SML Business roundup - March 5, 2010

New business opens, more coming to Downtown Moneta

In the past few years, Downtown Moneta has grown by leaps and bounds in spite of a weak national economy.

“We count our lucky stars each day,” said Michelle Aznavorian, whose husband George is developing Downtown Moneta and Mayberry Hills, a residential community across Virginia 122.

Construction on the mixed-use commercial and residential hub on the Bedford County side of the lake began in fall 2007 just as the economy started to dive.

The first four businesses, three eateries and a deli/store owned by restaurateurs Gil and Karen Smith, opened in fall 2008. It has flourished since, adding an early learning center, a real estate office, optometrist and hair salon.

Downtown Moneta also features various specialty shops, including two owned by Michelle Aznavorian. She opened a third business, TANtastic, in mid-February above  her Affordable Home Outlet and A Shade Brighter. It features four 20-minute tanning beds, a 15-minute bed and a 10-minute standing tanner.

Norma Jean Stevens, owner of The Relaxation Station, a houseboat spa, is offering various spa treatments out of TANtastic.

Stevens and Aznavorian said they plan to offer day spa packages by partnering with businesses in Downtown Moneta including Hawk’s Country Store & Deli, Bluebird Bakery and Hair Designs by Whitney & Brandy.

Aznavorian will open a fourth business, Antique Mall at Mayberry, on April 1. She said there are 21 spaces available for vendors selling antiques, original, refurbished or recycled. Spaces start at $80. A cashier will handle all transactions for vendors, said Aznavorian.

Downtown Moneta also recently added Shaheen & Shaheen Attorneys & Counselors. Dr. Don Murry will open a dental practice this summer, said Polly Lyons, broker for Lyons Team Realtors, which is marketing the developments.

Greg Coudoures, owner of SML Magic & Science Shop, relocated from the SML Mini Shops to share a space with Aznavorian.

In other Downtown Moneta news, the Bluebird Bakery & Grill has renamed its restaurant arm to Moneta BBQ, said Ashley Mayhew.

She said the name change went into effect a couple weeks ago in an effort to provide clarity on what services are offered. Previously, customers discounted the “& Grill” in the name and thought it was just a bakery. Since the name change, restaurant traffic has increased, said Mayhew.

Another restaurant, Edo Grill & Sushi, is slated to open on April 2. Shawn Lin and Jenny Chen, who also own Chopsticks Restaurant at Bridgewater Plaza, are the owners.

Magnum’s The Boathouse

A sports bar/diner is scheduled to open this month at Indian Pointe Marina. Tim Wray, owner of Indian Pointe Marina and Magnum Boating, said the restaurant will be open daily, except Tuesdays, for lunch and dinner. It also will serve breakfast on Saturdays and brunch on Sunday.

The Boathouse will open in the former location of Vieira’s Restaurant, which closed in September.

Cancun Mexican Restaurant & Grill

The lake’s fourth Mexican restaurant opened last month in Westlake Centre at Fairway Village near the intersection of Virginia 122 and Scruggs Road and in the space El Torito Mexican Grille left behind when it relocated to LakeWatch Plantation retail center on Virginia 122 in Moneta.