Good Morning Virginia Beach!

There’s a lot happening around VB right now, from major new openings at the Oceanfront to a big community event bringing locals together all weekend long. We’re also covering a viral Norfolk story making national headlines, Mother’s Day happenings around town, and more local updates worth adding to your radar.

Let’s get into it!

— Kim Checcio

OWN THE BEACH DAY is happening this Saturday, May 9, and local businesses all across Virginia Beach are joining in for a full day of specials, fun, and community support.

More than 50 local restaurants, shops, bars, attractions, and entertainment spots are participating with $10 specials throughout the day. It’s a chance to explore the beach area, support local businesses, and make a day out of everything Virginia Beach has to offer.

Eat. Shop. Play. Support Local.

👉🏼 Click Here: See participating businesses and specials

Looking for a Mother’s Day outing this weekend? Apricot Lane is hosting a full day of shopping, treats, and pop-ups this Saturday, May 9.

Here’s what’s happening:
• 15% off storewide
• Complimentary sips + sweet treats
• Fairy hair with Whimsy Pixies (3–7pm)
• Permanent jewelry + charm bar with Dainty & Dazzled (3–7pm)

Whether you’re shopping for Mom, spending time together, or just looking for a fun local outing, this sounds like a cute stop to add to your weekend plans.

An ODU senior just turned a class project inspired by the viral “six-seven” social media trend into a real product that’s now launching nationwide. The idea caught the attention of Perdue Foods and quickly grew into a major collaboration, with the new chicken nugget product heading to grocery store freezer aisles across the country. What started as a local internet trend has now become a national business success story.

👉🏼 Click Here: See how an ODU project became a nationwide launch

“My husband and I met at a gun range. We both really enjoy target practice (he used to compete), but found it unsustainable to do so regularly after having kids. We love that through Laser MADE Simulated Range we can offer a safe, family-friendly opportunity for people to build real skills while having a ton of fun (and saving money on ammo!)

I believe that we make learning and practicing firearm skills and safe practices accessible to the community. Individuals who are not confident enough to go to a live-fire range are able to learn and train in a low-risk environment. Additionally, as it is less expensive than shooting with real ammunition, our business helps remove the financial barrier to proper training and practice. We also offer classes in order to teach safety fundamentals and responsible ownership.”

👉🏼 Click Here: Learn more at Laser MADE Simulated Range

The Hampton Social officially plans to open June 11 at Atlantic Park, bringing its first Virginia location to the Oceanfront development next to The Dome. The two-story, 10,547-square-foot restaurant will seat nearly 600 guests, including a patio overlooking the surf lagoon. Known for its coastal-inspired aesthetic and “Rosé All Day” vibe, the popular brand already has 13 locations nationwide. The menu will include lobster rolls, shrimp tacos, wagyu smashburgers, steak options, cocktails, brunch, happy hour, and late-night dining. Virginia Beach will also be home to the brand’s first-ever late-night cocktail lounge opening later this year, making this one of Atlantic Park’s biggest additions yet.

👉🏼 Click Here: Learn more about The Hampton Social

Another restaurant has launched at Atlantic Park this week. Only at Renee’s moved from their Red Mill location and is currently in their soft launch at the oceanfront.