Welcome to this issue of Roanoke Development Weekly: a quick look at what’s being built, opening, and changing across the Roanoke Valley.
Each week will be a short breakdown of the biggest updates + a few things I’m keeping an eye on.
(Quick note: Yesterday’s “What’s Next for Roanoke” post crossed 150k views and sparked a ton of discussion. I’ll be breaking that down more in next week’s issue).
📈 Top Story: Wingstop
Progress is picking up at the future Wingstop location in Southwest Plaza shopping center off Electric Road in Roanoke, where signage has now been installed; typically, one of the final steps before opening.
A Google listing currently points to an early May timeframe, though that remains unconfirmed.
Beyond just another national chain entering the market, Wingstop is expected to fill a gap as one of the area’s few late-night dining options, which has been a consistent ask locally.
Looking ahead, there are also early indications that additional locations could be in the works in both Salem and Vinton. It’s still too early to confirm specifics, but I’ll be keeping a close eye on how that develops.
📢 Opening Spotlight: Academy Sports + Outdoors
If you’ve driven by Towne Square recently, you may have noticed it: “Coming Soon” signs are now up at the future Academy Sports + Outdoors.
The retailer is taking over the former Ashley Furniture Outlet and Pete’s Deli spaces, and while there’s still no official opening date, this is the clearest sign yet that things are moving forward.
For those not familiar, Academy is a major sporting goods chain offering everything from athletic gear and apparel to hunting, fishing, and outdoor equipment.
What’s interesting here:
This adds another layer to an already competitive retail pocket. Dick’s Sporting Goods is already nearby, and there’s been ongoing chatter about a potential Sierra Trading Post location in the area as well.
🏡 Housing Watch: Smith Ridge Commons (Roanoke County)
One project getting close to the finish line is Smith Ridge Commons, a new multi-building apartment community rising behind CVS along Peters Creek Road in Roanoke County.
The development has been underway for a while now, with first building completion previously targeted for April 2026.
The project is being positioned as an affordable apartment community and will add a meaningful number of new residential units to this growing corridor, along with modern layouts and on-site amenities.
Leasing information and additional details are available through The Lawson Companies.
🏗️ Development Watch
Site work continues at the future Publix in Roanoke County, with vertical construction expected soon.
Activity picked up this week at the future mixed-used development Tanglewood Crossing in Roanoke County, where initial site work is now underway.
New construction is progressing on a future Panda Express in Salem, with heavy equipment on site and early-stage work moving forward. I’ll be watching for more details as the project takes shape.
🔦 Local Spotlight: Elderberry’s
Elderberry’s has officially expanded into Downtown Roanoke, taking over the former Pita Pit space on S Jefferson. This marks the brand’s third location, joining storefronts in Roanoke County and Salem.
Known for its smoothies, grain bowls, and wraps made with natural ingredients, Elderberry’s has built a strong following in the region for its fresh menu items.
While a lot of attention goes to national chains entering the market, this is a strong example of a locally grown brand continuing to scale within the Roanoke Valley.
It’ll be interesting to watch whether more local concepts follow a similar path: expanding into new parts of the city instead of staying in one lane.
More on Elderberry’s: Elderberrys.com
Know a local business expanding, opening, or doing something interesting? Send it my way.
🎁 Next Week: Gift Card Giveaway
Starting next week, I’ll be launching a monthly giveaway as a way to say thanks for all the support, and to highlight some of the local spots tied to the development stories we’re covering.
Each month, one subscriber will win a gift card to a business connected to what’s happening around the Roanoke area.
I’ll be rotating between both locally owned spots and national brands, reflecting the mix of development we’re seeing across the Valley.
👉 How to enter:
1 entry = being subscribed
+1 entry = reply to next week’s email
+ 2 entries = refer a friend (have them mention your name when they subscribe)
All entries (including referrals) must be submitted by Saturday, May 10 before the next issue goes out.
Got a tip, rumor, or something I should look into? Just reply to this email; I read every message.
-Scott
Facebook: Roanoke Growth and Development / Instagram: @roanokegrowth
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