Greater Fayetteville Business Journal - February 27, 2026 issue
DECEMBER UNEMPLOYMENT
$24,912,340
Source: N.C. Department of Commerce
Cumberland Hoke Harnett Sampson Robeson Bladen Moore
2504 Raeford Rd, Fayetteville, NC 28303
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bizfayetteville.com
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Marty Cayton martyc@bizfayetteville.com
PUBLISHER
Faith Hatton faithh@bizfayetteville.com
EDITOR
Stephanie Meador stephaniem@bizfayetteville.com
DIRECTOR OF AUDIENCE & EVENTS
Ellie Rhoades events@bizfayetteville.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Stacie Borrello
Kate Griffin
Emily Ruth Perry
Eddie Velazquez
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Samantha Lowe samanthal@bizfayetteville.com
ACCOUNTING billing@bizfayetteville
SALES & MARKETING marketing@bizfayetteville.com
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This year, my husband and I decided to begin the hunt for a home. When I tell you January was one of the most stressful times in my life, I mean it from the bottom of my heart. Thankfully, we had a great realtor, strong family advice and — as Michael Solomon of Coldwell Banker Advantage shared in last month’s article, “Insights into Fayetteville real estate” — reassurance that 2026 is shaping up to be a year of stabilization and optimism. I’ve been monitoring the local real estate market over the past few years, attending Longleaf Pine REALTORS ® annual Realtor Rally to get the scoop every year. I’ve even taken advantage of some of the classes offered through the City of Fayetteville’s Homebuying Hero Program to really prepare myself for this process.
One thing I didn’t expect? Some sellers’ audacity.
We toured homes with holes in the walls, half-finished home improvement projects, questionable flooring situations and truly baffling layouts. Am I saying some sellers need to be humbled? No. Am I saying some may want to consider knocking about $50,000 off their asking prices? Yes.
Now that the ink has dried on the contract, I can confidently say I am more committed than ever to supporting the “Fayetteville Deserves Cool Things” campaign I unofficially launched after becoming publisher.
Several stories in this issue highlight some fantastic Black-owned businesses right here in Fayetteville that make this place better just by being here.
Legacy Rolls (page 14) is a standout spot in Spring Lake, offering
cinnamon rolls, blueberry rolls, sandwiches, fries and more. We also feature the Parks family — led by Latonia and King Parks — a power couple who own multiple businesses in Fayetteville and Hope Mills and who have made entrepreneurship a true family affair.
Additionally, we spotlight Carolina Foodscapes (page 12), an organization dedicated to addressing food insecurity, promoting environmental stewardship and empowering the community through innovative gardening projects and horticulture education in Fayetteville.
We hope you enjoy learning about these organizations and more in this issue.
Happy reading,
PHOTO BY TIERRA MALLORCA/UNSPLASH
AFCEA NC powers innovation
2026 INNOVATION SUMMIT FUELS DEFENSE COLLABORATION AND STEM INVESTMENT
It was another year of success for the Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association (AFCEA) North Carolina Chapter.
Building on the past successful TechNet Fort Liberty (now renamed Fort Bragg) events, the organization brought together the best and brightest in academia, defense contracting, the federal government and the U.S. military.
Newly rebranded for 2026, this year’s Innovation Summit took place from Feb. 17-19 at the Crown Complex.
In September of 2025, organizers announced the name change, hoping to more accurately represent the scope of the event, which included a Resource and Career Fair, over 50 speakers on informational panels and more than 100 exhibitors from across the nation and the globe.
The event’s breakout sessions and panel discussions provided a spotlight not only to the statewide ecosystem of the U.S. government (USG) national security professionals and private sector leaders, but also to local leaders and experts based in Fayetteville, N.C.
Keynote speaker Retired Brig. Gen. Ferd Irizarry, principal and senior advisor for the JMH Group and previous chairman of the Military Affairs Council of the Greater Fayetteville Chamber, was able to share a simple message in his address: “Decision advantage is about time.”
“It’s the ability to sense, understand, decide and act faster than the adversary — across land, maritime, air, space, cyberspace and the information environment. Today, the challenge isn’t a lack of data. It’s friction — between systems, between organizations and between information and action,” shared Irizarry. “Here in North Carolina, at Fort Bragg, at the LTG Gavin Joint Innovation Outpost, at Fayetteville State University, at UNC Charlotte and across industry — we have the ecosystem to build decision advantage deliberately. The side that wins the next conflict will not be the side with the most data. It will be the side that can turn information into action first — and sustain it.”
The event provided space to
Left: AFCEA NC President Linnea Gavrilis
Capability panelists (L to R) Dr. Paul Baker principal deputy
of the Army
Army
Snead, extramural staff director for the Army Research Office, panel moderator Phil Williams, VP of corporate engagement for AFCEA NC, Tylar Temple deputy director of the DoW Office for Small Business Innovation and Robert Van Geons, president and CEO of the FCEDC.
highlight local innovation successes, such as the opening of the new Lt. Gen. James Gavin Joint Innovation Outpost (JIOP), which took place in late January, and ongoing events such as Tech ID Day held annually in April by local company Accel Innovation Corporation and Oak Grove Technologies during the “NC Ecosystem” panel discussion.
Those successes are expected to continue with the addition of a new innovation and talent center coming soon to downtown Fayetteville, headed by the Fayetteville Cumberland County Economic Development Corporation (FCEDC).
The panel “From Concept to Capability: Building a Regional Defense Innovation Ecosystem” allowed local economic development expert Robert Van Geons, president and CEO of the FCEDC, to share more on the project and how it will be another resource for Fayetteville and Fort Bragg innovators.
“I think what we were trying to do with that panel was put on display the different components that can help an innovative company take a concept through to commercialization,” shared Van Geons. “Specifically for the FCEDC, we’ll
have 35,000 square feet for these companies to start up, to test, to have classified briefings when appropriate and then ultimately to grow into larger businesses here in our greater Fayetteville region.”
“I think that across Cumberland County, and really our state, we want to be a center for applied innovation. And I think that our proximity to Fort Bragg puts us in a unique position to provide a special set of resources to be utilized by these companies looking to take commercial products and use them for the Department of War. So, I think the partnership with AFCEA and with the other networks here in the state, it’s really one of our best economic growth opportunities,” continued Van Geons.
While the Innovation Summit serves as a collaborative innovation space, the proceeds from the event also serve as the fundraiser for one of AFCEA’s key missions: to support educators and students engaged in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) disciplines.
“The AFCEA NC Board and members are committed to our mission of creating an ethical forum
for discussion of national security challenges among national security practitioners, academics and industry partners. We do this while empowering the next generation of STEM professionals through our grants to local K-12 educators, student scholarships and support for NC College and University Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) programs,” shared AFCEA NC President Linnea Gavrilis.
According to a presentation from AFCEA NC Board Member Marv Gordon, last year AFCEA NC was able to provide 30 grants of $1,000 each to educators in STEM.
The organization also gave $2,000 grants to 15 high school seniors who plan to pursue higher education in a STEM field.
That support also extends to providing scholarships to institutions of higher education such as Fayetteville Technical Community College, Methodist University and more.
For more information about the 2026 Innovation Summit or to connect with the AFCEA North Carolina Chapter, visit www.nc.afceachapters.org.
PHOTOS PROVIDED BY AFCEA NC, TAKEN BY CHRISTOPHER GRISSETT PHOTOGRAPHY
provides welcome remarks at the opening ceremony. Right: From Concept to
(A)
Science Division
Research Office, Klinton
Bu Metcon is rede Hoke County High School
Hoke County Justice Center
By Emily Ruth Perry
From FRANCHISES, page 1
King and Latonia went from high school together to successful military careers. King retired after 24 years as a brigade command sergeant major, and Latonia after 20 years as a sergeant first class traffic management coordinator. While they were stationed in Hawaii, King encouraged Latonia to get her real estate license in preparation for her upcoming retirement from the military. Once Latonia had the opportunity to buy and sell their personal properties, she too realized there was untapped potential there.
Once they came to Fort Bragg, Latonia became a licensed real estate agent. A few years later, she founded the real estate company Top Bragg Realty & Property Management. After retiring, King became licensed, joined the company and expanded the property management division. In an enduring spirit of growth, they expanded to a second real estate company, Cape Fear Home Solutions, focusing on renovations and sales.
Since beginning to work together daily, King works exclusively as a seller’s agent and Latonia as a buyer’s agent. This not only allows them to cover all areas of real estate, but it also allows them to keep a healthy boundary within their marriage. They also prioritize their marriage by having a weekly “date day,” and going on frequent trips and vacations.
In fact, it was on one of their “date days” that they went to an ice cream shop and noticed the demand. After talking over dessert, they knew they could bring this to the community to give more options. So from there, they did their research and decided to move forward with opening a Cold Stone Creamery as their next business venture. But there would be a delay in opening.
When trying to get financing from their bank, they were only offered $50,000, which would not be enough to get the business off the ground. Instead of continuing to seek bank funding with high interest rates, they decided to self-fund. They started saving the profits from the sales of their real estate company, and within a couple of years, were able to open their self-funded Cold Stone Creamery in Hope Mills. This remarkable discipline and patience comes from their years in the military.
King’s primary focus is overseeing and empowering the various staff of the real estate company, Cold Stone Creamery and The UPS Store at Cliffdale, which they opened in 2023 and is run by their daughter. Latonia oversees the administration of their businesses.
“We wanted to make sure we were prepared and we wanted to make sure the numbers made sense before we started. We had the mental toughness to get through the challenges and we had a command sergeant major on the team,” Latonia shared.
They also trusted God’s timing and have been prayerful every step of the way. Their church family at True Vine Ministries has been supportive throughout the whole journey.
“I remember when we were opening the Cold Stone, the whole church came to support and our pastor, Dr. Ernest W. Jones, was part of the ribbon cutting,” said Latonia.
And they’ve felt the responsibility to share their blessings. They’ve mentored others within their church and community who aspire to open their own businesses. King’s primary focus is overseeing and empowering the various staff of the real estate company, Cold Stone Creamery and The UPS Store at Cliffdale, which they opened in 2023 and is run by their daughter.
Latonia oversees the administration of their businesses. This is another way that working together after being married for 34 years is an asset for the couple, and they play on their strengths. They see themselves as equal partners in these ventures.
“He is a great leader; that’s one of his strengths,” Latonia explained. “He asks and honors what I think, but the final decision lies with him.”
King and Latonia want to leave a legacy for their two daughters, but it is equally important for them to honor God and make an impact within Fayetteville.
“Of course, we want to leave something for our girls. They manage some aspects of the businesses now, so whenever we pass, the businesses won’t pass with us. But we don’t need to see our names on a building. I remember my pastor preached a message that has always stuck with me; he said, ‘If I have to eulogize you, give me something to work with; your character, your integrity, your impact.’ Well, we want to make sure he has plenty of material to work with.”
Latonia and King have no doubt left a mark on the Fayetteville community, and through their hard work and areas of service, they plan to continue to serve the people of Fayetteville across all of their business endeavors.
“
We wanted to make sure we were prepared and we wanted to make sure the numbers made sense before we started. We had the mental toughness to get through the challenges and we had a command sergeant major on the team.”
— Latonia Parks Broker-Owner/ REALTOR®/Franchisee
PHOTOS PROVIDED BY LATONIA PARKS
ACHIEVERS
CCS honors service and dedication: February Extra Mile and Committed Community Support Award recipients recognized Cumberland County Schools recognized two exceptional contributors this month for their dedication to students, staff and the broader school community. CCS Business Systems Support Analyst JULIA BURNS received the Extra Mile Award for consistently going ‘above and beyond’ to support schoolbased staff and ensure operational efficiency. ADRIAN MCPHERSON and THE BARBER COALITION were named the February recipients of the Committed Community Support Award for their unwavering commitment to uplifting students and families across Cumberland County.
The Extra Mile Award recognizes employees who consistently exceed expectations and inspire excellence. February’s recipient, Julia Burns, was selected for her dedication to resolving technical challenges and providing consistent, patient support to schools and Central Services staff.
Nominated by Individual Schools Account Specialist Cheryl White, Burns is known for troubleshooting and resolving issues related to AS400 systems, printers and scanners. Whether assisting remotely or helping with installations at school sites, she is recognized for her responsiveness and calm, solutions-oriented approach.
“Julia goes ‘above and beyond’ to resolve issues and troubleshoot the myriad of problems that we experience with AS400, printers and scanners,” said White in her nomination. “She is always responsive, patient and supportive, and she never makes me feel as though I am inconveniencing her. Her willingness to help, paired with her positive attitude, truly makes a difference.”
Burns’ reputation for care and professionalism extends across departments. Colleagues consistently note her reliability and her commitment to ensuring school staff can
What are you and your peers achieving? Have you reached a new goal? Have you acquired another business? Maybe your business has a new hire you would like to highlight.
Greater Fayetteville Business Journal wants to hear from you and your business to shine a spotlight on your accomplishments.
To nominate someone for GFBJ’s Achievers section, email editor@bizfayetteville.com with the subject line “Achiever.”
focus on serving students without disruption.
The Committed Community Support Award recognizes individuals and organizations whose ongoing involvement strengthens schools and enriches the student experience.
Local barber Adrian McPherson and The Barber Coalition were honored for their consistent support of students and families through meaningful outreach and service. Their efforts include hosting multiple back-to-school giveaways, providing bookbags filled with essential supplies and supporting students during milestone moments, like prom with complimentary haircuts.
Beyond these initiatives, McPherson actively participates in career fairs and engages directly with students about entrepreneurship, career pathways and future opportunities, reinforcing the importance of education and workforce readiness.
Max Abbott Middle School CTE Career Development Facilitator
Shakira Hodges shared the following statement on the nomination form: “Adrian McPherson and The Barber Coalition truly represent the essence of community. They meet needs, build confidence and inspire our students through service. Their selflessness and unwavering commitment to our families deserve recognition.”
Through tangible support and
visible presence, McPherson and The Barber Coalition continue to demonstrate what it means to invest in the success of young people.
FSU earns statewide ranking for value and affordability from Research.com
FAYETTEVILLE STATE UNIVERSITY has been recognized for its affordability and value, earning the No. 2 spot in North Carolina on Research.com’s Best Value Colleges list for 2026. The ranking affirms the university’s position as a leading provider of high-quality, cost-effective education in the state.
With a commitment to diversity, the campus serves many first-generation and military-affiliated students. Small class sizes, dedicated faculty and an emphasis on timely graduation provide students with personalized support as they achieve their academic goals.
“This recognition reflects the work we do every day to make a high-quality education attainable for students across North Carolina,” said Sonja M. Brown, Ph.D., interim provost and senior vice chancellor for academic affairs, in a press release. “Affordability matters, but so do outcomes. Our focus is on helping students enroll, persist and be prepared to lead change and better their communities.”
In addition to its statewide recognition, FSU received high scores in regional categories. The university is ranked No. 4 for Most Affordable Colleges in North Carolina, No. 7 for Best Value Colleges in the South and No. 9 for Most Affordable Colleges in the South.
The Best Colleges rankings use
data from reputable sources, including the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System, Peterson’s and OpenAlex. A team of data scientists evaluates factors such as academic quality, degree offerings, cost and return on investment to help students select the right institution.
Accel Innovation Corporation welcomes Corey Bolka to the team as a DoD Skillbridge fellow
COREY BOLKA is joining the Accel Innovation Corporation team as their newest DoD Skillbridge fellow. Corey Bolka brings nearly 20 years of experience leading intelligence and operations in support of joint and coalition missions across CENTCOM, EUCOM and PACOM. He has advised senior U.S. and partner-nation leaders in fastpaced, high-stakes environments and now he’s bringing that expertise to Accel Innovation Corporation.
Bolka’s experience includes leading USAF wing-level intelligence operations and managing teams of up to 30 analysts, delivering strategic and operational intelligence briefings to senior U.S. and allied leaders, coordinating multinational intelligence engagements as a certified foreign disclosure officer and designing and teaching intelligence training to over 1,600 officers as a certified instructor.
The DoW Skillbridge program is an initiative connecting transitioning service members with civilian career opportunities.
“We’re thrilled to support Corey in this next chapter and we know his leadership, mission-focused mindset and operational expertise will be an incredible asset to our team,” shared AIC in a post to LinkedIn.
PHOTO PROVIDED BY CCS
Julia Burns (left) with CCS Superintendent Eric Bracy.
PHOTO PROVIDED BY CCS
Adrian McPherson and The Barber Coalition pictured with CCS Superintendent Eric Bracy.
GRAPHIC COURTESY OF FSU
Bolka
From ACHIEVERS, page 8
American Association of Critical-Care Nurses recognizes Betsy Johnson Hospital Critical Care Unit with Silver Beacon Award for Excellence
The American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) has awarded the CRITICAL CARE UNIT at BETSY JOHNSON HOSPITAL with a Silver-level Beacon Award for Excellence, recognizing the unit’s commitment to exceptional patient care and a positive work environment.
Betsy Johnson Hospital is part of Harnett Healthcare and Cape Fear Valley Health. This marks the first Beacon Award for Excellence earned by the health system, representing a major milestone in its ongoing efforts to strengthen quality and patient-centered care.
More than 575 units nationwide applied for the Beacon Award in 2025. Units that earn gold, silver or bronze designations meet rigorous criteria aligned with AACN’s six Healthy Work Environment Standards, which promote collaboration, professional growth and strong patient outcomes.
The Beacon Award for Excellence recognizes unit caregivers who demonstrate consistent, evidence-based practices and measurable improvements in patient care. Award recipients are evaluated in the areas of patient outcomes, nursing workforce and work environment.
Although the team initially anticipated earning a bronze designation, the unit’s performance exceeded expectations and was ultimately recognized at the silver level.
“In a rural setting where specialty expertise isn’t always at arm’s reach, our team rises to the challenge every day,” said Megan Baker, supervisor/ educator at Betsy Johnson Hospital, in a press release. “The Silver Beacon Award honors our determination to deliver outstanding care and our promise to keep high-quality critical care close to home for the patients who depend on us. Betsy Johnson truly is a hidden gem within the Cape Fear Valley system — where we not only care deeply for our community, but for the staff who devote themselves to serving it.”
AACN President Rebekah Marsh, BSN, RN, CCRN, applauded the dedication of the Betsy Johnson caregivers for meeting and exceeding the organization’s high standards.
“The Beacon Award for Ex-
cellence recognizes caregivers in outstanding units whose consistent and systematic approach to evidence-based care optimizes patient outcomes,” Marsh said in a press release. “Units that receive this national recognition serve as role models to others on their journey to excellent patient and family care.”
Beacon-awarded units distinguish themselves by demonstrating strong leadership, effective communication and a supportive professional environment. Through the program,
participating units can evaluate their performance against national and international benchmarks.
Beyond patient care, the Silver Beacon designation also serves as a
ACHIEVERS
powerful recruitment and retention tool. Many nurses seek employment in Beacon-recognized units because the award reflects a healthy work culture, strong teamwork and high-quality clinical outcomes.
For Betsy Johnson Hospital, Harnett Healthcare and Cape Fear Valley Health, the award reflects a continued commitment to investing in people, improving outcomes and delivering exceptional care close to home.
Dogwood Brings TowneBank to Fayetteville.
Dogwood State Bank and TowneBank are joining hands and hearts to combine teams of extraordinary bankers across North and South Carolina.
TowneBank, like Dogwood, understands banking with a heart.
PHOTO PROVIDED BY CFVH
From soldier to realtor
JAMEL WILLIAMS' MISSION TO SERVE FAYETTEVILLE’S HOMEBUYERS
Anomaly Realty’s Jamel Williams wants to help residents of Fayetteville find their dream home. The 20+-year U.S. military Veteran, who served in the 82nd Airborne and 7th Special Forces groups, retired in 2018.
Since then, he became a full-time realtor, specializing in new construction, existing homes, homes owned by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and military relocation.
“I understand the hardship of moving for military and civilians, having been both. I plan on making Fayetteville my permanent home,” Williams said. “There is no place like Fayetteville, North Carolina. I love my work, I love meeting people and finding them what they want.”
As a realtor, Williams said he specializes in a little bit of everything. Williams, however, shared that he has tried to find a niche.
“As a new realtor, I was exposed to a lot of aspects of realty, property management, residential sales and commercial sales,” he noted. “I really enjoyed the new construction piece, because you kind of get the opportunity to see homes being built from the ground up, watching them just transition to something absolutely beautiful.”
Helping Veterans has also become
I understand the hardship of moving for military and civilians, having been both. I plan on making Fayetteville my permanent home. There is no place like Fayetteville, North Carolina. I love my work, I love meeting people and finding them what they want.”
— Jamel Williams Owner and Founder of Anomaly Realty
Jamel Williams transitioned from active military duty to
don’t know who you’re going to meet,” Williams said. “You never know what stories they may have or what assistance they may need.”
As a realtor, Williams said he tries to meet the diverse needs of the Fayetteville community.
“So as a realtor, we try to cater to all of that,” he noted. “We try to meet their needs and [help them] transition into the next chapter of their lives.”
Diversity is also a point of pride for him. As a Black business owner, Williams said being part of that community brings significant value to his life and his business. He noted he sees his identity as a badge of honor.
workforce in 2018. He entered into the field of real estate with the
of helping other military personnel find their home, as he knew from firsthand experience the challenge that frequent relocation posed to individuals and families.
one of Williams’ specializations. Moving as a military member can become a stressful time for Veterans as they seek to advance in their military career.
“Transitioning to a new community, a new city… moving can take up a lot of time,” Williams said. “So we streamline that process by starting the process early, and doing it early is paramount. You want to make sure that you are planning at least 120 to 90 days in advance to ensure you have adequate time to plan for the unexpected.”
The key is to find a realtor who can be on the same page as you, Williams said. For instance, he added, a realtor can help keep service members’ homes on the market if they are in open communication.
“Or if you’re coming into the community and are getting acclimated to the environment, we can let you know some good tools that you could use in different organizations in the community that could benefit you,” Williams said.
To help military members, Wil-
liams has instilled values in his business that he learned during his time in the service.
“We say ‘honor,’ and that encompasses all our Army values,” he said. “One of the most important things we bring when we are dealing with the community is trust. We try to establish trust right up front.”
Trusting your realtor, Williams said, is one of the key elements that make housing transitions easier.
“When you trust your realtor, you feel like you’re buying a home or someone is selling your home as a family member or someone you’ve known all your life, [like] a good friend, a good family friend,” Williams said. “Also very consistent communication [is important] – letting them know that ‘hey, this is what’s going to happen,’ setting expectations.”
One of the reasons why Williams loves Fayetteville is the city’s diversity.
“This is a very diverse and multi-cultured city, with people from all around the country, and you just
“You have people of color looking up to you,” Williams said. “And if they see that you can do it, it’s always good to see someone who looks like you be successful in the community.”
Black leaders, he noted, are often strong pillars in their community.
“It also makes you want to be as good as that person, or even better,” Williams said. “We are out in the community, helping other businesses of color to be strong, to be helpful.”
Beyond his identity, Williams said his family is not only his northstar, but also a source of inspiration. His spouse and five children keep him grounded, he noted.
“They are a strong anchor in my life,” Williams said. “My family has contributed to my career as a realtor and to the community as a whole. They help me keep my eye on the prize and have taught me about working hard.”
Williams said the calling card for his business is to be a good listener.
“I listen to their concerns, needs and desires,” he noted. “If you want a realtor who is professional, honest, loyal and knowledgeable [and] works hard for you, I will be more than happy to help you find the home you will be most happy with.”
PHOTO PROVIDED BY ANOMALY REALTY
the civilian
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Sowing change
HOW CAROLINA FOODSCAPES USES GARDENING TO GROW COMMUNITY AND WELLNESS
Certified Garden Coach and Therapeutic Horticulturalist
NaTasha Lax is changing the gardening game in Fayetteville.
Lax initially started a business to help people transition to vegetarianism or veganism, or even just to eat more vegetables. She was already a skilled gardener and decided that it would be a good idea to share her knowledge of growing food with these clients as well, so they could grow the veggies they wanted to add to their diet. That branch of the business took off, and Lax rebranded to Carolina Foodscapes about two years ago.
Potential clients schedule a consultation with Lax through her website. Once she’s worked with them to identify their needs and wants for their garden and has walked through their space, she creates a 3D rendering of the garden to show what the final product will look like before they install it. After the design is approved, the garden is installed, which can take anywhere from four hours to two days. Then, Lax remains available as a coach. For clients looking to be more hands-off, Carolina Foodscapes also offers maintenance packages where Lax will maintain the garden for them, teach them how to harvest everything or even do the harvesting herself if the client is unable to.
Carolina Foodscapes provides workshops and educational seminars to the community to empower people with the knowledge and skills needed to grow their own food. The business also invites people to join the GROW community, a community for those who are not ready to install a garden but want to start on their own and need some guidance.
In addition to helping home gardeners, Carolina Foodscapes partners with schools, businesses and other organizations to design custom gardens and deliver therapeutic horticulture programs. They build gardens and offer programming for nonprofits like Greater Life of Fayetteville, Myrover-Reese and Veggies for Vets. Lax shared that she is also working towards partnering with senior homes to provide her services, as she has learned about ways in which gardening can be therapeutic for people with dementia and memory issues.
labor typically associated with traditional gardening.
Lax is an advocate for sustainable living and community gardening. She founded Carolina Foodscapes to promote food security, environmental stewardship and community empowerment through innovative gardening projects.
Therapeutic horticulture is a practice that uses different activities to improve physical, mental, social and emotional well-being, and that happens through different kinds of activities. Lax provided several examples of how this could work.
“For instance, if we have a child or student who’s autistic, we would develop a garden specifically for them…we can have sensory gardens with specific smells and colors that would help calm them. Additionally, with dementia patients, we have a consultation to learn what they grew up around, so specific plants, maybe from childhood or a great part of life, that we could grow that could help trigger memories and improve their memory while they’re also in memory care. For those who have dexterity problems, we would use certain kinds of adaptive tools and all kinds of techniques to plant or harvest or tend that will help them build their muscles in their hands. So, depending on the situation, we basically do an interview to get all the information we can, and then we build their garden specifically around what challenge they’re trying to overcome,” explained Lax.
Lax is dedicated to growing as a student as well as a teacher. She is completing a Master of Professional Studies in Sustainable Food Systems, with an expected graduation in June 2026.
“When I started this degree, I
thought I knew exactly what I wanted to do, but as I was learning the material and the content they had us researching, I found a new passion. I’ve always been passionate about everybody having access to healthy and nutritious foods. But then, when I learned about how much food waste we have in America, and then doing the research here in Cumberland County, it’s astronomical. Our food waste levels, which are about 40% [in the U.S.], could feed all of the homeless. So my heart, it just broke, but I also developed this new passion to want to do something about that,” shared Lax.
For her capstone project, Lax has partnered with Cumberland County Schools to assist them in developing systems to divert food waste into efforts to feed the hungry and to compost wasted food that cannot be used to feed people.
Lax is still working to increase brand awareness and reach a wider audience with her services. Carolina Foodscapes is also working to debunk common misconceptions that hold people back from starting gardens. For instance, many people believe you can only grow food in the spring and that gardening is inherently back-breaking and time-consuming. In contrast, Carolina Foodscapes designs low-maintenance, no-till gardens that can support year-round growing in their region and significantly reduce the
The work Lax does is deeply personal, and she believes that it is reframing the historical relationship between Black people and agriculture.
“In this particular industry, growing food, in my culture, it can be frowned upon simply because of the history of Black people being slaves and working in the fields and things like that. So in my culture, having to reshape our mindset, but then also looking at the generations before me, my grandparents and their parents, how they farmed the land even after they were free to do what they wanted to do, I think is beautiful, and it’s amazing tribute to my family and to those who came before them,” shared Lax.
Lax chooses to reclaim her legacy as something beautiful and empowering. She is proud to come from a long line of innovators, providers and entrepreneurs.
“I have a family of entrepreneurs, so I feel like I’m following their footsteps, no matter the challenges that they faced, and that I still currently face, which is not surprising, just disappointing that I still have to deal with challenges as a Black woman in this industry, but it is what it is. But I’m able to stand proud and believe that my grandparents, my great grandparents, are looking like, ‘Yep, that’s my girl. She’s doing it,’ regardless of what happened before. But also, I get to learn through these challenges. So it’s really awesome to see, and the fact that my kids get to see it too. So I’m hoping that it passes down to at least one of my kids, so they can be a Black entrepreneur in our society and be successful and also be amazing examples for those coming after,” added Lax.
From personalized veggie garden designs and workshops to therapy and eliminating food waste, Carolina Foodscapes demonstrates the vast ways in which gardening can feed our bodies and our souls.
To learn more about Carolina Foodscapes, visit www.carolinafoodscapes.co
PHOTO PROVIDED BY MAC ELLIOTT MEDIA NaTasha
Birth and Women’s Care joins FirstHealth of the Carolinas
Birth and Women’s Care of Fayetteville has joined FirstHealth of the Carolinas as of Feb. 23, 2026. The practice is now FirstHealth OB/GYN-Cape Center, and is continuing to offer compassionate, comprehensive care for women at every stage of life.
Andre Hall, M.D., and Kelly Helton, FNP, remain with the practice, continuing their commitment to delivering high-quality care to women across the region. The clinic is still located at 3601 Cape Center Drive in Fayetteville, and the phone number, (910) 484-3101, also remains the same. Patients’ medical records will remain at the office, ensuring continuity of care.
“We are excited to welcome Dr. Hall and nurse practitioner Kelly Helton to the FirstHealth family,” said Dan Barnes, D.O., president of
Andre Hall, M.D., and Kelly Helton, FNP, remain with the practice, continuing their commitment to delivering high-quality care to women across the region.
FirstHealth Physician Group, in a press release. “Their commitment to compassionate, high-quality women’s care aligns closely with our core purpose, To Care for People, and support women and families throughout
every stage of life.”
The practice will continue to offer obstetrics and gynecology services, as well as primary care and weight management services.
“Joining FirstHealth marks an
>> Staff Report bizfayetteville.com
Pexciting next chapter for our practice,” said Dr. Hall in a press release. “We look forward to continuing to care for women and families with the support of a high-quality, community-focused health system.”
To support a smooth transition, the practice is operating with limited services from Feb. 23 through March 16, while staff are trained on FirstHealth’s electronic health record, billing and scheduling systems.
“While change can bring questions, our commitment to our patients remains the same—delivering the care you trust, from the same providers and team you know, now strengthened by the added support of FirstHealth,” added Dr. Hall in a press release.
PTT and SCC partner to establish new apprenticeships
ennsylvania Transformer Technology (PTT) and Sandhills Community College (SCC) have partnered to establish new registered pre-apprenticeships and apprenticeships in the welding and industrial electrician occupations.
A registered pre-apprenticeship is a short-term opportunity normally utilized for high school students designed to facilitate career exploration while introducing participants to industry skills and work-readiness to improve their chances of entering into a registered apprenticeship.
A registered apprenticeship is a long-term paid on-the-job career training program that includes classroom instruction that could lead to a credential, certificate or associate degree at Sandhills Community College.
In the past few weeks, there have been two industrial electri-
cian pre-apprentices from Hoke County High School, one welding pre-apprentice from Hoke County High School and one adult welding apprentice registered into programs at PTT.
Businesses interested in creating pre-apprenticeships and apprenticeships programs are encouraged to reach out to Jason Levister at (910) 695-3778 or levisterj@sandhills.edu.
Levister will help design a workbased learning experience aligned with industry standards and specific goals, attract the right talent, tap into a pool of motivated students eager to gain hands-on experience and give ongoing support.
More about these programs can be found at www.sandhills.edu/ workforce-development.
PHOTOS PROVIDED BY FIRSTHEALTH
PHOTO PROVIDED BY SANDHILLS COMMUNITY COLLEGE
PTT groundbreaking in Hoke County on Dec. 10, 2025.
Authenticity on the menu
HOW LEGACY ROLLS IS REDEFINING FAST CASUAL DINING
In a time where many restaurants chase trends, one Spring Lake business is looking backwards instead. A father-son team and their 150-year-old family recipe built Legacy Rolls from the ground up. Now, this fast casual spot brings an authenticity and commitment to quality you can’t find just anywhere.
“Between me and my dad its been a long-time dream to have a family business. We’ve both had a passion for food, and both had a passion for cooking,” said Justin Canada, co-owner of Legacy Rolls. “My grandfather remembers his grandfather making them for him.”
Legacy Rolls is dedicated to serving good food with better ingredients in the Fayetteville and Spring Lake area. The menu is built on the family’s signature sweet rolls. This versatile recipe is foundational for everything from the everyday staples to the decadent desserts and the rotating specials.
“It was our tradition during the holidays to make rolls, and every Christmas and every Thanksgiving my dad and grandpa would wake up really early to get the first batch of rolls out — there’d probably be 30-40 people at my grandpa’s house,” said Justin. “The rolls have always been something the men in my family did.”
Long before the idea of a storefront existed, the roll recipe lived in the Canada family kitchens. It was passed down from one generation to the next in the Canada family for well over a century. Opening Legacy Rolls made sure the tradition lived on.
“It’s literally history, the country’s on its 250th anniversary and this recipe has been around for at least half of it, and that’s history right there,” said Canada. “I want to say a lot of families have a recipe that’s been passed on for that long, especially being African-American, they are hard to track back, and I’m lucky that my family’s done a good job of holding onto it so far, and hopefully one day I’ll be making rolls with my kids.”
Legacy Rolls has an expansive space well-suited for hosting events. They recently partnered with Black Artists Forward to showcase an art exhibition. Spring Lake Fashion
Week is being hosted at Legacy Rolls at the end of March. Bible studies and other community groups meet at Legacy Rolls as well.
“That’s where we’re at. We wanted to make an impact on this community and show that Black-owned businesses can do something different
“
If I can impact some lives through food and through being a kind, caring individual who’s willing to listen, or if you’re having a bad day and I can just make you a cheeseburger, that’s the goal for me.”
— Justin Canada Co-owner, Legacy Rolls
in a classic way and set an example for people who want to build their own legacies,” said Canada. “Seeing
people come in every day and eat the food we make is still kinda crazy to me, but in the same breath, it’s a dream come true. It’s not always easy, but I think that’s always worth it.”
What separates Legacy Rolls from the rest is their commitment to quality.
“A lot of people try to cut corners and find ways where they can make it work and we’re just not doing that here, I think that’s really a priority for us in terms of giving people fresh food, real food, like there’s no frozen chicken patties back here, we’re prepping fries every day, they’re not from a box. Our rolls are only seven ingredients, it’s fresh, it’s different, it’s not fast food, it’s fast casual. I think it’s worth making the trip out to Spring Lake for us, we’ve had people drive all the way from Wilmington just to try a cinnamon roll...there’s not another place like us around here.”
Legacy Rolls is committed to providing high-quality, all-natural and non-processed ingredients to create an unforgettable dining experience.
“Since we’ve opened, the goal has been to raise the bar, to raise the standard of what we eat and
what we put into our bodies. One of the things we like to hang our hat on around here is even the flour we use is unbleached, there are no preservatives. We’re committed to giving people good food, and when you care more about what you put in your body, you’ll care more about what you put into your life.”
For the Canadas, the restaurant is more than a business venture, as successful as it is. Justin Canada views it more as a way to share their family tradition with the community, and hopefully serve as an inspiration for others as well.
“We’ve only been here a little bit less than a year, but I just think it’s so important as a young Black man is literally to be a person people can see,” said Canada. “Whether you’re a part of the staff or a customer, I just want you to feel like ‘Okay, I can do more.’ I think people don’t realize what they do every day is going to be their story. So if I can impact some lives through food and through being a kind, caring individual who’s willing to listen, or if you’re having a bad day and I can just make you a cheeseburger, that’s the goal for me.”
PHOTOS PROVIDED BY GFBJ & LEGACY ROLLS
Legacy Rolls’ menu includes a variety of sweet and savory dishes, including cheeseburger sliders, cinnamon rolls, fried chicken sliders, blueberry rolls and more. Located at 1161 N. Bragg Blvd., Spring Lake, N.C., Legacy Rolls opened in March of 2025. The business is run by a father and son duo and draws on over 150 years of family tradition and history.
BIZ LEADS
Reader’s Guide
BizLeads is a collection of information gathered from greater Fayetteville courthouses, state government offices and information websites. The listings are intended to help the business community find new customers and stay on top of happenings with current customers, vendors and competitors.
New Corporations lists firms from the Greater Fayetteville Business Journal region that were recently incorporated in the State of North Carolina.
Addresses are publicly available.
CUMBERLAND COUNTY
Hope Mills Police Foundation
5776 Rockfish Rd
Hope Mill
Agent: Kechia Kinsey
Top Tier
Entertainment LLC
626 Mont Dr Apt A Spring Lake Agent: Dwight Leander Solomon
Forward Global Solutions LLC 517 Swan Island Ct
Fayetteville Agent: Ezra Nnani
Adails Helping Hands
269 N Windsor Dr Fayetteville Agent: LaKisha Shante' Edwards
