Moe’s Southwest Grill celebrated its ribbon cutting with the Pulaski County and Radford City Chambers of Commerce last Wednesday.

Owners Mickey and Angela Baker, who reside in Bristol, Tennessee, have a long track-record of maintaining franchises. Mickey opened his first franchise 23 years ago and hasn’t looked back since. He says a third Moe’s location will be opening in Morrisville, Tennessee in two weeks.

Jeff Price, owner of Tyler Avenue’s multi-use building, welcomed the Bakers and Moe’s to Radford saying the restaurant is a perfect fit for the long-vacant corner location.

The event brought many familiar faces from both Pulaski County and Radford City, including Radford University’s President Hemphill and many department heads, Representative Jennifer Fedinisin from Congressman Morgan Griffith’s office, and Mayor of Radford Bruce Brown, among others. Pulaski Chamber president Danielle Hiatt and Radford Chamber president David Horton were also in attendance.

In addition to offering free food on the day of their ribbon cutting, Moe’s allowed the Bobcat Backpacks program to set up during the event to collect donations and helped the organization raise $1000.

The mission of the Bobcat Backpacks program is to meet the needs of hungry children in the community during the school year. On average it takes $700 a week to feed 100 Radford City Public School students.

Moe’s opened for business at 314 Tyler Ave. on Jan. 12 and will be open from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.

— Submitted by Christiana Marjakangas