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☆ Busy Week for Music at Dr. Pepper Park

☆ Busy Week for Music at Dr. Pepper Park

Mac & Bob’s ownership news, first day of school dates, and Hinder’s Roanoke stop.

August 11, 2025

Good morning, Roanoke! It’s August 11th, and wow—do we have a lot for you today. From a beloved Salem restaurant changing hands to the first school buses of the season hitting the roads, it’s been a busy week in the Noke.

In today’s Around the Noke:

Mac & Bob’s new ownership
Hinder at Dr Pepper Park
Back-to-school dates you’ll want to save

Let’s get into it!

The Digest

🏡 Angels of Assisi’s Fresh New Digs

Angels of Assisi made their big move Friday, August 8, settling into their sparkling new home at 725 Franklin Road SW. Adoptable pets even paraded from the old location to the new—now that’s a grand entrance.

The doors are open daily from 1–5 PM starting Monday, August 11. Stop by, say hello, and maybe meet your new best friend.

🍕 Mac & Bob’s Passing the Torch

After 45 years of calzones, cold beer, and warm hospitality, Mac & Bob’s founders Bob Rotanz and Joe Dishaw are hanging up their aprons—though not disappearing entirely. They’re passing their 330-seat Salem restaurant (which began as a humble 10-stool sub shop) to new owners Dave Magrogan and Jeff Larsen.

The duo spent months behind the scenes learning the ropes and promise the same staff, recipes, and even the uniforms—though a few light bulbs might get swapped out. Rotanz will stay on as a consultant to keep the magic alive.

🚌 Back-to-School

School’s back in session around the valley, which means… yes, more time behind that big yellow bus on your morning commute. Plan accordingly.

Here’s when classes kick off:
• Botetourt County – Mon, Aug 11
• Craig County – Mon, Aug 11
• Bedford County – Wed, Aug 13
• Floyd County – Wed, Aug 13
• Roanoke County – Thu, Aug 14
• Salem City – Mon, Aug 18
• Roanoke City – Tue, Aug 19
• Franklin County – Thu, Aug 21

Adopt Pets

This week’s lineup is too cute to miss. Meet Biggie & Smalls, a 10-month-old bonded pair of Domestic Shorthair siblings who are affectionate “stage-five clingers.” They’ve overcome a rough start and now even cuddle up with their foster’s Great Danes.

Also, say hello to Peter Barker, a young Hound mix with superhero-level zoomies and a nose that never misses a treat.

House of the Week

2603 Rutrough RD, Roanoke, VA 24014: This A-frame log cabin is pure Blue Ridge magic—tucked into more than six acres of creek-lined woods but just minutes from town. Wildlife, a barn for animals or hobbies, and wrap-around decks that make you feel like you’re in a treehouse. Inside, you’ll find three cozy levels, an updated kitchen, gas fireplace, and a lofted office.

Local Businesses

Salem’s about to get a taste of hoagies, coffee, and soft-pretzel goodness—construction is officially underway on one of Southwest Virginia’s first Wawa stores. 🥪 Crews are turning dirt on West Main Street, and locals are already buzzing about their new late-night snack and road-trip fuel stop. Keep your eyes peeled next time you’re in Salem.

WHAT’S HAPPENIN’

Upcoming events that you do not want to miss this week.

If you see “$” in the event description, that means it is a paid event. Events with no “$” are free to attend!

Multi-Day Events
⚾ USSSA Back to School Brawl @ Botetourt Sports Complex & multiple venues | $ | Botetourt County/Roanoke/Salem | 9 AM–9 PM | (details)

Wednesday - Aug 13
🎸 Hinder @ Dr Pepper Park | $ | Roanoke | 6–10 PM | (details)
🎷 Devon Allman Blues Summit @ Coves Amphitheater | $ | Union Hall | 6–10 PM | (details)

Thursday - Aug 14
🏖️ Delta Dental Party in Elmwood @ Elmwood Park | $ | Roanoke | 5:30–8:30 PM | (details)
🤠 Colt Ford @ Dr Pepper Park | $ | Roanoke | 6–10 PM | (details)

Friday - Aug 15
🎶 Sara Evans @ Dr Pepper Park | $ | Roanoke | 6–10 PM | (details)
🎩 Justin Willman: One For the Ages Tour @ Berglund Performing Arts Theatre | $ | Roanoke | 7–9 PM | (details)

LIVE MUSIC

Monday – Aug 11
Big Lick Brewing | Irish Music Session | 6:30 PM
Fork in the Market | Music Bingo | 6:00 PM

Tuesday – Aug 12
Big Lick Brewing | Music Bingo with Nathan | 6:30 PM
Martin’s Downtown | Request Line w/ Jared Stout | 8:30 PM

Wednesday – Aug 13
Martin’s Downtown | Reggae Night hosted by The Ambassador | 9:30 PM

Sunday – Aug 17
Market Square Plaza | Night of Worship | 5:00 PM
Floyd Country Store | Sunday Music Jam (Old-Time 1:30 PM • Bluegrass 4:00 PM)

Weather

Monday
84° 🌡️ 68° | 🌧️ | 40% | 💨 E 6 mph (5 knots)

Tuesday
87° 🌡️ 70° | ⛈️ | 40% | 💨 SW 6 mph (5 knots)

Wednesday
90° 🌡️ 70° | ⛈️ | 50% | 💨 W 5 mph (4 knots)

Thursday
90° 🌡️ 70° | ⛈️ | 50% | 💨 NW 3 mph (3 knots)

Friday
88° 🌡️ 70° | ⛈️ | 50% | 💨 E 5 mph (4 knots)

Saturday
88° 🌡️ 70° | ⛈️ | 50% | 💨 E 5 mph (4 knots)

Sunday
89° 🌡️ 70° | ⛈️ | 30% | 💨 NE 3 mph (3 knots)

💧🌡️ Smith Mountain Lake water temp = 81 ºF

See y’all around the Noke! 👋