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Aug 27, 2026

Fulfilling community needs: Fayetteville dynamic duo built three businesses on a passion for food and community

Brian and Staci Graybill opened their third business together, Market Square Pantry, in December 2025. Photo provided by Faith Hatton. For Fayetteville entrepreneurs Brian and Staci Graybill, building a business has often started when they were ...

Aug 27, 2026

Catering from the heart: Family-owned Two Brothers Catering keeps community hearts and stomachs full

Brad and Kelley McLawhorn became business partners in 2001 when they first opened a restaurant on Reilly Road. Now, their highly praised catering company continues to impress community members with flexibility, quality and personalized service. Photo ...

Jul 31, 2026

Bearded soldier to brand manager: Chad Kraken's journey to building his business empire

The KRAKEN-SKULLS brand includes a barbershop, a tattoo shop, a T-shirt company, an embroidery company, a website design company, a media marketing and graphic design company and an auto shop. Photos by GFBJ.When Chad Kraken retired from the military ...

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Scott Krawczyk, Ph.D.
Fayetteville State University

How Fayetteville State University continues to evolve to make sure its students are competitive upon graduation

Posted Aug 26, 2026
Fayetteville State University is reshaping its academic foundation to better prepare students for a rapidly evolving workforce, with particular emphasis on artificial intelligence and real-world experience. The university is in the midst of revi
  ...read entire article
Jul 30, 2026

From vision to action: Fayetteville entrepreneur builds portfolio of businesses centered on community and connection

: Sisters With A Purpose Foundation focuses on empowering women, youth and families through mentorship, educational workshops and community outreach. Photos provided by Santina Thomas.When Santina Thomas saw a need in the market, she didn’t wait for ...

Jul 29, 2026

Veteran-owned transportation service celebrates two years in business; outlines plans for continued growth

Shuttle Buddy, a Fayetteville-based transportation company dedicated to connecting the community with reliable transportation services, just marked two years in business. “As a Veteran and former Army aviator, building Shuttle Buddy has been abo ...

May 14, 2026

Celebrating 45 years: Systel Business Equipment represents a legacy of commitment to quality service

Inset: Systel’s first corporate headquarters was a small rental house turned office on Fort Bragg Road in Fayetteville in 1981. Large photo: The company’s new corporate headquarters reflects years of growth into a multi-million dollar company that pr ...

May 4, 2026

Bee-lieve the hype: Local apiarists and entrepreneurs share handmade crafts and helpful knowledge about our most important pollinators

Lynlene Apiary and Crafts is owned and operated by mother-daughter duo Carolyn Kleinert and Jolene Kleinert. They are certified apiarists and sell honey, candles made with beeswax, soaps and other crafts at local farmers markets. Photos by GFBJ.Lynle ...

May 1, 2026

Where agritourism meets agriculture: Taking a look at the working ranch behind Sweet Valley Ranch

What began as the desire for a horse expanded into one of Fayetteville’s main hospitality and agro-tourism attractions thanks to the passion and love of animals from the Ranch’s founders Anita and Fred Surgeon. Photos provided by Sweet Valley Ranch.S ...

May 1, 2026

Sprouting new markets: Jackson Family Farms provides homegrown crops to Fayetteville and the surrounding areas

Jackson Family Farms is open seven days a week at 5818 Ramsey St. They sell homegrown produce, fresh-baked goods, home decor, seasonal plants and other responsibly sourced food products. Photos provided by Jackson Family Farms.—photosJackson Family F ...


Ico insights

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SPONSORS' CONTENT
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How Fayetteville State University continues to evolve to make sure its students are competitive upon graduation

Scott Krawczyk, Ph.D. - Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Fayetteville State University
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Broaden your horizons at Cape Fear Valley Health

Hannah Simpson, RACR - Senior Campus Recruiter and Community Partnership Liaison, Cape Fear Valley Health
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Are your adventures covered? Coverage tips for your RV, ATV and boat

Taylor Warren - President, Highstreet Warren Insurance Group

In The Current Issue

Fulfilling community needs: Fayetteville dynamic duo built three businesses on a passion for food and community

Brian and Staci Graybill opened their third business together, Market Square Pantry, in December 2025. Photo provided by Faith Hatton. For Fayetteville entrepreneurs Brian and Staci Graybill, building a business has often started when they were


226 The Warehouse: A space designed for every occasion

The venue features two levels, two fully stocked bars, audio-video systems including projectors, and lighting solutions, an in-house culinary team, lounge space, a bistro section and private rooms, a state-of-the-art DJ booth and on-site staff to hel


Catering from the heart: Family-owned Two Brothers Catering keeps community hearts and stomachs full

Brad and Kelley McLawhorn became business partners in 2001 when they first opened a restaurant on Reilly Road. Now, their highly praised catering company continues to impress community members with flexibility, quality and personalized service. Photo