Just the other day I was at a place where I had the most delicious chocolate chip cookie that I…read morehave ever had. They told me they get them from the Kind Bakery Company, located in the Wasena neighborhood of Roanoke, Virginia, right next go the RND Coffee. When I arrived, I discovered this quaint and cozy neighborhood shop with its friendly owner, Bryan, who gave me a warm welcome and told me how she started the company as a "home baking hobby," and how the business "had blossomed into a lovely brick-and-mortar storefront." She gave me a tour of the place, that looked very clean, organized, and colorful, just like if it had come right out of a fairytale. The counter had freshly made items such as a Quiche, Muffins, Scones, Brownies, and their most popular item, Chocolate Chips Cookies. The owner/baker also tries to feature some gluten-free and dairy-free options. Today she had scratch-made, gluten-free Lemon Bars. She also takes pre-orders of "custom celebration cakes, and holiday treat boxes," for those one-of-a-lifetime occasions. As I was there, some repeat customer ladies dropped by to grab a bite to eat, and she greeted them with a big friendly hug, like that of an old friend. The place doesn't have tables and chairs inside to eat, but many of her customers purchase for take-out, or on days with good weather, have a seat at some tables outside, which are shared with her neighbor shop, RND Coffee. Besides the food, the shop also has an area with shelves filled with different items from local artisans for sale. I invite you to view my photographs accompanying this review to get a better sense of the place, the high-quality of the food, and the variety of items from local artisans for sale there. I ended up ordering a slice of her Sundried Tomato, Feta & Herb Quiche, one of her famous Chocolate Chip Cookies, and a triangular shape Dark Chocolate Brownie. Paid using one of my credit cards with Google Pay tap, and went next door to have them with some coffee from RND Coffee. I highly recommend this charming, family-owned and run, local bakery, and know that once you try them once, you will become one of their biggest fans, just like I have.

The other day when I was at the Brookside Shopping Center trying out the Golden Wok Chinese…read moreRestaurant for the very first time, I noticed that a few stores away, there was a reasantly opened ice cream shop, and since ice cream is my favorite dessert and this month were celebrating Dessert Month, I decided to visit it for dessert after I finished eating my Chinese food at the Golden Wok. The first thing I noticed was its pink sign above the shop that read: "Sweet P's NOW OPEN / Ice Cream Games Family Fun." You could tell it had reasantly been screwed in because the tip of the screws were still showing. There was a wooden painted caricature of an ice cream cone standing in front of the shop, on the large windows were painted other ice creams, and two signs. One read "Hershey's Ice Cream Proudly Served Here." And the other one read "Real Milkshakes Sold Here." So I decided to go in and find out more about this shop. A friendly young lady behind the counter greeted me and answered some of my questions about the shop, its ice-cream creams, and its other services that it provides. I found out that the shop had ope6not that long ago. That it was locally owned and operated, and served Hershey's Ice Cream. Besides this it also had many video games and board games, and lots of entertainment options, as well ss several buble gum and candy machines, and many stuffed animals for sale. They also had a large party room which they rented for parties at $50, but if you bought $100 or more of their ice cream to be consumed by your party quests, they would waive the rental fee. Currently they were also having a Puzzle Swap, where you can bring a puzzle and swap it for another one there. I was happy to have found this place because it provided an opportunity for families to celebrate their children's birthday at a reasonable price, throughout all Seasons of the year. Afterwards, I looked at the ice creams and ordered a medium cup of Peanut Butter Pie ice cream. It was so cold, creamy, and delicious, that I ate it and went on my way. Looking forward to writing this review for the benefit of the families in our community.

Just when I thought I had seen it all, I hear about this locally-owned and operated business, run…read moreby the husband and wife team of Delicia and Teano Tucker, from a little blue box trailer. With the name of Delicia's Gourmet Ice, the business is a mobile Water Ice Company with a healthy alternative to traditional summertime frozen treats. The Tuckers started this business several years ago on a street corner with two coolers in the back of a Hyundai, with a simple plan: "That a friendly smile and great product would eventually succeed." Their product is a healthy, creamy and delicious Water Ice that is dairy, egg, and gluten-free. Their slogan for their delicious frozen treat is "It's not ice cream, just good ice," and their motto is: "We create smiles." They currently rotate 15 different flavors with some of the favorites flavors being Mango, Rainbow, Cherry, and Tye Dye. They also offer two sugar-free flavors, Lemon and Cherry. It was not easy to find them. Their phone number was answered by a machine asking you to leave a message. I sent them an email and luckily received a replay from Delicia telling me that their truck will be at the Food Lion parking lot on Shenandoah & Peters Creek today from 4 until dusk (8PM). I found out that the best way to find out where they will be next is to visit their Facebook or Instagram. As I arrived in my pearl white Lexus to the Food Lion parking lot, I felt a relief when I saw this little blue box trailer with Teano inside. He was a friendly gentleman with a true entrepreneurial spirit. We talked for a while and I ordered a small Mango Gourmet Ice. It had the taste and smooth, cold, creamy texture of ice cream, but was dairy free, gluten free, and kosher certified. While I was there several customers came by. A young gentleman, a group of young girls, a middle-aged lady, and a mother and her son. To let people know he was there he had a speaker that played loud music from his cellphone music collection. Once the customers arrived he turned off the music and served them. If a customer was a dollar short he let them have the gourmet ice. "How could you deny a kid an ice," he told me. My small Mango Gourmet Ice was $3 and I gave him a 5 dollar bill telling him to keep the change as a tip. Most of their business is private events. They do private events like birthdays, graduation parties, family reunions, company parties, and fundraisers, among others. Through perseverance and hard work their reputation has spread by word of month and they have been invited to fairs and public events like 4th of July celebrations. I highly recommend that you try their delicious Gourmet Ice and consider using their catering services for your next party or fundraising opportunity.

It amazing the power of an entrepreneurial mind. This place that was once the Williamson Road…read morePancake House, and had been closed for years, reasantly was converted to the Grab and Go convenience store, grocery, and small cafeteria serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as typical Indian food on the weekend. It has a regular menu as well as a Halal Food Menu, and a small counter seating area as well as a few tables and chairs dining area. Besides this restaurant area, it also has a grocery area where among other things they sell Food and Groceries, Tabasco and Vape, Beer and Wine, and Frozen Foods. Now if this wasn't enough this store has an ATM Machine, sells Virginia Lottery Tickets, has Gaming Machines, sells H&C Brand Coffee, has two gigantic big screen TVs to watch while dining in the Cafe area, and last but not least, has a Beer Cave Beverage Center in the back. And as you might think of asking, It also has Free WiFi. The owners are India immigrants very proud to live in America, the land of opportunities, and show it by having a large American Flag in the back of the counter in the main entrance. For the store space, there is almost nothing you can think of that they don't have there. Visit the store once and you definitely would want to return to shop for something you need or want. And to top everything off, the owners of this mom and pop local small business are delightful. They greet you with a smile and a warm welcome and have wonderful personality. The husband runs the store and the wife cooks and runs the Cafe. I invite you to view my photographs that accompany my review and see for yourself this one of a kind, amazing store, go and visit it, and give them your support. For their success will come by how well they satisfy the needs of our community.

The new spot on Williamson, really affordable food that tastes great. Really good options as far as…read moreconvenience goes and drinks. The food is genuinely impressive and worth trying. The wings blew me away.

Today I took the road less traveled and ended up in a little gem of a family-owned and operated,…read moreneighborhood restaurant since 1982 by David and Penny Price. Located in Salem, Virginia, this warm and cozy restaurant with window view to the Roanoke River is known for its popular burgers, especially the "Hot Rock," and other casual American fare like sandwiches, subs, hot dogs, onion rings, and crispy fries. Small in size, yet it has received many awards throughout the years, including "Best Burger" from The Roanoker Magazine in 2013. When I arrived to the place, I parked my Lexus over a bed of rocks parking lot, right outside, in the front area of the restaurant, and walked towards it. Inside, there was a small foyer with a bulletin board that had a copy of the menu, some Best of Salem Gold Awards, and some business cards from members of the community and customers of the restaurant. Then there was a bar on the left with a pool table on the right, and many Sports memorabilia on the walls of the establishment. It seems the owner was a great fan of the Virginia Cavaliers. Then in the back there was the dining room with a few tables, and a couple of them had a window view of the Roanoke River. Shortly after I arrived the friendly and very hospitable owner, came out of the kitchen and gave me a warm welcome, asking me to take a seat where I liked. I went and sat at one of the tables with the window view. To drink I ordered a Coke and to eat I ordered their famous "Hot Rock" Burger at the owner's recommendation when I asked him what he would recommend for this my first time dining there. The description on the menu of this burger was a "Hand formed fresh lean ground beef, provolone cheese, grilled onions, bacon, lettuce, tomato, mayo, hot peppers, Italian dressing on pita bread." It was served with potato chips and pickles, or for an extra price you could have it with crispy fries or onion rings. I ordered it with onion rings. While I waited, I looked around at all the pictures and memorabilia on the walls, and I looked through the window at the Roanoke River water flowing. I invite you to view my photographs accompanying this review to get a better sense of the place and the quality of their food. When the food arrived, everything tasted fresh and delicious. The burger was cut in half for convenience in eating it. The onion rings had a thick batter that kept them together and were easy to eat. The owner came by to check on me and see if the food was of my liking. We also talked about how he has owned and ran this restaurant for over 43 years. At first the restaurant was also opened at night, but now it's only open from eleven in the morning until two-thirty in the afternoon daily, and closed on Sundays. This makes it easier on him now that he's older, but you can tell he enjoys to continue running his restaurant and serving his customers. Because of its quality food, reasonable prices, and friendly service. I can see why this little restaurant is a local favorite for lunch or a casual meal and I completely give it my total support and urge you to do the same.

One of my favorite spots! Great food! Have been coming here for 45 years and other restaurants…read morewould have a hard time beating these burgers,dogs, subs, pitas,french fries and other food they serve. You should definitely take the time to try, oh and a ice cold beer goes really well with and food choice!

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.

They had a huge 30 year anniversary banner hanging. I didn't see any specials or deals but I am…read moreimpressed they've been around this long. Friendly staff. Nice selection of flavors. Today was a little cleaner than usual. The tables and chairs were not sticky and the napkins well stocked. The prices were reasonable. I wish they offered a lower sugar option. I love ice cream but theirs is among the highest ranked for sugar used and on the bottom for having low carb options

A cute little ice cream shop - featuring Hersheys Ice Cream - and a small selection of chocolates…read more Our favorite chocolates are the lemon cream and cherry cordials. The young ladies working the counters have always been friendly.

I was looking for a great hotdog place and stumbled into absolute heaven…read more After having been selected as number 4 of Yelp's Top 50 most prolific Elites of 2025, a year when I was also 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 Scalded Dog Houtdog Co. in the Bonsack area of Roanoke, Virginia, is a perfect example and a dream come true. Owned and operated by a local father-and-son duo, Nick and Landon, The Scalded Dog Hotdog Co. is a popular mobile food business based in the Bonsack area of Roanoke, Virginia. Nick and Landon launched the business with the simple goal of creating "a really good hotdog." The food trailer officially debuted at the Ace Hardware on Brambleton Road in Southwest, Roanoke. Following its early success, the business partnered with Lowe's in Bonsack operating as a regular weekend fixture. But due to strong community demand, they have expanded their operational hours to a Friday-Monday schedule and have built a second, much larger trailer to scale up operations. Their name plays on the classic Southern and Appalachian idiom "run like a scalded dog," which means to move incredibly fast or bolt suddenly. Their menu focuses on unique, elevated hotdog creations. Some of their most popular items include: The Scalded Dog (A signature creation crafted by Nick and Landon), Mango Diablo (A specialty sweet-and-spicy dog), The Carolina (A classic Southern style dog), and the Chicago Dog (A traditional city-style build), among others. As well as the newly introduced: The Smokehouse, an all beef Jumbo sized hotdog collaboration with Big Daddy's BBQ, featuring their sliced all beef brisket, white cheddar Mac, topped with their signature gold sauce, and sweet n spicy pickles.They have also currently introduced sides such as their Street Fries and Triple Churros. Today I drove in my pearl white Lexus to their location in the parking lot of the Bonsack Lowe's. There I was fortunately enough to meet Landon, one of the co-owners of the business, and also the co-designer of the business logo together with his father who are both gifted artists as well. The father also owns the Image Ink Studios tattoo parlor, located on 4118 Franklin Road, in Roanoke, Virginia, where they specialize in custom black & white and color ink tattoos, as well as Laser removal and skin rejuvenation. Landon was inside the large, new trailer when I arrived and gave me a warm welcome, also explaining the menu to me and the items they had ran out. It seems they have become so popular that you have to get their early if you want to make sure they have a particular item from the menu. For example, when I got there today, they had ran out of their now famous Smokehouse Hotdog. Besides all the different named hotdogs that they have, one can also customize one of them by adding from the list of free toppings or from another 50 cent toppings list. I ordered The Chicago, The Coney, their Triple Churros, and their Sweet Cream Orange Dreamsicle to drink. And conveniently paid using Tap On with Google Pay. I sat at one of their picnic tables and enjoyed my meal there. Everything was amazingly delicious. The hotdogs were delicious, and the churros, one of the best I've ever had. I invite you to view my photographs accompanying this review to get a better sense of the place and the high-quality of their food. In conclusion I had an exceptional dining experience and highly recommend this place for when you feel like having "a real good hotdog," and other amazing comfort food, cooked and prepared by very friendly and hospitable individuals.