Travis and Corri Loan have been with me and my business for many years now. We recently took some photos to share the news of a new baby and it got me thinking of all the times we worked together before! For example, the grand opening of their business, which is now celebrating their one year anniversary. So I wanted to showcase their business ventures developing as fast as their family! A year ago they started franchising for the Harrisonburg Island Wing Company, and they wanted me to take pictures for that public opening.
We arrived early to snap some photos of the empty store as they prepared to open for business. They got to show off their fancy décor, orange barstools, and vibrantly painted walls! Mountainside Woodworks, who are also clients of mine, graced the storefront with a custom sign!
The kitchen bustled with prep-work and an unbelievable amount of employees every which way we looked! The workers prepped food for the opening while Travis commissioned me to take some pictures inside their big kitchen freezer. I went into the freezer with no clue how to get out! Small panic moment, but a quick Google search kept me from making a total fool of myself and calling Travis to come and free me!
After that, Travis and the store manager led a quick team meeting. Once the meeting finished the employees rushed off and the doors opened! The team had run a promotion to reward the first person in line once the restaurant opened. The prize? A fully paid-for dinner for that lucky customer! The opening went off smoothly, and they had a fantastic first day in business!
This franchise, more than anything, is a family venture. Corri and Travis’ parents and siblings involved themselves, and they were all in attendance to help keep things running smoothly! The hardest part of the opening was trying to figure out the table numbers and get the food to the right tables, but it all worked out in the end!
Island Wing prides themselves on having no fryers at all! They bake all of their wings, veggies, and fries, which is super cool! The Loans had some more support from other franchise owners and managers. They watched the kitchen closely to ensure great service and properly baked and delicious food got out to customers!
I got to stay in the restaurant for about four hours to take pictures, and the restaurant was pretty full for most of the day. We were able to capture a variety of foods and drinks, and a lovely little pup on the outdoor patio was my favorite part of the day! The restaurant has a pup-friendly menu, and a space for your fuzzy friends out on their covered patio area!
All in all, this session was memorable and fun! I took so many photos of the colorful food, and décor, and after a lot of traction off one of my social media posts from the day, a client actually booked a high-school senior session with me!
The Loan’s have been great friends, and fantastic clients these many years and we continue to grow together. Their family is growing with a new baby, and their business is growing with the Harrisonburg Wing Island Company. I’m always happy to be a part of the many new chapters of their lives!
If you need a photographer to capture special moments for you, please contact me!
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