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.
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Virginia State Police are investigating two separate fatal crashes that occurred on Route 806 in Fauquier County, claiming the lives of a pedestrian and a motorcyclist.
The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) has lifted the harmful algae bloom (HAB) advisory for Lake Anna due to the end of the recreational season.
This November 10-12, the Virginia Association of Counties, an organization that supports county officials and advocates for the interests of local counties, is holding their 90th annual conference.
Established transportation company has immediate part-time position open as a back-up driver transporting military personnel from the Woodbridge area to Baltimore and Richmond. No CDL required but must be able to pass DOT physical and drug test. Must good driving record and pass criminal background check. Send resume with references to [email protected] or call 606-594-7018
Job details
Employer: Bfs Transportation
Position: 15 Passenger Van Driver
Employment type: Part-time
Workplace type: Fully in-person (in Woodbridge)
Compensation: Not specified
Application deadline: Not specified
Contact for application questions: Not specified
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