LEWISBURG W.Va. (WVDN) – The shop we all know and love in downtown Lewisburg, Bella The Corner Gourmet, has changed hands recently. As most are aware, the unfortunate storefront has survived years of wayward truck damage, but the shop continues to delight passersby, guests and tourists in spite of the bruises. Bella is a staple and key component of the food scene in Lewisburg. Never fear though, the products you’ve come to love and the impeccable service will all remain the same moving forward.
Ginger Steele-Giggenbach and her husband Christian have been a power couple in the Valley for many years, giving of their time, hard work and endless supplies of friendship. Ginger and Christian are owners of the sleek lingerie shop, The Little Black Box in downtown Lewisburg and have been for years. When the opportunity arose to purchase Bella Gourmet, Christian didn’t hesitate to support his wife in this new endeavor. Christian will be at the helm of Bella’s services and operations, day-to-day activities and the quality services we have come to love. The familiar faces that welcome and enchant will also remain intact. Albeit, Ginger’s eye for detail, professionalism, kind spirit and friendly face will be a driving force for the duo.
Chef Carol Herrick, renowned for her delectable charcuterie boards and oversized cookies, will be coming along for the ride, as well as her talented team members, Katie Collins and Carla Persinger. The store’s popular sundries and delights will remain available to Lewisburgians, even as the overburdened bay window undergoes essential fortification. The holidays are fast approaching and the team is ready to help you impress your guests at any family or business function. The possibilities are endless with over-stuffed nooks filled with delicious oils, bottles of vinegar, pasta, cookware, crockery, baking items, gifts galore and so much more.
Christian made it very clear that Ginger is the star here. The two are very close friends that happen to be married. He has worn many proverbial hats such as an avid actor at Greenbrier Valley Theater, former President of The Polar Bear Club for 18 years and a Sergeant at the Anthony Correctional Facility for nine years. Working behind the scenes at The Little Black Box, he is happy to give the spotlight to his beloved girl.
Ginger, with a background in food and retail, and Christian, who manages the day-to-day operations, took over the business on Oct. 1. They plan to remodel in January and extend hours to seven days a week. They aim to increase packaged food options and maintain the store’s reputation for affordable quality. They carry a range of products, from specialty/gourmet items to more everyday, affordable options. She mentions they have “times when you can get caviar” as well as more accessible items. Focusing on providing “affordable quality,” Ginger states that just because something is high-end and gourmet doesn’t mean it has to be expensive. With that being said, an understanding that customers want to be able to afford the foods they love, preferring to pay a little more rather than settling for lower quality.
Bella Gourmet will cater to both high-end and budget-conscious customers by offering a diverse selection of quality products at varying price points.
Ginger stated, “I am my own customer. I’ve worked at a lot of different restaurants as well as doing catering and was in the food industry for many years, so opening The Little Black Box; was out of my box. When Bella came up for sale, Bella combined the two things that I love the most, and that’s food and working in sales, in retail, with the public. Christian and I both love both people. I’m a people person. When we entertain, we want to bring out something good and different, a little impressive. Bella has all of the things to make that possible. I’ve always loved that Tamara Pence created such a great store. We have the best staff! [I’m so glad they all decided to stay.] It’s still going to be the Bella that we know and love with the great cheese selection, the charcuterie boards to order, and all the great kitchen gadgets that you could ever need or want in your life, as well as the great brand-named cookware and bakery that you would expect to find at a gourmet kitchen shop.”
Bella is open seven days per week: Monday-Saturday 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sundays 12:30-3:30 p.m. Holiday hours will be offered soon with the shop staying open until 7 p.m. Find them on Facebook or check out their website at bellagourmetwv.com or call 304-520-4921 for more information or to place an order.
