RONCEVERTE W.Va. (WVDN) – It is easy to be truly impressed with the truly amazing people behind two Ronceverte businesses, Jorge and Chris Rodriguez. Impressed with the dedication, devotion and concern for the city they call home. Enlightened as to all the projects, events and infrastructure they are involved in and disconcerted when learning of the level of hate that exists when diversity and courage refuse to be bullied. The Rodriquez’s are two incredibly hard-working folks who have spent the last four years creating lasting philanthropic projects and offering citizens employment opportunities, as well as being a cornerstone in supplying our region with delicious, gluten-free fare.
The Rodriguez Duo, are proprietors of the Hollerwood House Inn and The RNCVRT Restaurant in downtown Ronceverte. The clever creation of the name is indicative of the level of thought put behind anything these two attempt. When saying the name of the restaurant, you speak the name of the city! Kind of neat to commit to memory that way. And the purchase of The Edgarton Inn, now known as The Hollerwood Inn, is another “jeu de mot” for name recognition. Chris Rodriguez is a native West Virginian who shows his passion for all things West Virginia, although he spent many years in California, in the naming of their Inn. It is common knowledge that a holler in West Virginia is a familiar word meaning a small valley in which folk love to live and where many ancestors did live. Coupled with the memories of California and her Hollywood sign and his love for West Virginia, you have The Hollerwood Inn! As their website says, “Having lived in Los Angeles before settling down in Ronceverte, Chris Rodriguez and Jorge loved the subtle similarities in the aesthetic of both worlds. From the bold patterns and earthy tones to the rustic charm and artsy community, they have found that joining the two worlds together creates an aesthetically pleasing and authentically expressive version of who they are in one place with one vision and all heart.”
The super-duo recently spoke about their hopes and dreams. During Covid they visited Chris Rodriguez’ River City hometown, subsequently, the couple discussed their willingness to leave everything to be committed residents in Greenbrier County. To do whatever they could to raise West Virginia to the heights she is capable of.
Chris Rodriguez had been familiar with Kathy King, the previous owner of the RNCVRT, and subsequently purchased the bright and colorful building. Planning to live in their previously owned apartment complex, the opportunity presented itself to purchase the inn, as well. Four years later, the community celebrates the achievements of the couple in assisting in Ronceverte’s revitalization. The inn is a historic beauty built in 1810, remodeled in 1870, and added to in 1910. The Hollerwood is a majestic Victorian-style home, with towering cupolas and belvedere-ish roofing. It is nestled on a busy corner in Ronceverte behind giant boxwoods, ivy, and a stone fence. Each room is a lovely, thoughtful shade that complements the sunlight in unique ways. The eclectic artwork, knick-knacks and furnishings express the whimsical and lighthearted spirit of the historical property. They have many plans for the one-acre property such as manicuring the lawns, removing and moving hedges, tackling the English Ivy, adding porches, and installing concrete walkways and slabs for events, musicians, weddings and more. Dreams consist of catering weddings, wedding parties, receptions, overnight guests, showers, outdoor movie nights, luncheons and more. The inn has already been open for over a year and reviews of the stays have been overwhelmingly positive. Taken from the Hollerwood House website, “We are here to help you let your hair down and have fun. From fitness classes to game nights, movie nights, book clubs, rehearsal dinners to quinceañeras [or] anything your imagination can create, we are here to help facilitate a night in with your friends and family.” When staying at the Inn, guests receive a discount for breakfast and the soon-coming lunches at their restaurant.
The pair have dual roles which is befitting of their individual talents. Jorge is a creator in the kitchen as well as managing the restaurant while Chris Rodriguez works diligently at the inn. Notwithstanding, they share the workload and care very much about the people in their town and the revitalization of it.
Chris Rodriguez sits as a member of the planning commission and was the driving force behind the creation of Ronceverte’s new Dog Park. According to the pair, it was then that the ugliness reared its head, as death threats, slurs, slandering voices and more, had kept their dogs from visiting the park because without Chris Rodriguez, this amazing dog park would never have happened. To think that they cannot enjoy the park with their animals is shocking at least.
One more delicious tidbit is that The RNCVRT prides itself on offering a gluten-free menu. Jorge is so meticulous in the services, that even the straws and containers are carefully chosen, due to them containing gluten as well. He is extremely careful when it comes to cross-contamination in every sense. Serving breakfast at the moment as well as lovely baked goods, sandwiches for take-n-go or delight in the sunny dining room with your friends, a lunch service is being planned. They have creamy ice creams, but these are not gluten-free. A recent Facebook post on their restaurant page highlighted a gluten-free option and the comments started to roll. Taking off with a bang, the gluten-free community now has a place just for them and the word is traveling fast. The restaurant is one of only three within the state that serves a delicious gluten-free menu. Traditional, delicious foods are also available daily prepared with the same care and attention. From the opening of the restaurant and the inn to when you lay your head in one of the stunning bedrooms, every little thing is curated just so.
Find The RNCVRT at 652 Edgar Avenue, Ronceverte, 304-802-4194 and The Hollerwood House at 119 Walnut Street, 304-712-3887. Visit their websites and Facebook pages to inquire, reserve or give them a much-deserved “Hello, welcome, and thank you!” As Chris Rodriguez put it, “We’re just one country song from Lewisburg!”
