Family-Operated Business Contributes to Building a Sense of Community in Vint Hill

Posted on March 1, 2017 by

Photo Credit: Fauquier Times

Von Canon General Store opened its doors in early September 2016, expanding the antique shop, previously Vintage Hill, into a traditional general store serving the neighboring residential communities surrounding Vint Hill.

The storefront brings staple groceries, gifts and convenience items to Vint Hill’s entertainment district, located at the center of the 625-acre property across from popular attractions like Old Bust Head Brewing Company, Vint Hill Craft Winery and Green Maple Market. The area, which is undergoing road construction to improve traffic and ease of navigation, is planning for a small town center and expanded Main Street with retail shops in the heart of New Baltimore.

Von Canon General Store contributes to the vision of a walkable community hub, transforming from the original antique shop into a complete general store in response to requests from customers looking for a nearby place to buy staple and convenience items. Catering primarily to the surrounding neighborhoods, families frequent the shop for daily needs and children bike there after school to purchase old-fashioned candy and soda. All are encouraged to stay a while and enjoy the charm of the rustic, traditional store layout.

Opened by a family with deep roots in the rural south, Von Canon brought a family tradition back to life. Shelby Adams, daughter of Von Canon General Store owners Angee and Matt Adams, was initially inspired by the vintage aspect of the historical garage, which was once part of the Post Commander’s residence back when Vint Hill served as an Army base. Building out from the antique shop concept, which the Adams’s purchased in August 2016, the retail offerings quickly morphed into a full general store when the proprietors decided to rekindle a business concept that has been a part of the family for generations.

Angee’s side of the family, the Von Canons, built a name for themselves in Banner Elk, North Carolina, dating back to the 1800s. Providing essentials and staples at the family general store, along with other services through multiple family-owned businesses in town, the Von Canon name carried on through their general stores over the years.

After a 50-year lull during which the Von Canon stores were closed and circumstance brought the family to Northern Virginia, Shelby’s site selection drove the family to acquire Vintage Hill and begin restorations into a finished store, modeling it like the traditional family general stores. Working together, the Adams installed new windows, doors and insulation, while keeping the floors in tact to maintain the charming integrity. Shelving was brought in from the former stores in North Carolina to model the layout like the original stores.

Complete with rocking chairs on the porch and a rustic, unfinished wood bar that serves as the countertop, the general store attracts local community members throughout the day. With the help of social media to spread awareness, in the short time period that they’ve been open, they’re gaining traction quickly.

“The concept is to be a place where people can come. We envision old folks sitting in rocking chairs on the front porch, kids running in and out,” says Angee. “We want you to bring the whole family, dogs included.”

When Shelby initially spoke with Ed Moore, president of Vint Hill Village, LLC, and learned about the community’s vision, the family knew immediately that they had found the site to build on the family tradition.

“We love bringing the family aspect into the way we do business, “said Angee, who considers her business neighbors as a resource for referrals for one another.

She feels strongly that the businesses within the Vint Hill community can work together to complement each other’s business.

“We love how family oriented Vint Hill is,” she says. “We work with the Green Maple Market, Old Bust Head Brewery and Covert Cafe to send our customers to each other.”

As the weather picks up into the store’s first spring and summer seasons, the Adams expect to continually become busier. They have visions for further remodeling of the garage attached to the general store, which currently houses the antiques, and would someday hope to expand into a larger grocery store.

With strong ties to the community and family spirit, the Von Canon General Store lends its customers a warm, old fashion neighborly presence.

“The best part of starting our business here has been the opportunity to work together as a family,” Angee says. “Everyone has been involved and it’s brought us closer together.”

About Von Canon General Store: Von Canon General Store opened for business in the September 2016, carrying retail essentials and staples in an old-fashion storefront setting. The store is located at 7167 Lineweaver Road, Vint Hill, VA. For store hours and to learn more, visit: www.facebook.com/voncanongeneralstore/