Go Fredericksburg

In the heart of historic downtown Fredericksburg, a culinary adventure began in 2011 with the founding of FOODE by Joy Crump and Beth Black. Born out of a simple desire to serve food crafted with the best local ingredients and packed with love, FOODE quickly evolved from a home-based endeavor into a community cornerstone. By listening to the voices of the Fredericksburg residents, Crump and Black tailored FOODE into a reflection of the community's desires and tastes, ensuring that every visitor walked out feeling more like a friend than a customer.

Expansion

Since its inception, FOODE has experienced significant growth and expansion, welcoming siblings such as Mercantile and the microbrewery 6 Bears & A Goat into its family. Now residing in the Historic National Bank Building, FOODE has solidified its presence in Fredericksburg, not just through its location but also through its commitment to quality and community. The connection FOODE has fostered with local food lovers, staff, and growers illustrates a mutually beneficial relationship that has enriched the dining experience. The emphasis on sourcing the best ingredients and maintaining high culinary standards remains the foundation of FOODE’s philosophy, guided by the principle of doing everything with love.

The Founders

Joy Crump, with a culinary degree from the Art Institute of Atlanta and over 15 years of experience in the culinary industry, co-founded FOODE with not just a vision for a restaurant, but a passion for community and culinary excellence. Her achievements include competing on "Top Chef," cooking at the prestigious James Beard House, and actively participating in the James Beard Foundation’s Impact Programs. This has not only set a high standard for FOODE’s culinary endeavors but has also placed Crump at the forefront of advocating for change and policy improvement within the food industry. Beth Black, whose career transition from award-winning television network news producer to restaurant owner, brings a unique blend of media savvy and an intimate understanding of Virginia’s socio-economic landscape to the table. Having lived in Virginia since 1984, her deep roots and experience in journalism and the food industry have contributed significantly to the operational excellence and community engagement success of FOODE. Together, Crump and Black’s diverse backgrounds and shared commitment to their community have carved out a niche for FOODE in Fredericksburg’s vibrant food scene, making it much more than a restaurant but a beacon of community and cuisine. Source: foodefredericksburg.com Header Image Source: foodefredericksburg.com