Tous les Jours, a French Asian bakery café, features about 300 artisan pastries, gourmet cakes and desserts plus a variety of coffees, teas and blended beverages. The French name means “every day,” a reference to the desserts and artisan bread products that are baked in-store daily.

Hampton Roads franchise owner and South Korea native J.R. Kim opened Tous les Jours on Thursday in Jefferson Marketplace at the corner of Bland Boulevard and Jefferson Avenue in Newport News with 23 employees. He brought the franchise to the region with the help of his wife and co-owner, Julia, who operated a bakery for 18 years in Norfolk.

Tous les Jours, founded in 1997 in South Korea, entered the U.S. market in 2004 and is expanding across the country. Kim said they plan to expand the franchise next year to Virginia Beach and Chesapeake. Their territory covers Virginia Beach to Williamsburg.

“We plan to open five stores in the next five years,” Kim said.

The blend of French and Asian flavors draws in customers. A big seller is the Japanese cloud cakes in various flavors such as green tea and triple berry cloud. The cloud cakes use less butter and sugar than American recipes. This makes a light pastry with a crispy exterior and subtly chewy texture, Kim said.

“It requires a special technique,” he said. “It’s delicate, which makes it soft and tasty. Most people have never tasted a cake like this.”

Among the many cake flavors are chocolate cloud, orange cream and peach cream. Doughnuts come with mango cream, chocolate cream and vanilla cream. French desserts include flavored croissants, handheld pies with classic toppings, macarons and Danishes.

In addition to sandwiches, the shop sells a large selection of artisan breads, including salt and butter rolls, baguettes and milk bread.

“We have so many different types of bread,” he said.

Coffee and tea are standouts, including such beverages as honey lavender matcha latte and caramel macchiato. The company’s beverage research and development specialist, Alexandra Hager, was the 2022 U.S. Coffee In Good Spirits Champion, earned at the U.S. Coffee Championships in Boston.

“The coffee and tea go nice with the desserts,” Kim said.

Tous les Jours has more than 110 locations across the United States and more than 1,740 worldwide, according to its website.

The Healing Lab Chiropractic Studio and Contour Spa recently opened their doors in the Newport News neighborhood.

Dr. Keitza Garavito opened the chiropractic studio to offer women prenatal and postpartum care. She is certified in the Webster technique for pregnancy and is a birth fit leader. The focus is on aligning the entire body and assessing muscles and ligaments that can become tight or weak during pregnancy, Garavito said.

A typical treatment involves making sure the spine and pelvis are aligned to prevent pain.

“Pregnancy creates stress on the body, so it’s easy to get sciatic pain and headaches,” she said. “The care provided helps alleviate that.”

Her practice can help a breached fetus by helping it turn in the right direction prior to birth. The prenatal chiropractic treatment reduces the chance of unwanted intervention and can shorten labor time. Treatment has been shown to decrease a wobbling walk and offer better sleep and energy levels, Garavito said.

“It also gives a great connection between mom and baby,” she added.

A native of Puerto Rico, Garavito is fluent in English and Spanish. She came to the Peninsula with her husband, who is stationed at Langley Air Force Base in Hampton. The practice also offers general chiropractic care.

Contour Spa offers cryolipolysis to reduce stubborn fat in certain areas of the body, said Hollie Loucks, manager of the spa.

“Cryolipolysis is basically using cold temperatures to kill fat cells,” she said.

The non-invasive cosmetic procedure, also known as cryo slimming or body sculpting, targets precise areas. With a hand-held device, technicians spray liquid carbon dioxide. This causes the fat cells to undergo a natural elimination process. And over time, the body will process and eliminate the fat cells. It does not require anesthesia or incisions, and each session lasts 15 minutes to 30 minutes, Loucks explained.

“This is not a weight-loss procedure but a way to hit those stubborn spots like tummy and thighs,” she said.

The procedure also has the ability to reduce scars and stretch marks. Cryotherapy can be used for pain management and certain skin conditions, Loucks added. The spa’s website markets offerings such as cryo facials and cryo aesthetics.

The same handheld device, using different temperatures, is also used for vagus nerve stimulation for mood enhancement. The vagus nerve runs from the base of the skull to the abdomen, and when it’s stimulated with cold temperatures, it can help with inflammation reduction, lowering the heart rate and mood improvement.

Red light therapy also helps with skin tightening, fat loss, body detoxification and soft tissue healing, Loucks said. The spa also offers lymphatic drainage massages. Prices vary depending on procedure.

The spa chose Hilton Village because Loucks lives in and loves the neighborhood.

Barner opened the All Smilez apparel store in Patrick Henry Mall in Newport News this year. She is the clothes designer, production manager and store operator. She started the clothing line after her cousin was killed at age 13 in 2012.

“When my cousin was killed, it really affected my whole family. I wanted to do something positive,” Barner said. “I have younger siblings too. I want to be a good example for them. My store is more than just a clothing brand. I am on a mission to spread positivity and encourage smiles no matter how tough times get and to stop gun violence.”

In fact, the company’s mission statement says: “The mission of All $milez Clothing brand is to raise awareness to all the violence that’s happening in our community and put a stop to it.”

Clothing is not the only way Barner gets her message across. She served on a panel discussion about ending gun violence at the Hampton Roads Convention Center in July.

“This issue has deeply influenced the growth of my brand, and I’m honored to be part of such an important discussion,” she wrote on Facebook.

Her tagline, “no matter what you go through, smile,” is on T-shirts and hoodies. And each year, she gives her clothes to children in need.

“I want to do something positive for them — to show there is kindness in the world,” Barner said.

The Hampton native has been dabbling in fashion design since middle school. Upon a recommendation from her Phoebus High School guidance counselor, she took a marketing and business class that opened her eyes to the business of fashion.

“I enjoyed that class the most,” she said.

She started selling her products with vendor tables at various places, including the mall. Her clothing styles include stacked pants, shirts and hats. Many are stone- and acid-washed.

The clothes are manufactured in China and Pakistan. Barner learned about having clothes made there while living in Arizona when a friend told her about sending the work abroad.

Colors are mostly black, blue, gray, white and red. She is now beginning to work with pinks, purples and other pastels. Barner also recently ventured into sunglasses design.

“She creates fashion that not only looks good but feels good, offering high-quality, stylish clothing at affordable prices,” customer and marketing specialist Jacqueline Tammaro said.

For more information, visit allsmilezstore.com or facebook.com/AllSmilezclothing/.

Franchise owner Melissa Holt opened the first Hampton Roads location in late 2021 with her mother, Claire. They did so in Hampton’s Peninsula Town Center in an area that’s become a fast-casual restaurant mecca.

Melissa Holt previously worked in management for Domino’s Pizza. She heard about Chicken Salad Chick when company founder Stacy Brown was interviewed on Guy Raz’s podcast, “How I Built This.” Brown, who had been selling chicken salad out of her home prior to opening a restaurant, started the company in 2008 in Auburn, Alabama.

The Peninsula Town Center location proved popular, and Holt recently opened a store in the Railyard at Lambert’s Point on Hampton Boulevard in Norfolk. Two more locations are in the works.

A Chicken Salad Chick will open in Chesapeake’s Greenbrier neighborhood in November followed by another location in Settler’s Market near Williamsburg in early 2025. The Williamsburg-area location will have a room for private parties, Holt said. Further plans include adding a Smithfield location.

Each Chicken Salad Chick restaurant will have a local vibe. For instance, the Hampton location showcases pictures of Peninsula landmarks such as Fort Monroe’s lighthouse and Hampton Coliseum.

Holt has been asked about locating in Virginia Beach many times, but she has yet to find the right spot there. One restriction she faces is from Chick-fil-A, which put in its lease contracts that another chicken restaurant cannot locate within a certain number of feet.

The company requires that franchisees live in the area they serve to encourage community involvement. For example, Holt’s store collected school supplies in exchange for a $1 discount. Kids meals are free with a purchase of an adult meal most Tuesday evenings.

Holt credits fresh ingredients for the franchise’s success. Chicken and vegetables are cut in-house and made daily, with staff starting at 7 a.m. for the 10 a.m. opening.

“We cut our own chicken, celery and broccoli. Our prep team is amazing,” she said.

The restaurant sells 12 chicken salads that all start with the basic Classic Carol recipe. They include Fancy Nancy, which has fruit and pecans, and Barbie-Q, with a hickory-smoked flavor. Rotating varieties include the Greek Goddess, which offers a Mediterranean twist with herbs, olives and feta cheese.

A hearty scoop is served on a garden salad or on a variety of breads. Side dishes include broccoli salad, pasta salad, fruit salad, macaroni and cheese and soups. Non-chicken salad eaters can choose from egg salad, turkey and cheese or pimento cheese.

While health department regulations allow the salads to be sold for up to six days, Chicken Salad Chick does not sell any salad made after two days, the franchise owner said. The leftovers are given to employees and donated to the Market at Thrive in Newport News.

During its early days, the Hampton location ran out of chicken salad and had to close early at times, Holt said, when an event at the Coliseum or a swim meet at the Hampton Aquaplex would bring a huge influx of customers.

“I finally asked them for a schedule of events so that we can be prepared,” Holt said.

Her employees also contribute to the brand’s success. Six employees, including a few moving into management, have been with Holt since the first day. Having a competent management team means Holt can work on the expansion instead of being in the store 24/7.

“The feedback I get is customers feel the warmth that we offer,” she said. “We offer hospitality with a smile.”

While the Virginia Beach Hilltop location will continue to be operated by their son and daughter-in-law, the Tuttles, both in their late 70s, want to spend time with family, volunteer and travel. They have closed the Chesapeake location.

The couple started their business when Keith was employed as an electrician for a contractor. Annette had experience in the retail lighting business.

“We just got tired of working for other people,” Annette Tuttle said.

With each knowing different industry facets, duties were easily divided. Annette handled retail and administrative duties while Keith dealt with building contractors, as he had developed business relationships with them while previously employed.

Married 55 years, both agreed that dividing the duties made working as spouses successful.

“We each know our side of the business and we stick with that,” Annette Tuttle said laughing when asked about working with her husband.

When asked the same question, Keith Tuttle responded, “Each working their part of the business worked for us. I would do it again.”

In their 31 years in business, they experienced significant changes. Annette Tuttle noted LED lighting is now the lighting of choice.

“It’s a cooler light, so it doesn’t heat the room,” she said. “It enhances colors and has a nice brightness to it.”

Keith Tuttle emphasized the change that the internet and e-commerce brought to retail.

“We enjoyed the business but with the internet, it’s harder and harder to compete and harder to make a profit,” he said. “Customers can order online and have it delivered two days later.”

Annette Tuttle said she liked working with customers, helping them select the right lighting for their home.

“That’s what I am going to miss the most — seeing people happy with their selection,” she said.

Keith Tuttle said being spoiled by suppliers with trips to Europe or Caribbean cruises was a plus.

“I think we’ve seen more of Europe than we have of America,” he said.

In retirement, they hope to travel to the American West. Keith Tuttle said he plans to play golf and nurture his love for animals with volunteer work. Annette Tuttle plans to “finally clean out closets,” garden and volunteer more with their church, St. Mark’s Catholic Church.

Innovate Hampton Roads and the city are teaming up to bring the Startup World Cup Virginia Regional to the Zeiders American Dream Theater in Town Center on Aug. 28. This is the first time the Startup Cup, a global platform that fosters entrepreneurship around the world, has come to Virginia.

“This a competition to get in front of global investors,” said Tim Ryan, executive director of Innovate Hampton Roads. “Never before has there been an opportunity like this (in the area).”

The competition is open to Virginia startups of all types. The winner will represent Virginia in the Startup World Cup in San Francisco for the $1 million prize, Ryan said.

In addition, the event provides networking and an opportunity to get feedback from investors, he said.

Startup World Cup Chairman Anis Uzzaman is the founder and CEO of Pegasus Tech Ventures in California’s Silicon Valley. He is responsible for the firm’s overall global investments and operations with $2 billion under Pegasus Tech Ventures’ management. He has invested in over 260 startups globally such as SpaceX, Airbnb, Doordash and 23andMe, according to his website. The competition, he said, helps connect entrepreneurs of various cities and innovation ecosystems to Silicon Valley and the rest of the world.

“We are thrilled to partner with Innovate Hampton Roads for the Startup World Cup Virginia Regional,” Uzzaman said in a statement. “This is our first time bringing the event to Virginia Beach and we are delighted by the quality of enthusiasm of competing startups.”

Startup World Cup selecting Hampton Roads for the regional competition is significant and speaks to innovation happening in the area, Ryan said. It’s also a pivotal moment for the region to grow its ecosystem on a global scale.

“This is a result of what we are doing in Hampton Roads with startup successes,” he said.

Ryan pointed to accomplished companies that began and are headquartered in the area such as DroneUp in Virginia Beach and SVT Robotics in Norfolk. He said having federal facilities such as NASA Langley Research Center in Hampton and Jefferson Lab in Newport News is a plus because they encourage entrepreneurship.

The interest in Virginia is a testament to the state being ranked No. 1 this year in America’s Top States for Business by CNBC. This is the sixth time the commonwealth ranked No. 1 and the third time within the past five years.

The Virginia event is limited to 100 applications. Judges throughout the state will narrow the applications down to about 10 to 12 companies, Ryan said. Startups in any stage can apply as long as they are a legal entity, not just an idea.

Interested contestants can apply online by Aug. 14 on the Innovate Hampton Roads website at innovate757.org. Ryan said the event is seeking volunteers to help. Interested volunteers should email james@innovate757.org or tim@innovate757.org.

“We want to give the alleyway purpose other than a walk-through to maybe have pop-up events and be an outdoor creative space,” said J.B. Crowley, executive director of the Hilton Village Main Street program. “Maybe have the farmers market there.”

The Economic Development Authority entered into a memorandum of understanding with Historic Hilton Village Inc. to help implement a $50,000 grant from the Virginia Main Street program. The grant will fund planning to enhance the alley between Main and Hopkins streets as well as for redevelopment of the bank building at 96 Main St., which has sat empty for several years, Crowley said.

The plan, which Crowley said should be completed by October, will evaluate best practices for signage, public art and creative placemaking. The nonprofit organization will seek input from area residents and business owners to understand their needs, she said.

Crowley noted that local unique businesses are a staple for the area. Hilton Village Farmers Market is held year-round on Saturday mornings at First United Methodist Church’s parking lot. The neighborhood hosts several festivals, including Hilton Pride, Hilton Art Walk and Busker Festival and Hilton Village Spring Festival.

“It is an entrepreneur ecosystem,” she said.

Crowley is also working on making the area more accessible to allow people to age in place. Crowley, whose 16-year-old son uses a power wheelchair, recently gave a presentation at the Main Street America conference on how to best offer amenities to people living with disabilities.

The neighborhood has been in the Main Street America program since 2022. Historic Hilton Village was the first federally financed housing project during World War I. It was first planned and built in 1918-1919 to house shipyard workers.

“The city is really committed to this project, and I am grateful,” Crowley said. “For over 100 years it’s been a place to live, shop and do business.”

Corkscrews & Brews opened near City Hall this summer serving a variety of coffees, lattes, smoothies and wine. Food items include breakfast sandwiches, pastries, lunch sandwiches, soup and charcuterie boards.

Owners Travis and Faith Reid said they came up with the idea to offer coffee and wine because that’s what they like.

“I really like coffee and my wife likes wine,” he said.

They chose their wine selections with the help of a sommelier who works for their wine distributor. Coffees and lattes are created by an experienced barista, Aline DaCosta. She recently developed a Snickers latte that has chocolate, cream, caramel and hazelnut. Specialty lattes include pistachio cream and honey lavender. The café also sells a variety of lemonades and teas.

South Carolina native Travis Reid said his favorite sandwich is the roast beef with cheese and fig mustard. Cheese selections are American, provolone, cheddar and gouda.

“It has a sweet salty taste,” he said. “There’s a lot you can do with figs. I learned that from a chef.”

Another popular dish is the chicken wrap that features spicy ranch dressing. The charcuterie board consists of fig jam, olives, crackers, strawberries, peanuts and a variety of meats.

“It’s really good when paired with wine,” Reid said.

They plan to expand the menu with suggestions from customers, he said.

“We are still a bit of a work in progress,” Reid noted.

The couple started in the food business with a food truck called A Taste of Life, which specialized in healthy food options. They had wanted to offer something besides deep-fried food.

Their restaurant has bright colors with mural-like artwork. It can seat 36 people and hold up to 49 people. They chose to open in the Yard District because Reid heard there is a push by Newport News officials to revitalize the area and as a former Newport News Shipbuilding employee, he’s familiar with the neighborhood.

“We want to bring good vibes to the community,” he said.

Corkscrews and Brews, at 208 23rd St., is open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, and noon to 7 p.m. Saturday.

The balance is finding a way to allow flexibility in allowing businesses to start at home while not affecting neighbors, county leaders said. Proposed zoning changes would allow home-based businesses by right, or without having to go through the special use permit process, within certain conditions that limit the number of people on-site and require businesses to use their own property for parking.

At a recent Board of Supervisors meeting, citizens expressed concerns with proposed changes that have been in the works since 2019, when a committee of citizens, home-based business owners, homeowners’ associations, chamber of commerce members and county staff formed to study the issue. The proposed ordinance was unanimously approved by the Planning Commission and then was suddenly tabled, said Chris Davidson, a home-based business owner. The pandemic played a role in the delay.

The more than 2,000 home-based businesses in the county break down to 17% being personal services, 18% merchants and 64% maintaining an office in the home, said Earl Anderson, the county’s chief of development services. He said most merchants do not sell out of their homes, but do so online and at area festivals and locally owned retail stores. Most with an office do not have clients visiting them.

Citizens who spoke were equally divided. Three former York County Chamber of Commerce presidents, Davidson, Toni Chavis and Tim Meyer, requested the board approve the proposed ordinance. Davidson said the county needs to adopt it to adapt to the nature of business using a laptop, cell phone and the internet. He said other rules, like for signs and noise, also exist.

“Don’t let what I call the boogey man guide the conversation,” Davidson said.

York County had earned national awards for its support of home-based businesses by providing lunch-and-learn programs and an annual daylong convention while Davidson’s wife, Melissa Davidson, was assistant director for York County Economic Development. The county was nationally recognized for its efforts, he added.

Meyer said many home-based businesses outgrow their homes and move to commercial properties. He said there are many empty commercial buildings along the U.S. 17 business corridor that could eventually be filled by businesses growing from homes.

Chavis, owner of Opulent Designs, was a committee member. She’s run her home improvement business from her house for 23 years “and no one in my neighborhood knows it.” She said she visits her clients and no clients ever come to her home.

A big concern of some residents is cars from either the business’s employees or customers. Including the resident owner, the proposed ordinance limits the number of people to four, whether they are employees or clients. The property must offer enough parking for them and the residents on paved or gravel spots.

It also limits how much of the home can be dedicated to the business to 25% or 400 square feet, Anderson said. Home businesses needing more than four parking spaces or needing conditions beyond what is allowed would be required to get a special use permit.

Citizens who requested more regulation include Melanie Soble, who complained about the home day care that moved next door about one year ago. She said there are 36 car trips daily and parking is an issue, especially when the driveway is used for other purposes and cars park in the cul-de-sac. She said neighbors’ driveways have been blocked, the garbage truck cannot enter the cul-de-sac and the mail carrier must park his truck and walk to deliver mail.

Another issue for Soble is the children playing outside “using outside voices.” She said the day care does not have typical play structures.

“It’s possible I will spend the rest of my life listening to screaming children — or worse, crying children — who get hurt during this risky play,” she said.

John Farley said a neighborhood is where people live and not a place where people come to work.

For Richard Howell, the lack of enforcement on parking is an issue. He said the sheriff, who was a committee member, indicated that unless there are no parking signs, cars cannot be ticketed or towed. He said he does not have a problem with home-based businesses.

County Supervisor Thomas G. Shepperd Jr. pointed out that most home-based businesses, particularly self-employed professionals like lawyers, do not have impacts like traffic, operate invisibly and should not be have to go through a burdensome regulatory process. Multiple supervisors acknowledged that the public gets a voice through the special use permit process.

The changes would not override homeowner association requirements, according to a June 4 presentation to the county. Certain uses would not be considered home occupations, including tattoo parlors, gaming establishments, small engine and equipment repair, convenience stores and transport of hazardous materials.

The county is holding another public hearing on the proposed changes on Sept. 17.

“Russia and China are outpacing us in growing their defense. China is attempting to gain international order,” Capt. Hannah Kriewaldt, supervisor of shipbuilding in Newport News, said.

The region is home to 18 military installations with 125,000 military personnel that make up 40% of the region’s economy, said Rick Dwyer, executive director of Hampton Roads Military and Federal Facilities Alliance.

In order for the military to continue to support the country, certain issues need to be addressed: development encroachment near bases, sea level rise, quality child care, spouse employment, affordable housing and mental health services, Dwyer said. Nearly all the speakers said recruitment is down in part because of these issues.

About 200 people came to the James River Country Club on May 31 to hear from several presenters regarding how the military is performing. While there are successes, there are also challenges.

“It’s an important time in our country,” said Chuck Zingler, commissioner of the Virginia’s Department of Veteran Services. “We have to work on recruitment, retention and how we treat our veterans. It is our job to understand their needs, from the youngest to the oldest.”

The department is working on transition programs to help veterans dealing with homelessness and drug and alcohol abuse, Zingler added.

He also cited efforts by state leaders to ensure sustainability of the Virginia Military Survivors and Dependents Education Program amid growing costs. The General Assembly reconvened to address the tuition waiver and stipend program as lawmakers added program eligibility changes in the recently passed two-year state budget signed by the governor.

No agreement from Virginia Senate on fix for military tuition program, skill games

In the wake of recent suicides among Navy personnel living and working at the Newport News shipyard, Kriewaldt said there is now money set aside for improved housing and mental health services. Sailors lived aboard ships undergoing major midlife maintenance overhauls at the shipyard. The Navy committed to enhancing sailor quality of life with off-ship housing for junior sailors.

Brig. Gen. Catherine Jumper, commander of the Virginia Air National Guard, said over 7,000 soldiers and more than 1,200 airmen plus 800 part-time personnel support the commonwealth with emergency management. The Virginia National Guard has a 20-year partnership with Tajikistan and just entered into one with Finland.

Col. Matthew Altman, commander of the 633rd Air Base Wing at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, points to community support and engagement. Small businesses are regularly awarded contracts for base repairs. Last year, the base awarded $9.8 million to local small businesses. Working with Native American tribal leaders, base personnel repaired severe erosion to protect archaeology sites, among other community involvement.

The largest employer in York County, Yorktown Naval Weapons Station, has two storage magazines under construction. Cabins and a golf course are available. The base supports Yorktown’s July 4 celebration by suppling a barge to launch fireworks. It cares for nature by partnering with Virginia Institute of Marine Science for oyster restoration, Cmdr. Kurt Davis, executive officer of the base, said.

Work is also being done at the U.S. Coast Guard Training Center in Yorktown. Cmdr. Sarah Geoffrion said at the center, there are 714 uniformed personnel, 118 civil employees and 142 contractors. Recently, a sewer pipe was replaced. It also hosts Sea Scouts to improve recruitment.

This is the first year the chamber’s Military Affairs Council presented the event. Led by Kathleen Jabs, special assistant to the president on military affairs at William & Mary, the council is comprised of installation commanders, representatives from the offices of U.S. Sens. Mark Warner and Tim Kaine and U.S. Rep. Rob Wittman, Newport News and Hampton city representatives and more who help the military, said chamber President and CEO Bob McKenna, a retired Navy captain.

The council also produces a job fair, military recognition events that award Military Citizens of the Year to members of each service who have distinguished themselves as outstanding servants of their nation and as volunteers in the Peninsula community.