near the window to have enough light to capture its food at its best, a friendly lady server came up to greet me with a copy of the menu and took my drink order. I ordered a Coke and began reviewing the menu. As starter I ordered the Brisket Sliders, and as my main entrée, a Pulled Pork Sandwich with French Fries as a Classic Side, which they charged $3.50 extra for them, and they were even not that many. My server was a bit inexperienced, because she brought me all the food at once, instead as starters first and then the main entrée. The food was amazingly delicious, with generous portions of meat in all the sandwiches. The starter Brisket Sliders were a meal by themselves, and are meant to share. I are one of the three and took the other two home for later so I could fit the Pulled Pork Sandwich. For dessert, the owner who was sitting at the bar, recommended that I have a piece of their Smoked Pecan Pie. It tasted delicious, reminding me of the caramel popcorn I use to eat at the beach when I was growing up. As you were probably able to see in my photographs, the place also had a small patio with picnic tables to be able to dine outdoors in good weather. I definitely recommend this place for when you're feeling like eating barbecue. And I can assure you, you won't be disappointed.

Great BBQ. Not covered up by excessive sauce. Have had it at the Salem ballpark and the Salem…read morelocation. Drinks, BBQ and ice cream and cheesecake, all in one spot. Service was super friendly.

Food was excellent, my scrambled eggs were perfect, bacon was nice and crisp without being over…read moredone, and their biscuits and pancakes were light and fluffy!! Our service was quick and attentive! Not a fancy place but a great find for a quality country style breakfast!

Food was great, server was very friendly. Restaurant was clean and well managed. I had the veggie…read moreomelet my husband had the double cheeseburger both were 10!