A Century at the Counter

Moore’s Country Store celebrates 100 years of hot dogs, heritage, and a community that keeps coming back

By: Jeremy Angione / Photos By: Ashlee Glen

Moore’s Country Store recently celebrated its 100-year anniversary by opening its doors to the community that has supported it for generations—serving its trademark hotdogs and other festive favorites.

Owner and Vice President of Moore’s Country Store, Jennifer Moore, said Herman and Della Moore originally opened the business on July 4, 1926, under the name Riverside Station. Over time, local patrons dubbed the eatery as Moore’s Country Store, a name that has endured to this day.

“Moore’s is built around a long-standing tradition of community, food, and family. This dedication to being welcoming and attentive is what helps us maintain the sense of community that Moore’s is known for,” Jennifer said.

David Moore grew up in and around the store that his grandparents opened. After he and Jennifer married, they went on to purchase the business from David’s parents in 1999.

Jennifer began her career at Moore’s as a cashier, but quickly recognized the value of understanding every role within the business.

Moore’s centennial celebration drew a crowd of loyal customers and first-timers alike who enjoyed desserts, festive decorations, and Moore’s trademark hotdogs.

“We couldn’t have asked for a better day. We were able to spend time with almost everyone that came in, even meeting new people throughout the day. It was truly memorable,” Jennifer recalled.

One of the most consistent themes behind Moore’s continued success is its commitment to authentic relationships with the community—relationships that extend far beyond transactions.

“We have long lasting friendships with many of the customers, former and current employees, and vendors. We’ve watched children grow into adults. We have been part of celebrations from birthdays, graduations, and even weddings. We’ve been part of the hard and sad parts of people’s lives and they have been part of ours,” Jennifer mused.

Admittedly, after years of driving past Moore’s flagship location swearing I’d try it one day, I finally stopped in for the first time on the day of the celebration. The shop was bustling as guests trickled in and staff members continued to decorate. Despite the busyness of the store, the atmosphere still felt warm and welcoming, just as Jennifer suggested.

To feel like my visit was complete, I made it my mission to have at least two of Moore’s famous hotdogs. I made sure to load mine with cheese and Moore’s equally famous chili. The ingredients are simple, fresh, and housemade, but still manage to make for a memorable meal that even its owners can’t resist.

Jennifer says her favorites are a “Moore’s Original Hot Dog, without onions, with a mix of the sweet, beefy chili and the hot spicy chili. I also love our house-made chicken salad and our fresh ground beef burgers. You just can’t pick one item.”

To commemorate the history of Moore’s Country Store, the Moores commissioned muralist Michael Twery to paint a visual history of the shop, from its humble beginnings to the current day.

“Michael worked closely with our daughter, Savannah, to ensure the mural captured the spirit and legacy of Moore’s,” Jennifer explained.

One of the most memorable parts of the Moore’s experience is the tree growing right through the roof of the store’s front entrance. Not only is it a unique visual marker for any passersby, but more poignantly, it serves as a visual representation of the Moore’s legacy.

According to Jennifer, in 1974, the original store was badly burned by a fire caused by fireworks in the store that had been set alight by a stray cigarette. Bill Moore, David’s father, saw the reconstruction as an opportunity to add a small tree as a unique element of Moore’s next phase of life.

“What started as a slender trunk only three inches wide has since grown and become a distinctive part of Moore’s.

The tree is nourished by a creek that runs beneath the store, making it an integral element of both the structure and the story of Moore’s Country Store,” Jennifer said.

Of course, over 100 years of operation, Moore’s has seen its fair share of changes. From new locations to creating its own line of products distributed throughout Virginia, Jennifer asserts that the most challenging pivots have been the move to more viable employee benefits, such as health coverage, and the implementation of up to date internet and technology that any century old business would have to adjust to.

“Despite these obstacles, we remained determined to move forward. Our entire crew adapted to every new hurdle, embracing a ‘let’s do this’ attitude. Through every change, we worked together, stayed positive, and kept finding ways to succeed as a team,” Jennifer said.

According to Jennifer, Moore’s Country Store plans to stay the course in order to keep the doors open for the next 100 years.

“We will continue to serve the community to the best of our ability. We will keep our sense of family, tradition, and great, quality food. Our goal is to maintain this location and to extend the reach of our hotdogs, Moore’s Coleslaw, Moore’s Beef Chili and Moore’s Original Hot Dog Chili with Moore’s Original Brands,” Jennifer said.

For anyone who has yet to experience the rich legacy of Moore’s Country Store and all of its products, the flagship location is right on Richmond Highway, marked by that peculiar tree jutting through the front entrance roof.  

You can also find more information about Moore’s and find where all their products are available at moorescountrystore.com.