A neighborhood changes when a restaurant dares to be both local and boldly itself. We sit down with chef-owner Daniel Perron of Locavore in downtown Fredericksburg to explore how a seasonal American kitchen, rooted in Mid-Atlantic farms and shaped by Korean flavors, can open minds and build community. From scratch-made staples to the beloved Kalbi Beef Skewers, Daniel shows how approachable dishes can lead guests toward new textures, techniques, and tastes without losing the comfort they crave.

The heart of Locavore traces back to Daniel’s Secret Supper Club, a homegrown dining experiment that connected strangers around shared tables and turned weekends into a canvas for creativity. That spirit returns inside the restaurant with communal suppers designed to spark conversation and deepen ties across the city. Along the way, Daniel gets real about chef life: the long hours, the constant problem-solving, the balance of hospitality and hard numbers that most TV shows gloss over. His advice for aspiring owners is refreshingly practical—be patient, do the math, know your margins, and wait for the right moment before you sign anything.

If the menu looks unfamiliar at first glance, the experience is anything but intimidating. Locavore aims a touch more upscale in quality while keeping the vibe casual and warm. Whether you come for a burger, chicken liver mousse, or those smoky skewers, you’ll find the same care in sourcing and craft in every plate. With the rooftop bar Folklore set to open as the weather turns, there’s even more to discover at 314 William Street. Join us for a conversation about food that brings people together and a restaurant that reflects where Fredericksburg is headed.

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Daniel Perron

Locavore

locavoreva.com

hello@locavoreva.com

540-681-1800

314 William street, Fredericksburg, VA

A single Cricut on the kitchen table turned into a community-powered apparel brand with a mission. We sit down with Fredericksburg’s own Amanda Randall of Impact Apparel by Amanda to unpack how a simple love for crafting grew into a thriving, debt-free business that outfits local teams, gyms, churches, and small brands—while giving back in meaningful ways.

Amanda shares the real playbook: start small, keep prices fair, and let demand guide your next move. She walks us through the tech leap from early vinyl to modern direct to film printing, why partnering with a commercial shop transformed quality and turnaround, and how she navigates trends like sublimation, stickers, and color-rich apparel without overextending. You’ll hear how she balances maker life with motherhood, protects creativity by avoiding unnecessary debt, and builds loyalty with old-school customer service that fixes problems fast and makes ordering easy.

One highlight you won’t want to miss: the story behind Patches the Cat, the viral rescue whose weight-loss journey captured hearts nationwide. Amanda built and fulfilled the Patches merch store and directed a portion of every sale to Richmond animal rescue—proof that mission-driven merchandise can look great, tell a story, and fund real impact. Whether you’re a creator curious about scaling, a small business exploring custom merch, or a neighbor who loves supporting local, this conversation delivers practical steps and plenty of heart.

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Amanda Randall

Impact Apparel by Amanda

impactapparelbyamanda.com

vinyleverythingbyamanda@gmail.com

+15408428872

What if the secret to a stronger team isn’t more effort, but better alignment with the work that gives each person energy? We welcome leadership consultant and longtime nonprofit leader Janel Donohue for a candid, story-rich conversation about turning joy into performance and building cultures that last. From HR beginnings and a painful corporate collapse to 15 years as a United Way CEO, Janel traces the moments that shaped her philosophy: accept it, change it, or move on.

We dig into Patrick Lencioni’s Six Types of Working Genius and how this simple framework helps teams stop forcing fit. Janel shares how discovering her own strengths in discernment and galvanizing changed the way she leads, delegates, and protects her energy. You’ll hear how a two-hour workshop can reset a team’s mindset, giving people a shared language for collaboration, clearer project roles, and fewer turf battles. The result isn’t theory—it’s practical, immediate shifts that help organizations across corporate, nonprofit, and government find momentum without burning people out.

Janel also pushes back on myths about leadership consulting. The work isn’t glamorous; it’s deep preparation, honest facilitation, and constant iteration. Her advice for founders and managers is refreshingly actionable: don’t wait for perfect branding to start making a difference. Take the next step, learn in public, and improve as you go. Along the way, we get personal—travel that restores perspective, pickleball that adds play, and routines that keep leaders grounded. If you’re ready to bring a fresh perspective into your team, unlock hidden strengths, and rebuild morale with intention, this conversation delivers clarity and tools you can use right away.

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Janel Donohue

J Donohue Leadership and Consulting

jdonohue211@outlook.com