Name of Owner: Verle & Ron Weiss
Year you opened for business: 2001
How would you describe your business? Historic bed & breakfast or inn located near the Elizabeth River.
Briefly describe your typical client/customer: The come from all over the world. We’ve had guests from England, Australia, Germany, France, etc. We’ve had quite a few distinguished guests as well. Most are well educated and hard working.
What is one thing most people do not know about your business that would surprise him/her? Some come in who have never been to a bed and breakfast before. The like the history ad are surprised by it. It does have a lot of history. This house has lived through a lot, and it’s one of the best-kept secrets in Hampton Roads. People are surprised by the diversity of architecture.
What do you enjoy most about doing business in Olde Towne Portsmouth? The people. They are very diverse and very well educated.
What do you enjoy most about doing business in Hampton Roads? The venues we send our guests to: the museums, opera house, etc. You can take a day trip anywhere; from here, you can go anywhere.
What challenges do you face as a business owner? Sleep deprivation! (laughs)
What’s in store for your business in the future? More customers.
What could local government do to help small business owners in your business district (besides lower taxes)? Promote the city more. We are an historic seaport city and they don’t emphasize that enough. We need marketing and promotion.
What is one thing your business district needs? A good bakery.
