Business

    While some county agricultural operations got hammered by dry weather this summer, orchards have been an exception.

    Plenty of excitement surrounded the announcement Thursday of a new store locating at the  Downtown Moneta development. Folks at the Lake were left guessing right up until developer George Aznavorian told the SML Chamber and other officials gathered for the unveiling.

    And they weren’t disappointed.
    The new 9,000 square foot building in Downtown Moneta will be a Sears Hometown Store.

Rick De Simone, of Bedford, bought a sweet business back in 1970. That’s the year he purchased Bedford’s Dairy Queen. He’s owned the place ever since and, last week, Matt Dunham, vice president of Dairy Queen of Virginia, came to Bedford to honor him for 40 years in the business.    

    De Simone’s relationship with Dunham’s family also goes back four decades.
    “He signed a contract with my grandfather in 1971,” Dunham said.

 Peggy Overstreet and Scott Taylor promise fun, food and wine at 309 Winery. The new business opened its doors at the end of April in the historic Wharton Cottage, located at 309 North Bridge Street.

    It’s an eclectic business: You can buy wine and beer there; you can buy Gross’ Orchard products; you can buy local art and locally made jewelry.
    “We are trying to do everything local,” Overstreet said,