Two of Blacksburg's iconic Main Street businesses have gone up for sale.
Big Al's Grille and Sport's Bar and Poor Billy's Seafood Restaurant, as well as the building of 201 N Main St., have been put on the market.
The building and businesses are being listed by the firm Drucker and Falk Real Estate at a current price of $3.5 million. Further details of the listing remain confidential.
Originally opening with Big Al's Hair Salon on the first floor, the building and businesses have been run by the Edwards family since 1977. Led by 'Big' Al and his wife Shirl, as well as their daughter Julie and son Billy, it has remained a family business for the duration.
Big Al's Sports Bar was not introduced until 1998, aimed at sports enthusiasts and increasing business by also selling alcoholic beverages such as the "Trash Can," their Long Island iced tea and a variety of foods.
In 2000, the hair salon was closed and replaced with Poor Billy's Seafood, an idea from its namesake, Billy Edwards. It was aimed at more upscale clientele, selling sushi and tapas, as well as including an outdoor patio.
When the business proved to be successful, the Edwards family opened Poor Billy's Sushi behind the Main Street building in order to accommodate larger crowds. Whether this additional building will be included in the sale is still uncertain.
The reasons for the Edwards family's attempt to sell the buildings and businesses are still not known, but regulars to Poor Billy's and Big Al's should be ready for change.
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