Ballywhack Shack Café marked its grand opening with a celebratory ribbon-cutting ceremony this past Saturday, March 9. The café began on the town’s main drag, Mill Street, Ballywhack Shack, and has found its new a second home at 126 Commerce Street, neighboring the Golden Plum (previously known as Mom’s Apple Pie).
In a candid moment during the event, Sherry Mangas, owner of Ballywhack Shack, reminisced about the journey that led to this exciting milestone. Mangas shared her story, tracing back to her tenure at the Blue Arbor Café in 2007, where she discovered her passion for the culinary arts. Following the closure of Blue Arbor, fate intervened as she stumbled upon a humble shed on Mill Street, which she transformed into a thriving sandwich shop and hot dog stand.
“The success of our little shack on Mill Street was overwhelming,” Mangas reflected. “After five years of bustling business, the community’s demand for indoor seating became apparent, especially on rainy days like today,” said Mangas.
Mangas, whose experience managing the Blue Arbor Café under Steve Power’s guidance shaped her entrepreneurial spirit, seized the opportunity presented by the relocation. She explained how the new location on Commerce Street, previously part of Mom’s Apple Pie, felt like a natural progression.
“Just like the shack, this location presented itself to me,” Mangas explained. “When the opportunity arose, it felt like the perfect fit. Matt Dawson, the building owner, understood my vision, having been a deli owner himself.”
Customers familiar with the offerings at the original Mill Street location will find comfort in the familiarity of Ballywhack Shack Café’s menu, which includes popular sandwiches like the Bada Bing Bada Boom and Twisted Sister, alongside new creations like the Horseradish Roast Beef.
Mangas expressed her gratitude for the warm reception from the Occoquan community and emphasized the joy of building connections with her customers.
“When you’re in the business for yourself, your customers become your world,” Mangas shared. “Occoquan stole my heart with its supportive community and vibrant atmosphere.”
The sandwich shop sits at 126 Commerce Street. The original at 304 Mill Street remains open.
Recent Stories
According to the district’s monthly incident reports, high schools in Stafford County experienced a surge in disciplinary issues in September 2024 compared to the same month in 2023.
During its November 18 meeting, the Manassas City Council agreed to initiate the process for a council pay raise.
Police arrested two individuals, including one juvenile, in connection to an attempted armed robbery at a McDonald’s in Woodbridge on September 24. A third suspect remains wanted.
Ezzedin Baryoh was sentenced to nearly 70 years in prison after being found guilty by a Prince William County jury following an April 2023 shooting in Triangle. According to a…
Travel to French soil and celebrate with us for an unforgettable evening of delicious food, wine and music.
What better way to celebrate the end of the 2024 wine harvest in style than at the Embassy of France at DC’s only official celebration?
This is the Wine Event Of The Year!
Are you feeling overwhelmed by current events, family responsibilities, or the demands of work? If stress, anxiety, or emotional exhaustion are weighing you down, you’re not alone—and you don’t have to face it alone. At Peaceful Mind Solutions, we understand that life’s challenges can sometimes feel insurmountable, and we’re here to help.
We offer in person and virtual appointments. Our in person office is located in Kingstowne Virginia.
Our team offers compassionate support and practical tools tailored to help you navigate life’s complexities with greater ease and confidence. Whether you’re struggling with personal issues, managing family stress, or dealing with professional pressures, we are committed to helping you find peace and clarity.
Sing a Song of Christmas!!!
Join the New Dominion Choraliers for an impressive and exciting concert celebrating the Brightest and Best of the season. Along with the Old Bridge Chamber Orchestra, the chorus opens the program opens with Vivaldi’s Gloria, a joyful hymn of praise