We first told you about it in November, and now the Walmart of gas stations has made it official.
Stafford County’s website shows Buc-ees, known for its signature barbeque and Beaver Nuggets, applied for a conditional use permit to build a gas station on 36 acres on Courthouse Road next to Interstate 95 exit 140 in Stafford.
Should the Board of Supervisors approve its conditional use permit, the new 74,000-square-foot Buc-ee’s convenience store, complete with 120 gas pumps, will open outside the Embrey Mill neighborhood.
No public hearings are scheduled on the matter. The beloved roadside megastore was founded in Texas in 1982.
The Stafford location would be the third Buc-ees in Virginia. The mega gas station will build locations on I-64 in New Kent County and on I-81 in Harrisonburg before the end of the decade. The Stafford County location would give the company stores on all three major Virignia interstate highways.
Stafford County has also lured Amazon to build two logistic centers and the international shipping firm DHL in recent years. Buc-ee’s has about 60 stores, with the most in Texas. It also has stores in Florida, South Carolina, Alabama, Georgia, and Kentucky.
The coming of Buc-ees has proved contentious in the halls of the Stafford County Government. Since we reported that Buc-ees was considering opening a new store in Stafford, the county’s economic development director, Kyle Alwine, resigned at the end of 2023.
Sources tell Potomac Local News that pressure from locally elected officials and Laura Sellers, whom Glenn Youngkin appointed to the Commonwealth Transportation Board, and a former county supervisor, all oppose Buc-ees, and were a factor in Alwine’s resignation.
Alwine declined to comment on why he left, saying only in an interview with Potomac Local. Sellers, who lives near the proposed gas station site, texted to Potomac Local, “[The Commonwealth Transportation Board] has nothing to do with Buc-ees.”
Sellers also sits on the Stafford County Planning Commission, appointed by Garrisonville District Supervisor Pamela Yeung. The Planning Commission will review Buc-ee’s permit application before it reaches the Board of Supervisors.
“If you have a fairly common type of project, and it will bring benefits to the county, and you fight it, it will send a message [to businesses],” said Alwine. “Sometimes it’s not all about [tax revenue]. Sometimes, it’s about sending a message that you’re open for business.”
Alwine was on the job for less than one year. Meanwhile, the county’s top administrator, Randal Vosburg, announced his resignation after 20 months on the job. His last day is April 5, during the height of the county’s FY2025 budget deliberations.
Potomac District Residents can anticipate a significant addition to their community with the imminent arrival of a new full-service grocery store. The latest update on the Ashland Square development was shared by Steven Powell, Senior Vice President for Saul Centers, owners of the Ashland Square development at Route 234 and Spriggs Road, near Dumfries.
The company is in talks with an unnamed grocer to build a new store.”We’ve been actively negotiating with a large, full-service grocery store chain for several months now,” he said. While the deal has not yet been finalized, Powell expressed confidence in the negotiations, stating, “We are very excited about the prospect of bringing a quality grocery store to the community.”
The anticipated grocery store, more significant than average and offering a comprehensive range of products and services, said Powell, aims to cater to the diverse needs of Dumfries residents. Powell emphasized the importance of this development, acknowledging the community’s patience and the significance of addressing a longstanding need.
Residents expressed enthusiasm for the potential arrival of the grocery store, citing the convenience and accessibility it would offer the community. “Having a full-service grocery store nearby would be a game-changer for us,” remarked one resident, echoing the sentiments of many eagerly anticipating the store’s opening.
While specific details regarding the grocer’s identity and the timeline for the store’s opening remain undisclosed, Powell assured residents that negotiations were progressing positively. “We are burning through resources to ensure a smooth negotiation process,” Powell noted.
The announcement came during a town hall meeting hosted by Prince William County Potomac District Supervisor Andrea Bailey on Tuesday, Feb. 27, 2024. Powell also told residents a new h Wawa gas station would be built on a corner parcel at the shopping center, joining the existing CVS store and All-American Steakhouse. Negotiations are ongoing for two additional tenants on an adjacent parcel, he added.
Residents voiced concerns about the potential impact of the new Wawa gas station on an existing Exxon station. They fear competition from Wawa will lead to the closure of an existing Exxon gas station next to Ashland Square.”We understand the concerns, but we’re confident in the benefits Wawa will bring, including competitive prices and expanded services,” Powell reassured.
A Capital One bank at Ashland Square is set to close this week, too, prompting questions about what might open in the soon-to-be vacant building. Powell assured residents his firm is working to find a replacement tenant for the bank building.
Additionally, plans for a new fire station adjacent to the grocery store site were mentioned, with an anticipated opening in 2027. Powell expressed optimism about the project’s progress. “We’re excited about the potential benefits Ashland Square will bring to the community and remain committed to collaborative engagement,” said Powell.
Ashland Square is located in Phase 1 of the 850-home residential PUD known as Ashland. The surrounding community continues to expand with additional single-family residential development. The 19-acre development is slated for 140,000 square feet of retail space and 25,000 Square feet of office space.
Prince William County resident Alan Gloss documented this meeting.Â
Workout Anytime Manassas, a forthcoming gym in the Bull Run Plaza shopping center near Manassas, is poised to redefine fitness accessibility. Brave Williams, the driving force behind this venture, shared her vision for the gym and what it will offer to the community.
“We’re thrilled to bring Workout Anytime to Manassas,” Williams expressed. “Our goal is to provide a comprehensive fitness experience that caters to everyone’s needs, whether they’re looking to relax in our infrared sauna, combat seasonal blues with red light therapy, or enjoy a rejuvenating massage in our hydro massage chairs.”
Williams emphasized the inclusivity and convenience of the gym’s offerings, stating, “We’ll also have classes, personal training, and the bonus of being open 24 hours, ensuring that our members can work out anytime that suits their schedule.”
Addressing inquiries about the gym’s origins, Williams said, “Workout Anytime is a franchise hailing from Georgia, and we’re excited to bring it to the northern and eastern parts of the country. This location, Workout Anytime Manassas, reflects our commitment to providing accessible fitness options without time constraints.”
Having successfully launched a Workout Anytime location in Prince George’s County, Md., Williams brings a wealth of experience to the Manassas community. “We’ve seen firsthand the positive impact a Workout Anytime gym can have on a community, and we’re eager to replicate that success here in Manassas,” she remarked.
While the gym’s official opening is slated for mid to late May, Williams expressed enthusiasm about the upcoming launch. “We’ve been working hard to transform the space into a state-of-the-art fitness facility that meets the high standards of Workout Anytime,” she stated.
Williams said new customers can join for $1 when the doors open. Workout Anytime will sit in the old Retro Fitness gym space.
There are 11 Workout Anytime locations, including another location soon to open in Dumfries.
A quintet of Manassas-based companies emerged triumphant at the prestigious Annual Prince William Chamber of Commerce Business Awards, held at the Foxchase Manor events center on February 23.
Against a backdrop of fierce competition from local enterprises, four standout champions were crowned in their respective categories. ARTfactory clinched the esteemed Agnes L. Colgan Award for Arts & Education, while ECU Communications LLC secured the title of Government Contracting Company of the Year. Manassas Ballet Theatre gracefully waltzed away with the Community Outreach Award (11+ employees), and MP Copiers, Inc. proudly claimed the Veteran-Owned Company of the Year honor.
The pinnacle recognition, the City of Manassas Business of the Year, was bestowed upon Micron Technology, Inc., a global titan in the semiconductor industry. With a workforce exceeding 1,300 in Manassas, Micron’s memory products top Virginia’s export charts and rank second globally. Their dedication to community engagement and education underscores their indispensable role in the region’s economic and social landscape.
Micron’s influence extends far beyond corporate success. Their role in securing $250,000 in initial GO Virginia funding for a state-of-the-art engineering technology “Fabrication Laboratory” in Northern Virginia demonstrates their commitment to fostering high-paying engineering jobs in the Greater Manassas region. This initiative, built upon established internship programs and educational partnerships with local institutions, reflects Micron’s dedication to driving innovation and growth, marking it as the largest capital investment in Virginia’s history with a recent $3 billion investment in R&D.
“Micron Technology epitomizes excellence both locally and globally, and its profound contributions to our community are immeasurable,” remarked Manassas City Mayor Michelle Davis-Younger. “Beyond its substantial employment opportunities, Micron’s commitment to education, environmental stewardship, and cultural enhancement enriches the fabric of Manassas.”
In addition to Micron’s triumph, other noteworthy awardees included Dr. Carol Shapiro, MD MBA, recipient of the Charles J. Colgan Visionary Award, and The ARC of Greater Prince William, honored with the Agnes L. Colgan Community Service Award in Health & Human Services. The Explore Program, a collaboration between Todos Neighborhood Market and Prince William County Public Schools Special Education Department, was recognized as the Innovative Practice or Partnership of the Year.
The complete list of winners is as follows:
- City of Manassas Business of the Year: Micron Technology, Inc.
- Agnes L. Colgan Award for Arts & Education: ARTfactory
- Government Contracting Company of the Year: ECU Communications LLC
- Community Outreach Award (11+ employees): Manassas Ballet Theatre
- Veteran-Owned Company of the Year: MP Copiers, Inc.
- Charles J. Colgan Visionary Award: Dr. Carol Shapiro, MD MBA
- Agnes L. Colgan Community Service Award – Health & Human Services: The ARC of
Greater Prince William - Innovative Practice or Partnership of the Year: Explore Program: Todos Neighborhood
- Community Outreach Award (1-10 Employees): Hire Ground
- Business Excellence (1-10 Employees): ALD & Associates LLC
- Business Excellence (11+ Employees): Villagio Hospitality Group
- Emerging Business of the Year: Because of Why
- People’s Choice Award: Nova Specialty Contracting
DHL eCommerce relocated from its Elkridge, Md. distribution center to a 138,500-square-foot location in Prince William County.
The new distribution center enables DHL eCommerce to process more B2C domestic volume with 130 employees while supporting its customer base in the Mid-Atlantic states.
The new facility, at 11400 University Boulevard, near Manassas, is double the size of the previous location with 41 dock doors and combines a warehouse, meeting rooms, training, and office spaces.
The facility has environmentally friendly features, such as four EV charging stations, a Building Management System, clear story windows, and electric HVAC. In addition, it houses two large line sorters that can each process 14,000 parcels and packages per hour.
“We anticipate that the demand for e-commerce will continue to grow, and as a result, we have expanded our U.S. footprint, and Manassas is an important part of DHL eCommerce’s five-year growth plan,” said Lee Spratt, CEO of DHL eCommerce, Americas in a press release.
In 2023, DHL eCommerce relocated to larger facilities in Phoenix, Ariz.; Salt Lake City, Utah; Orlando, Fla.; Hebron, Ky.; and opened wholly owned distribution centers in Stow, Ohio; Kansas City, Mo.; and Chicago.
The Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce has announced the opening of nominations for the 2024 Annual Awards & Gala: A Night at the Monte Carlo, scheduled for April 12 at the Fredericksburg Conference Center at 6:30 p.m. The event aims to recognize local businesses for excellence in categories including Small Business and Large Business of the Year, as well as Entrepreneur of the Year.
“The Gala is a night of tremendous celebration for our area’s business community,” remarked Susan Spears, President & CEO of the Chamber. “As the engine that makes our region run, it is important to spotlight the businesses and community leaders and thank them for all they do.”
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The new AFC Urgent Care center in Dale City offers a range of medical services aimed at providing efficient and cost-effective care for families. Staffed with skilled medical professionals, the center boasts an on-site laboratory capable of conducting various lab tests with rapid results. With extended hours of operation, AFC Dale City accommodates patients’ schedules, opening from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends.
Robert Arrington and Simone Williams are the owners behind AFC Urgent Care in Dale City. Arrington expressed excitement about the new location, emphasizing its role in addressing the community’s medical needs. He stated, “This new clinic will fill a significant void for medical needs and attention. We look forward to providing urgent care to families who live and work nearby.”
AFC Dale City offers various services, including COVID-19 testing with rapid and antigen tests, allergy treatment, flu shots, and occupational health exams, catering to both individuals and employers.
AFC Urgent Care Dale City is locally owned and operated, delivering physician-staffed urgent care, occupational medicine, and other non-emergency healthcare services. Equipped with advanced technology such as digital x-rays and electronic medical records, the clinic prioritizes a high-tech, high-touch approach to healthcare delivery.
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The Leadership Prince William (LWP) Board of Regents has announced the appointment of Charles Gilliam as the organization’s Executive Director. Gilliam, who has been serving as the interim executive director since July 2022, brings over 20 years of experience in the restaurant/hospitality industry to his new role. Most recently, he owned Roux Pot, Inc. and the Old Town Manassas restaurant Okra’s Cajun Creole, which closed in 2021 after 23 years in business.
“The job announcement attracted more than 40 qualified applicants from across the nation,” stated Tiffany Izenour, LPW Board of Regents chair. “We are pleased that Charles has demonstrated the experience and skills needed to effectively lead the organization to the next level.”
“Charles brings a wealth of passion, experience, and knowledge to the role of Executive Director, and I am excited to continue to work with him as we improve our leadership programs and expand our reach throughout Prince William County,” she added. “His experience as a small business owner will be invaluable to us.”
Gilliam holds a Bachelor of Science in business and hospitality management from Berea College in Kentucky. He is also an LPW alumnus and a certified Emergenetics associate. Gilliam and his family reside in Prince William County.
In addition to Gilliam’s appointment, the organization welcomed Kris Johnson to the team. Johnson, who spent 16 years as the Membership & Sales Director with the Prince William Chamber of Commerce, recently moved back to Manassas from Culpeper, where she served as the General Manager of the Country Club of Culpeper.
Regarding Johnson’s expertise, she stated, “While my title was Membership & Sales Director at the Prince William Chamber, I was also responsible for the planning and execution of many of their major events.”
Furthermore, Johnson’s experience as a general manager will contribute significantly to her new position. “Being a manager of a facility of that kind is challenging and totally different than my career with the Chamber,” Johnson explained. “However, my exposure to Emergenetics taught me so much about how to communicate effectively with my staff and colleagues.”
Emergenetics is a psychometric assessment tool and concept that combines neuroscience and behavioral psychology to understand individual differences in thinking and behavior. It is a key component of the LPW’s program.
Johnson’s primary focus will be overseeing LPW’s major fundraiser, the Evening of Excellence – Mardi Gras Casino event, scheduled for Friday, March 22, from 6 to 10 p.m. at the Hylton Performing Arts Center. The event will feature casino games, music, food, and an award ceremony where LPW will present the Kathy Ellington Alumni Leadership Award and the LPW Vision Award.
Johnson emphasized the importance of executing valuable, fun events to increase LPW’s visibility and brand awareness in the area.
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Additionally, RGI disclosed the election of new officers for the upcoming year. Brian Roinestad, Director of Purchasing at Atlantic Builders, secured the position of Board Chair. Andy Withers, Senior Vice President, Central CRE Region Group Leader at Atlantic Union Bank, transitioned into the role of Vice Chair, having previously served as Treasurer. John Rogers, Local Sales Manager at Effectv, a Comcast Company, retained his role as Treasurer, while Stephanie Lyles, Director of Marketing Outreach at Topside Federal Credit Union, remained as Board Secretary.
Expressing gratitude for these developments, Steve Cox, President and CEO of Rappahannock Goodwill, emphasized the organization's strategic positioning to fulfill its mission of creating work opportunities, offering job search assistance, and providing employment skills training to individuals across the region.
