Business
FIRST LOOK: Mag’s Marketplace π

Can you believe it has been over three years since Warrenton’s only grocery store, Just Save closed its doors for the final time?

Korita Steverson, owner and visionary of Mag’s Marketplace/ π· Stephan Pruitt Photography
Since then, residents have pursued other means to secure their groceries. But, even with two Food Lion locations in the area (Norlina and Littleton), its absence in the county seat has been glaring.
Last June, The Warrenist broke the news that Warrenton would FINALLY be getting a grocery store. Korita Steverson, the visionary behind Mag’s Marketplace revealed on an episode of The Warrenist LIVE, she secured the old Just Save building on East Macon Street, and has worked extensively with investors and strategic partners on opening a grocery store that not only the community wants, but one “the community deserves.”
Mag’s Marketplace, which is named after her maternal grandmother, will be a full featured public market focused around food.
“We believe small rural communities do not have to settle for only dry and processed foods that lack the taste and healing power of fresh foods. We will focus on sourcing foods from local growers to increase the quality, variety and nutrition of foods while offering competitive prices. Special attention and focus will be given to the needs and diversity of populations in the communities we serve. We seek to partner with local growers to provide fresh produce and meats and will include unique and specialty products where there is demand.” – Korita Steverson
Mag’s Marketplace has a slated opening for June 2022.
In the meantime, take a look below at what she has envisioned…π

Artist rendering of the highly anticipated Mag’s Marketplace/Jessica Crews (Jubi Creations, LLC)
Wanna learn more about Mag’s Marketplace?
The community will have the opportunity to hear directly from Steverson and Warrenton Towne Village proprietors, Stacy Woodhouse and Randall Robinson on Friday, December 10th at 6:30pm. They will announce plans to develop additional nearby parcels for housing, offices, and retail.
For your dining pleasure, food trucks Chewly Delicious, SoulBachi, Lil Sumn Sumn, and Steve’s Sno Kone Kups will be on the grounds, and would greatly appreciate your support. π
Follow Mag’s Marketplace on Facebook and Instagram.
SPOTTED: New signage in the window
WARRENIST LIVE: Exclusive Announcement

Business
VGCC SBC Honors Warren County Small Businesses
The ceremony honored 13 Warren County entrepreneurs and community leaders on Feb. 27.

The Vance-Granville Community College (VGCC) Small Business Center hosted its third annual Small Business Awards Ceremony at Seven Springs Farms and Vineyard in Norlina, where they celebrated 13 Warren County-based businesses and community leaders, recognizing their contributions to the local economy and community. The ceremony, which was held on February 27, was in partnership with The Gateway Community Development Corporation (CDC) of Vance County and sponsored by NC IDEA.
The VGCC Small Business Center, led by Director Carolyn Perry, has been instrumental in supporting local entrepreneurs through resources, training, and mentorship. The annual awards ceremony highlights the achievements of small businesses that have demonstrated resilience, innovation, and commitment to community development.
The honorees were in three categories according to the length they have been in business: Startups (3-5 years), Established (5-10 years); and Legacy (10+).
HONOREES:
STARTUPS
Peanut & Zelbβs Produce Market, 137 Hyco Street, Norlina
Warren Animal Feed, 102 College Street, Warrenton
Sisterly Dreams
Presenter: Kyle Burwell, Dean, Business and Industry Solutions, VGCC
ESTABLISHED
Oliver Family Farm
Crews Balloons, https://www.crewsballoons.com
Lake Gaston Coffee, 104 Wellington Way, Littleton
Seven Springs Farms and Vineyard, 332 Axtell-Ridgeway Road, Norlina
Sweet Delights Cookies and Things
Presenter: Megan Williams, Economic Development Specialist, Warren County Community and Economic Development
LEGACY
Just Flowers, 138 S Main Street, Warrenton
Kim’s Vineyard and Winery, 408 Largo Road, Norlina
WARR 1520 AM, 824 US Hwy 158 Bus. W, Warrenton
Awesome God Christian Bookstore, 130 S. Main Street, Warrenton
Presenter: Dr. Jerry Edmonds, Vice President of Workforce & Community Engagement, VGCC
Community and Economic Development Award:
Jametrice Alston Jones, owner of @4 Girls and a Comb and Rock & Fortress Production Company, 144 S. Main Street, Warrenton
Presenter: Crystal Myrick, Warrenist
The event was catered by local Warren County food truck, Kings Smoke-N-Soul.
Business
PHOTOS: Warren County Industry and Education Breakfast (February 2025)
Over 50 community stakeholders consisting of business owners, educators, elected officials, and industry leaders met for good eats and good discussion at the Warren County Industry and Education Breakfast on Feb. 26.

Over 50 community stakeholders consisting of business owners, educators, elected officials, and industry leaders met for good eats and good discussion at the Warren County Industry and Education Breakfast on Feb. 26.
Hosted by the Warren County Community and Economic Development team, the event was held in the Warren County Armory Civic Center and provided a unique opportunity for fellow business leaders, educators, and key stakeholders to connect and discuss shaping the future of workforce readiness in Warren County.
Special guest speaker, Brett Brenton of MyFutureNC presented key information about Warren County to further guide attendees in how they can bridge the gap between industry needs and educational opportunities.
Minds were opened, business cards were exchanged, and potential collaborations were born.
We look forward to seeing how these new and renewed connections will flourish in our community, specifically for the betterment of our next generation.
Photo Credit: Crystal Myrick / Warrenist
Business
VIDEO: A Look at “Warren County, NC: From the Ground Up”
In partnership with Capitol Broadcasting Company, Inc., Warren County Community and Economic Development released a video today highlighting several businesses in the area.

In partnership with Capitol Broadcasting Company, Inc., Warren County Community and Economic Development released “Warren County, NC: From the Ground Up,” a video highlighting our diverse businesses and organizations in the area.
Warren County’s passion and commitment to building and thriving locally are the driving force behind our community’s success and culture. Itβs that dedication and commitment to community that has been the backbone of our county for years. Hear from some of our small businesses about our community’s values that are the foundation for success.
Small businesses featured (in order of appearance):
AF Wake (https://afwake.com);
Working Landscapes and ByWay Foods (https://bywayfoods.com/);
Brown Family Farms (https://brownfamilyfarmscsa.com);
Kings Fitness (https://www.kingsfitnessnc.com/);
Lake Gaston Outfitters (https://www.lakegastonoutfitters.com/)
Rockin’ E Ranch (facebook.com/rockin.e.ranch)
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CHI
December 4, 2021 at 10:56 pm
Excellent article and display!! Thank you.
Crystal
December 5, 2021 at 9:38 am
Thank you, CHI!
Antonio
December 9, 2021 at 3:53 pm
I want to be the for in line for a job Iβm a great stocker I have 2 years experience
Crystal
December 9, 2021 at 9:37 pm
We’ll keep you posted about job opportunities.
Aaron silver
December 10, 2021 at 6:49 am
Wonderful news. So glad to hear it, Warrenton deserves a nice grocery store
Crystal
December 10, 2021 at 8:20 am
Yes, it does. It will serve the community and surrounding areas very well.
Susan Harris
December 10, 2021 at 7:46 pm
The rendering shows vision and imagination. It is exactly what we need – fabulous – stylish – warm – inviting. CAN’T WAIT!!! quilt lizzy
Crystal
December 10, 2021 at 9:42 pm
Yes, and everything inside of the building will look amazing, too!