Gather Underneath NWP's Outdoor Pavilion.

BIO: Joe’s culinary journey began in a small rural Oklahoma town, where he worked at his aunt and uncle’s roadside café, Biscuit Hill. There, he developed a passion for the restaurant business and classic American roadside grills. “Part of my pay was free food. As a 12-year-old, I could have as many burgers as I wanted. I fell in love with the restaurant business—the energy, the food, and especially interacting with customers.”

As a young adult, Joe worked in renowned destinations such as Yellowstone, the Grand Tetons, and Vail, consistently finding his way into the kitchen.

After relocating to the Northern Neck 23 years ago, Joe became a fixture in local kitchens, ultimately purchasing Terrie’s Place in 2023. Now operating as Joe’s Grill with “crazy good food,” he serves signature Oklahoma-style smash onion burgers—patties pressed with thinly sliced sweet onions, butter, American cheese, toasted buns, and mustard—alongside hand-breaded onion rings and house-made fried chicken. “I’ve spent the past 12 or 13 years perfecting the craft of artisan pizza,” Joe shares.

Joe’s dedication to wood-fired pizzas is evident in his use of Italian Caputo “00” flour, local water, salt, yeast, olive oil, and a high-hydration, long-fermented dough. He believes this technique creates a lighter, more digestible crust, which is then baked in a live-fire oven reaching 700–1000°F.

Visit Joe’s Grill, located at 469 N Main St, Kilmarnock, Monday through Thursday, 10:30 AM to 4:00 PM, and Friday and Saturday, 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM.

BIO: After 37 years in the restaurant business, Jay made the leap from traditional brick-and-mortar dining to launch a food truck dedicated to serving up high-quality burgers, lobster rolls, and a unique open-air dining vibe.

“To me, this is the American dream,” Jay says. “It’s all about that outdoor, casual, fun, energized vibe—when you picture a small town, you think of quality, integrity, and just pure fun. Kids love coming here. Grandparents bring their grandkids. Parents relax and play a little cornhole. It’s for everyone.”

Launched in January 2023 with his two sons, Duke and Rock, Small Town Burger embodies the “American dream” spirit. The experience is about more than just food—visitors are welcomed by beautifully landscaped spaces, lively music, warm lighting, and thoughtful touches like premium tables, umbrellas, and spotless restrooms. Serving signature flavors six days a week in Kilmarnock and Urbanna, plus a mobile unit for special events and catering, Small Town Burger stands out as a destination for those who appreciate—and expect—something special. Jay’s vision is clear: create a place where families and friends gather and memories are made. Beyond the menu, Jay’s deep-rooted commitment to the community shines through. He partners with local suppliers, supports neighboring businesses, and works alongside town leaders to make public spaces even more welcoming. For Jay and his team, Small Town Burger is more than a business; it’s a celebration of small-town pride and progress.

Jay’s upcoming “The Perfect Pairing: Premium Smashed Burgers & Coastal Lobster Rolls” chef event at NWP will spotlight his signature dishes and his knack for building lasting partnerships—from working with local suppliers to collaborating on community events. It’s all part of Jay’s philosophy: strong marketing and authentic relationships are the secret sauce for growing Small Town Burger across small-town America.

Kick back in Small Town Burger’s inviting open-air spaces. Stroll up to the food cart or order from your phone—when your meal’s ready, enjoy it beside a crackling fire pit or under a shady umbrella at a picnic table.

Small Town Burger offers two locations: 81 S. Main Street, Kilmarnock, and 241 Virginia Street, Urbanna. Go to Small Town Burger’s social media pages or visit smalltownburger.com for hours and additional information.

BIO: Brandon Frazier is an arborist with Bartlett Tree Experts, providing tree services in the Northern Neck and Richmond, Virginia. He also serves as president of the Lancaster by the Bay Chamber of Commerce, where he advocates for local businesses and community development.

Learn more about Brandon at barlett.com.