As we bid farewell to an extraordinary year in Harrisonburg, 2023 has brought immense growth. This year many new establishments added vibrancy to our city, offering remarkable experiences for locals and visitors alike. From cozy cafes to chic boutiques, Harrisonburg continues to be a dynamic hub for local entrepreneurs and artisans. We’re excited to welcome visitors in the new year, inviting them to experience the richness of our ever-expanding city. Here’s a highlight of some of the exciting new businesses that have become a part of the Friendly City.
Restaurants/Cafes/Bakeries
Aristocat Café – A modern Cat Café and Tea House, serves premium tea, espresso, and house-made snacks. The separate Cat Lounge hosts adoptable cats lazing about, seeking forever homes.
BMC Bakes – Previously featured at the Harrisonburg Farmers Market, BMC Bakes transformed from an at-home bakery, opening their own storefront downtown making gluten-free, allergy-friendly baked goods more accessible in Harrisonburg.
Bobo Café – Specializing in Ramen, Nori Tacos, and Bubble Tea, Bobo Cafe on Port Republic Road is a local favorite for adventurous foodies.
Drifters Café – Originally as a food truck in West Virginia, Drifters Café, located in the Ice House, provides breakfast, lunch, dinner, and signature espresso drinks.
Nightcap by Merge – Transforming from a roast lab, Nightcap by Merge offers exquisite wines, craft beers, and wine-based cocktails with a cozy, coffee shop ambiance.
Rootstock Wine Bar – Owned and operated by Bluestone Vineyard’s winemaker, Rootstock is Harrisonburg’s first wine bar. As a remote tasting room they serve Bluestone favorites and a curated list of other wines they enjoy.
Sweet Joy’s – Previously a local, at-home bakery specializing in cakes and sweet treats opened a storefront on Reservoir Street.
Food Trucks
Ott Street Eats – Ran by a husband and wife duo, Ott Street Eats offers a rotating weekly meeting with creations are a unique combination of comfort food and elevated cuisine made from scratch, using locally sourced ingredients, when possible.
Outskirts Food Truck – Situated in Sage Bird Ciderworks’ parking lot, Outskirts Food Truck serves out-of-this-world hot dogs, fries, coleslaw, and more.
Shopping
Boujie Hippie – Shops at Agora welcomed Boujie Hippie, a self-care apothecary offering wellness items and accessories.
Firefly Emporium – A unique local shop located in downtown Harrisonburg offering a curation of fine Gifts, Decor, Apothecary, Yarn and notions. Their artistic and diverse inventory showcases local talent as well as national favorites.
Liberty Street Mercantile – The renovated 1939 warehouse houses five shops: Asdelia Mae Boutique, Blakemore’s Flowers, Living Room Collective, Parentheses Books, and Rocktown Yarn. Various other local businesses are featured in kiosks scattered throughout the mercantile including Oasis Fine Art and Craft and withSimplicity.
Valley Creative Reuse – An arts and crafts thrift store carrying traditional and non-traditional art supplies and craft materials that are lightly used and can be repurposed.
Local Event Venues
Friendly City Events – Downtown’s Friendly City Events is a dynamic multi-purpose venue with a fully equipped kitchen and a convenient bar.
The Loft at Liberty St. – The Loft at Liberty St. offers an upstairs event space with hardwood floors, a bar, and ample room for various events.
Chains
Boot Barn – A Western store offering a large selection of boots, cowboy hats, clothing, and accessories, with in-person boot fitting and hat shaping and cleaning.
Crumbl Cookies – Gourmet cookies made fresh everyday with a weekly rotating menu with unique flavor
Five Below – A value store selling toys, tech, beauty, accessories, and more at budget-friendly prices located in the Valley Mall.
Marco’s Pizza – One of America’s fastest-growing pizza brands, satisfies cravings with quality pizzas, bowls, sandwiches, salads, and sides.
Nothing Bundt Cakes – Handcrafted bundt cakes baked in shop each day in a various flavors and sizes
7 Brew Coffee – A drive-thru stand serving espresso-based coffee, teas, infused energy drinks, and more with a kindness boost.