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Hey there,

The food scene is on fire right now. Elephant's Nest Thai is landing at Spotsylvania Towne Centre, Big Bad W BBQ is moving into the old Globe and Laurel building, and Chef Daniel Perron is bringing back Sunday Supper Club at Locavore.

I also loved learning about Craig and Anna Houlette. He's a Navy vet, she pitched the business idea with a PowerPoint, and now their whole family runs a barbershop that's become a Stafford staple. These are the stories that matter most.

Let's dive in.

Dori

Featured Event

Will You Be My Guest at Live2Lead FXBG?

I'm a sponsor for Live2Lead on February 10th at the Fredericksburg Expo and Convention Center, and I’d love for you to join me.

John Maxwell, Jesse Cole, Craig Groeschel, plus local leaders Vernon Green Jr., James Kingman, and Kirstin Purcell. One day to get unstuck, gain momentum, and connect with the best business minds in our area.

I'm offering my readers $20 off general admission. That's $79 instead of $99. Use promo code DStew at checkout. I’ll see you there!

Local Pulse: FXBG Edition

Rappahannock Education Farm Maps Out 2026: Feeding Our Neighbors One Tomato at a Time

When volunteers at Rappahannock Education Farm talk about planting potatoes in March, their eyes light up. Because every potato means someone in our community gets to eat something fresh and nourishing. This all-volunteer crew gathered supporters at Howell Branch Library in Stafford on Saturday to talk about their 2026 goal: grow and donate 100,000 pounds of fresh produce this year to fight food insecurity right here at home. March kicks off their busiest planting season with potatoes, tomatoes, and cabbage, plus educational programs on native plants, beekeeping, and home gardening. Want to get dirt under your nails for a good cause? Head to rappahannockfarm.org.

From Navy Retirement to Family Business: How the Houlettes Built Their Stafford Legacy

Craig Houlette spent 24 years in the U.S. Navy before retiring in 2010. Anna brought over 20 years of customer service and hotel management experience from her time with Hilton. In 2016, they took a leap of faith together and opened a family 77 Barbershop in Stafford. Anna pitched the idea with a PowerPoint full of demographics and data, then asked Craig to trust her. He did. Today, their daughter Valeria manages the shop and their son Lucas helps at reception. The family sponsors veteran organizations, shows up at neighborhood events like Trunk or Treat and National Night Out, and hosts Veterans Day fundraisers every year. Their clients are their neighbors, literally. They live right down the street. Craig fell in love with Stafford back in 2008 for the history, the community, and the strong military presence. Now they're building a legacy here, one haircut and one connection at a time.

Thank you to our local sponsors who help make this newsletter possible 🙏

New Year, Fresh Skin, Softer Days Ahead

January at Collage Spa is all about starting 2026 feeling good: inside and out. With three locations serving the region (Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, and Culpeper), Collage Spa creates customized wellness experiences tailored to you through results-driven services and exceptional care.

Services Include:

  • Massage therapy (couples, deep tissue, Swedish, hot stone & more)

  • Facials & HydraFacials

  • Manicures & pedicures

  • Waxing & brow services

  • Lash lifts & tints

  • Acupuncture

This Month: ✨ Special on FarmHouse Fresh Organic Skincare (in-spa + online all month) ✨ Spa memberships available: the easiest way to build self-care into your routine 💌 Book your Valentine's Day couples massage now. Appointments fill fast!

Here's to glowing skin and taking better care of ourselves, one appointment at a time. Book online at collagespa.com or call the Fredericksburg location at (540) 479-6470 or the Spotsylvania location at (540)300-5401.

Business Briefs

Elephant's Nest Thai & Sushi Bar Lands at Spotsylvania Towne Centre

Get ready for pad thai and perfectly rolled sushi. Elephant's Nest Thai & Sushi Bar is opening soon at Spotsylvania Towne Centre, around the corner from Firebirds and next to X-Golf. Stay tuned for their opening date.

Big Bad W BBQ Brings Smoke and Flavor to North Stafford's Iconic Globe and Laurel Building

That historic building at 3987 Richmond Highway in North Stafford is about to smell like heaven. Big Bad W BBQ is moving into the space that once housed The Globe and Laurel, promising serious barbecue in a spot that's seen a lot of good meals over the years.

The Social FXBG is Already the Place to Be for Live Music, Cold Drinks, and Taylor Swift Bingo

The Social FXBG (11047 Pierson Drive, Suite B) opened its doors and immediately became the spot where great food, craft drinks, and live music collide. Next up? Y2K Music Bingo on January 21st at 7pm, hosted by DJ Oh No. Come party like it’s 1999.

Einstein Bros. Bagels is Rolling Into Spotsylvania

Coffee lovers and bagel fanatics, rejoice. Einstein Bros. Bagels is opening a new location at 3500 Plank Road in Spotsylvania County. The largest fast-casual bagel brand in America is bringing their full lineup of bagels, sandwiches, and coffee to our community soon.

Got a Small Business? You Could Win $35,000 in The UPS Store Challenge

Local business owners with fewer than nine employees, this one's for you. The UPS Store Small Business Challenge is accepting applications through February 19th for a shot at a $35,000 prize pool. Winners also get mentorship, a feature in Inc. Magazine, and serious bragging rights. Think you've got what it takes? Head to inc.com/theupsstore to enter.

Your Vote Counts: FXBG Neighbors' Choice Awards Are Open Now

It's time to celebrate the businesses, people, and places that make Fredericksburg special. The inaugural FXBG Neighbors' Choice Awards voting is open now through February 11th. This is your chance to shout out your favorite local restaurant, coffee shop, trainer, realtor, contractor, or any business that's made your life better this year. No corporate picks, no paid placements. Just neighbors voting for neighbors. Head to vote.fxbgneighborsconnect.com and make your voice heard.

Local Flavor

Locavore's Sunday Supper Club Returns with Chef-Curated Four-Course Experience

There's something magical about breaking bread with strangers who become friends by dessert. That's exactly what's happening at Locavore on Sunday, February 1st at 5:30pm when Chef Daniel Perron brings back his Sunday Supper Club. Picture this: communal tables, killer conversation, and a four-course feast that starts with tuna tartare canapés and ends with honeycrisp apple tarte tatin. In between? Little neck clam "chowder" and kalbi braised short ribs that'll make you want to lick the plate. Wine and beer pairings come with your $78 ticket (tax and gratuity included). Grab your spot on Resy before they're gone.

What’s Happening In & Around the ‘Burg

This section includes only the major events happening soon. Check event websites for the most current information.

Tuesday, January 20

  • Wine Tasting 101 3-Class Mini Series | 7:00PM

    • Location: Curio Wine Bar & Tasting Room 209 William Street Fredericksburg, VA

    • Description: We’ll demystify the wine tasting process and teach you the techniques professionals use to evaluate, understand, and speak about wine with confidence.

  • Books and Barks Book Club | 6:00PM

    • Location: Old Dominion Humane Society 3602 Lafayette Boulevard, Fredericksburg, VA

    • Description: Join us for adorable puppies and amazing conversations!

Wednesday, January 21

  • Comedy at Galvin's | 7:00PM

    • Location: Galvin's Delicatessen, 218 William Street Fredericksburg, VA

    • Description: Fredericksburg's own Rahmein Mostafavi brings some of DC/Richmond's best comics to the Burg!

Thursday, January 22

  • Jazz Collective Open Jam | 7:00PM

    • Location: Bello Manzo 715 Caroline St, Fredericksburg VA

    • Description: Join the V-Tet for an evening of jazz and more! Bring your voice or instrument and join the fun.

  • Curated Bourbon Experience | 7:00PM

    • Location: Five Chophouse, 713 William Street Fredericksburg VA

    • Description: Join us for a five-course dinner pairing featuring A. Smith Bowman Distillery.

Friday, January 23

  • City Vino: Comedy and Wine Night | 7:00PM

    • Location: City Vino, 100 Hanover St, Fredericksburg, VA

    • Description: Included are four comics paired with four wines and a light snack. By the glass, bottles sales, and other food menu items available for purchase.

  • Food Truck Friday | 11:00AM

    • Location: Old Dominion Harley-Davidson,10611 Patriot Highway, Fredericksburg, VA,

    • Description: This week Hot Mama's Biscuits is bringing their delicious comfort food to our parking lot. Stop by, grab a bite, and enjoy the flavors! ️ ️

See More Events

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[email protected] | www.FXBGneighborsConnect.com | 540.288.7928