11/09/2026
I’ve been thinking a lot lately about the customer experience and what makes people want to come back to a business. 🫒
The other night, Phil and I had one of those unexpected conversations with a complete stranger over dinner. He had recently retired after selling his technology company, with over 2,000 employees, to private equity.
We talked business, technology, growth, employees, and customers. And despite all the technology available to us today, our conversation kept coming back to one thing.
People. And the experience you create for them.
When I opened my first Outer Banks Olive Oil store back in 2013, I didn’t just want to sell bottles of olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
I wanted people to EXPERIENCE them.
To walk in and taste something they’d never tried before. To discover a flavor they didn’t even know existed. To have someone explain how to use it, share a recipe, or suggest a pairing that becomes their new favorite.
I still love watching someone taste a balsamic for the first time and seeing their reaction. That’s the fun part!
Sure, you can order just about anything online these days. And I love the convenience of that too!
But there’s something special about walking into a store, being greeted by someone who knows their products, and leaving with something you didn’t even know you needed.
That’s not just shopping. That’s an experience.
And it’s a big part of what has inspired our newest expansion in Virginia Beach. 🎉🎉Coming Soon!!!!🎉
We’re bringing Outer Banks Olive Oil and Front Porch Café together under one roof, combining two things I love: great coffee and great food.
Yes, there will be a drive-thru for those who need their coffee on the go. But inside, I want you to slow down, taste, explore, discover new products, and enjoy a gourmet food experience.
Because as much as I love technology and convenience, I don’t ever want to lose the personal connection that makes shopping in a small business special.
After all these years, I still believe that what people remember most isn’t always what they bought.
It’s how they felt while they were there.
And that’s something worth holding onto. ❤️
— Laura
