The Plank Road Exchange (the former Batesville Store) is now open. And the sandwich I had was delicious. I’ll be back.
I was showing property to clients this morning and we went through Batesville. We drove past the Plank Road Exchange, and I made a U-turn because I saw their “Open” sign. Conveniently, my clients’ baby needed food, so the stop was well-timed (and they’re great new clients moving to the Crozet area). I took a few photos, got a juice, and left. Later today, I met another client and was supposed to meet a contractor who was serendipitously late. While waiting, we looked at the menu and decided to make a quick run to the Plank Road Exchange, and I’m glad we did.
While there, the store was what I’d hoped it would be – a place to get a fantastic sandwich (try the MC-50!*), the sides looked great and it looks like their ABC license is in the works … but what really defined the store was the friendliness of the proprietors, Aris and Jessica, their exuberance and the community they are facilitating. My client ran into her friend while we were there, a group of people were eating lunch and having what seemed to be great conversation, kids were running around (without being brow-beaten to be quiet by their parents), the pie was “delectable” … the Plank Road Store, which opened this past Saturday, was perfect.
Their opening is exciting – Batesville (based on my clients’ words, not mine; I don’t live there) – needs this store, needs this hub, needs this gathering and meeting place. I’m glad they’re open.
Or, as Lonnie Murray said:
“The store has been the cornerstone of our community and we’re really glad to see it opened again.”
Find them: (they say they’ll have “live music on the weekend”!)
– On Facebook
– On their website (under construction)
– On Twitter
* I would have taken a picture of my sandwich but I was way too hungry!
I am lucky enough to know Jessica– her zest for life and food are 5 stars– cheers to all of you for being able to share in her success!
Jessica and Aris are very good friends of mine, Her son Rocco, (who is my sons long lost twin and his best friend) Move there recently and opened this store! Im DYING to go check it out! We miss and love you guys 🙂Â
The people over there are very friendly.
Just enjoyed a wonderful time with a girlfriend and we both agree’d the sandwich’s we had were the best we’ve had…..I am so pleased that this charming retreat is back and available to us again. Â Thank you for making it happen. Â I wish for the new owners a history rich with success.
Shannon
We live in Batesville and LOVE this store! Ot is every bit as friendly as when Norm ran it, and the sandwiches are amazing! Love the Rachel!
Stopped in on my way home last week after working late and snagged an awesome slice of pork roast and a fabulous mac & cheese for dinner at their “grab and go”.
They are wonderful, and Rocco is an added bonus!
My girlfriend and i met this couple (aria and jessica) running a b&b in luray and had one of the most incredible meals ever and they said they were looking to do this. So excited to hit it up!
*aris
Jim, can we use your Flickr slideshow on cvillepedia?Â
Absolutely. Thanks, Sean!