Variety with a View
COMING RIGHT UP
If you’re looking for an outdoor, family-friendly, and highly customizable dining experience, look no further than The BackYard, a new food court on Route 221 in Forest. Featuring nearly a dozen food trucks with diverse offerings, The BackYard is the perfect spot for casual outdoor dining.
The BackYard is part of Duff Development Group’s Burnbridge Crossing development. The process of breathing new life into the 12-acre development has happened in many stages, and the demolition of Carol’s Place was one of the most important—and bittersweet—of those stages.
“Carol’s Place was a landmark,” says Charles C. “Chip” Duff, Jr., founder of Duff Development Group. “We really wanted it to be there, but the building was in too bad of shape to save it, so we started looking at other ideas for that piece of property.”
After considering opening a farmers market, Duff Development ultimately decided to proceed with an outdoor food court. A highly successful grand opening event on May 1 indicated this was the right decision.
“We’re fortunate to have the right product at the right time,” Duff says. “People are anxious to get out and do things. Food courts are something you’re going to see happening more and more in the future. They allow everyone in a family or group to get what they want but still spend time together.”
The BackYard also boasts something most food courts don’t have: a spectacular view.
“The great thing about the location is that you can look across the road and see a beautiful vista and mountain,” Duff notes. “That property is in a conservation easement and will be there for a long time to come. That view will not change.”
Additionally, select Friday and Saturday nights are designated “Campfire Nights” and feature wood-burning fire pits. Plans for drive-in movies and live music are also in the works.
At the time of writing this article, ten food trucks are confirmed vendors at The BackYard: Papa O’s Dog House, The Pied Piper, Pok-E-Joe’s BBQ, Blue Ribbon Pie Shop, Tacos Al Pastor, JD’s Mobile Café, Cowlicks Homemade Ice Cream, Wings N Things, Corny Kettlers, and Rolled or Bowled. Another truck is in the process of being added to the lineup, and Duff says that there is room for one more. Food truck hours are set by each individual truck
“The group of vendors we have is fantastic,” says Duff. “They all work together to avoid stepping on each other’s toes with their menu offerings. There really is something for everyone.”
Duff also appreciates the community partners who help The BackYard thrive.
“You’ll notice that a variety of businesses have sponsored tabletops and benches to get visibility in the community,” he says.
As COVID-19 restrictions continue to ease and warm weather draws more and more people outside, The BackYard stands to have a flourishing summer season filled with food, family, and fun.
The BackYard
15173 Forest Rd, Forest
thebackyardforestva.com
Follow them on Facebook for upcoming events: @backyardeventsforestva
