Local News

Drone manufacturer relocates to Cumberland County

Details

Wednesday, 05 August 2026

Written by Staff Report

The Fayetteville Cumberland County Economic Development Corporation is pleased to announce that Skyeton, previously known as Project Odesa, has selected Fayetteville and Cumberland County as the location for its U.S. headquarters and first manufacturing facility in North America. The project will create 162 jobs with an average annual salary of $70,759 and invest $3.4 million in real estate and equipment.
Skyeton currently has production operations in Ukraine, Germany, and Slovakia. Its new Fayetteville facility will support the development and manufacturing of advanced technologies designed to enhance the capabilities of military personnel, allied partners, and first responders. The company will occupy a 28,479-square-foot building within the former Black & Decker site.
“We are thrilled to welcome Project Odesa to Fayetteville and Cumberland County as it establishes its first U.S. manufacturing facility here,” stated City of Fayetteville Mayor Mitch Colvin. “With the city’s concentration on defense, technology, and healthcare, this is exactly the kind of investment we are working to attract, bringing 162 jobs at an average salary of nearly $71,000 while breathing new life into the former Black & Decker site. My thanks to the State, our community college partners, and the FCEDC for helping bring it home.”
“Cumberland County is becoming a place where innovation, workforce and opportunity come together, and Project Odesa represents the type of investment we are working to attract,” said Cumberland County Board of Commissioners Chairman Kirk deViere. “Companies that create quality jobs, strengthen our advanced manufacturing sector and provide long-term opportunities for our residents are exactly the kinds of businesses we want to recruit. Investments like this continue to build our economic momentum and strengthen our community for the future. We are excited to welcome Project Odesa and look forward to supporting its success.”
The City and the County both approved job creation incentive grants for a total of $243,000, to be paid in three installments as employment occurs.
“North Carolina is the perfect place to call home, and we’re incredibly grateful for the warm reception and tremendous support we’ve received from the State of North Carolina, the Fayetteville Cumberland County Economic Development Corporation, our congressional delegation, and our mission partners from the Department of War,” said Skyeton, Inc. CEO Rigoberto (Quito) Sáez. “Expanding our manufacturing footprint in North Carolina is about more than opening a new facility; it’s about strengthening America’s defense industrial base, creating high-quality jobs, and delivering combat-proven capabilities closer to the warfighters.”
“Fayetteville and Cumberland County are quickly becoming a hub for strategic technologies and advanced manufacturing,” said FCEDC President and CEO Robert Van Geons. “Skyeton’s investment is another example of the innovation ecosystem our uniquely skilled workforce and collaborative partnerships have created.”
The company has also received an inducement package from the State of North Carolina Department of Commerce and the North Carolina Community College System.
In a release announcing the project, Governor Josh Stein said, “We’re proud to welcome Skyeton to a state with such a proud military tradition and advanced manufacturing base. By combining our manufacturing workforce, the skillsets of our transitioning military personnel, a central East Coast location, and a strategic transportation infrastructure, North Carolina continues to rise to the top ranks as the best place to do business, especially in the aerospace and defense sectors.”
Skyeton is a Ukrainian-born manufacturer of unmanned aircraft systems with 20 years of experience in the aviation industry. The company develops and supplies unmanned aerial systems for commercial, industrial and military use, which are used both in Ukraine and worldwide. The company’s history began with the production of ultralight aircraft, the K-10 Swift, laying the foundation for a high standard of aviation manufacturing. Learn more at www.skyeton.com.
The Fayetteville Cumberland County Economic Development Corporation is a public-private partnership designed to enhance job growth and prosperity in the region by attracting new industry and growing and retaining existing industry. The FCEDC works daily to help strengthen our economy and diversify our community’s tax base. Learn more at www.fcedc.com.

(Courtesy photo)

FTCC opens SparkNC STEM lab on campus

Details

Tuesday, 28 July 2026

Written by Staff Report

Fayetteville Technical Community College celebrated the June opening of its new SparkNC Lab, marking a milestone as the only SparkLab in North Carolina located on a community college campus. The event drew community members, students, and local partners eager to explore the new high-tech learning space designed to prepare Cumberland County youth for careers in emerging technology fields.
During the open house, attendees got hands-on with the lab's STEM equipment and tested high-performance computer programs firsthand. Guests also met Sparky the dog, the robotic mascot representing the Spark Lab initiative, who added a fun, interactive touch to the day's festivities.
"The opening of the SparkNC Lab marks an important milestone in our commitment to preparing students for the opportunities of a rapidly changing economy," said FTCC President Dr. Mark Sorrells. "Through competency-based learning and hands-on exploration of emerging technologies, students will gain exposure to high-demand career pathways and develop the skills, confidence, and curiosity needed to thrive in the workforce of the future. This partnership reflects our dedication to connecting education with innovation and creating meaningful opportunities for student success.”
SparkNC offers Cumberland County middle and high school students a flexible, personalized way to explore high-tech career fields, including cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, computer systems engineering, software development and game development. Through hands-on learning experiences, industry connections, internships, and digital portfolios, the program helps students build real-world skills and discover pathways toward high-wage, high-impact careers. Notably, 72% of learners who initially had little or no interest in pursuing a high-tech career reported a stronger interest in the field after participating in SparkNC.
The program operates as a statewide interdistrict network, with SparkLabs already established in counties such as Cabarrus, Guilford, Wake, New Hanover, and now Cumberland. Each lab serves as a modern, collaborative hub where "Spark Scholars" connect with peers, teachers, and tech industry professionals across North Carolina, supported by videoconferencing technology that links labs into a shared interdistrict classroom.
The SparkLab High-Tech Learning Accelerator lets students earn credit toward graduation while charting their own educational path. Learners can choose from more than 50 modular learning experiences, moving at their own pace across formats that include on-demand, experiential, and interdistrict instruction.
• No prerequisites are required to get started
• Learning experiences are available online, in-person, or as a blend of both
• Learning pathways include Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, Computer Systems Engineering, Cybersecurity, Data Analytics, Design UX/UI, Exploring Tech Fields, Game Development and Design, and Software Development
• Students can survey multiple tech fields or dive deeper into a specific area of interest
The Accelerator serves as both an entry point for students new to high-tech fields and an accelerated track for those pursuing industry-recognized credentials.
SparkNC's success is bolstered by a robust network of industry partners, including companies like Epic Games and SAS, who serve on the program's Business Advisory Council and Board of Directors. These partners help shape curriculum relevance and provide students with mentorship, internships, and job-shadowing opportunities that build professional networks well before graduation.
"SparkNC is a transformational model that empowers learners to pursue technology careers and show mastery of their learning in unique ways," said Adam Garry, an Artificial Intelligence Consultant who has shared the program's approach across North America. This industry engagement ensures the curriculum stays aligned with the evolving needs of North Carolina's tech workforce.
The SparkLab at FTCC is open to all Cumberland County students in grades 8 through 12. Students can sign up through their home school to enroll in the FTCC SparkLab, or they may stop by in person Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on the FTCC campus at 2817 Fort Bragg Rd, General Classroom Building, Room 113, Fayetteville, to speak directly with a lab facilitator.
With its central location on FTCC's campus, the lab gives Cumberland County students unique early access to a higher education environment paired with cutting-edge technology, distinguishing it as North Carolina's only community-college-based SparkLab.

(Photo courtesy of FTCC)

New to the Neighborhood: July 2026

Details

Tuesday, 28 July 2026

Written by Staff Report

Cumberland County continues to welcome an exciting mix of new restaurants, retail shops, service providers, and specialty businesses. From longtime entrepreneurs expanding their reach to first-time business owners pursuing a dream, these recent additions are bringing fresh ideas, new jobs and more choices for residents. In this roundup, we're highlighting the newest businesses to open their doors and inviting you to discover what they have to offer. Shopping and dining locally helps our entire community thrive.

SEVEN5 DINER
3612 Ramsey St.
910-229-3834
Seven5 Diner, which opened its doors on June 20, is a new American diner offering a diverse menu of classic diner favorites, late-night comfort food, and Southern specialties. Open from 5 p.m. to 5 a.m., Wednesday through Sunday, the diner is specifically geared towards late-night patrons. Much like other late-night establishments, they serve breakfast all night and feature dinner options such as smash burgers, quesadillas, and traditional Southern platters.

TACO AREPA
3920 Black Bridge Rd., Hope Mills
910-441-8656
https://www.facebook.com/tacoarepafoodtruck
What began as a food truck has now found a permanent home inside the BP gas station. Taco Arepa serves up Colombian and Mexican fusion dishes featuring perfectly seasoned, slow-cooked meats. Don't forget to place your to-go order or visit one of their food trucks, which will continue to operate.

BISCUIT BELLY
145 Glensford Dr.
910-252-8875
www.biscuitbelly.com
Biscuit Belly, a Kentucky-based "craft casual" brunch spot, is celebrated for its generously sized, homemade Southern biscuits and inventive brunch offerings. The new Biscuit Belly location is slated to open on Tuesday, Aug. 4, with a public grand opening celebration following on Friday, Aug. 7. This grand opening will include special promotions and loyalty rewards.
Must-try signature dishes include The Rockwell, featuring buttermilk-fried chicken, cheddar and sausage gravy; The G.O.A.T., a combination of fried chicken, goat cheese and sweet pepper jelly; and Mama's Boy, which includes fried chicken, jalapeño pimento cheese, spicy pickles and a fried green tomato. Popular customer choices are Bonuts, biscuit donut holes coated in cinnamon sugar and served with bourbon cream cheese frosting or berry jam, Pancake Corndogs, and The Gravy Train, mini biscuits accompanied by your choice of sausage, mushroom, or smoked gouda mornay gravies.
The restaurant also offers bottomless drip coffee, exclusively roasted by Heine Brothers', along with specialty espresso drinks like the Cinnamocha and Brown Sugar Shaken espresso. Complementing the food and coffee menu is a selection of breakfast cocktails, including mimosas and tequila sunrises.

PEI WEI ASIAN KITCHEN
145 Glensford Dr.
Pei Wei Asian Kitchen is an American fast-casual restaurant chain that specializes in pan-Asian cuisine and wok-fired dishes. The menu features beloved pan-Asian favorites, including Mongolian Beef, Sesame Chicken, Honey-Seared Chicken and General Tso's Crispy Tofu, complemented by noodle dishes such as Chicken Pad Thai and Dan Dan Noodles. Each entrée can be customized with your choice of steamed rice, fried rice, cauliflower rice or noodles. The restaurant also provides dedicated gluten-free and vegetarian options, lighter-calorie selections, and appetizers ranging from crab wontons and pork egg rolls to steamed dumplings. No official opening date has been announced at the time of publication.

NATURE'S HERBAL CABINET
1400 Walter Reed Rd., Suite 190
https://nhctribe.shop/
Nature's Herbal Cabinet is a holistic health and wellness shop founded by the Strickland family. The store specializes in regenerative agriculture and natural ingredients, offering a curated selection of herbal formulations, remedies, and wellness products. They celebrated their grand opening on July 11.
The shop features signature liquid remedies, including Sea Moss Living Bitters, Sugar Support Bitters, Parasite Cleanse Bitters and Healthy Lung Living Bitters—all infused with elderberry and chlorophyll. Their product line extends to herbal supplements and topical treatments organized by specific wellness goals: joint and mobility support, sleep aid, stress and anxiety relief, detoxification and cleansing and sustained energy. Additionally, the store carries naturally derived gummies and wellness remedies formulated for relaxation and better sleep.

GERMÈNE’S HOME KITCHEN & BAKERY
1205 Robeson St.
910-252-9053
https://ghkbnc.com/
Germène's Home Kitchen & Bakery, named after Eddie Claude's beloved grandmother, is an authentic Haitian-Caribbean restaurant and bakery owned and operated by Claude—a U.S. Army veteran and Haitian-born entrepreneur—along with his wife Ruth and their family. The restaurant celebrated its grand opening on Saturday, June 27.
The menu features signature entrées such as Griot, seasoned fried pork with fried green plantains; Taso Kabrit, fried goat; Lalo, jute leaf stew; Chayote with Pork and Mixed Seafood and Mayi Moulen ak Sos Pwason, cornmeal served with red snapper in savory sauce. The bakery showcases Haitian-style scrambled eggs, plantain porridge, savory Haitian puff pastries known as pâté, cassava cake and freshly baked breads. The beverage selection includes creative island cocktails featuring Barbancourt rum and Prestige beer, such as The Carnaval, Troubadou and The Citadel.

TOUCHDOWN WINGS
5508 Raeford Rd.
www.touchdownwingsfayetteville.com
Touchdown Wings is a counter-service restaurant brand specializing in quick-service comfort foods, including hand-tossed chicken wings, Philly cheesesteaks and seafood platters. The brand is moving closer to opening its second Fayetteville location, with new signage recently installed at 5508 Raeford Road near the intersection of Raeford and Skibo roads. The original location operates on Ramsey Street in a former Bojangles building and has become known for its diverse menu offerings.
The restaurant features crispy bone-in and boneless chicken wings tossed in dozens of flavor options, ranging from classic choices like Buffalo, Lemon Pepper and Garlic Parmesan to sweet or extra-spicy specialty glazes. Philly cheesesteaks come in beef, chicken and shrimp varieties, topped with melted cheese, sautéed onions and peppers, while the menu also includes gyro wraps, burgers, and crispy fried chicken sandwiches. For seafood lovers, Touchdown Wings offers fried platters featuring catfish, whiting, tilapia and jumbo shrimp, all served with sides like seasoned fries, onion rings, and wok-fried rice.

Keep an eye out for…..

CAMDEN COMMONS
Hope Mills
The Town of Hope Mills broke ground on its new development, Camden Commons, at the beginning of July. This will be an 82-acre shopping plaza anchored by Target. Target is expected to open in 2027.

Dining Guide: Southern Comfort Food

Details

Tuesday, 28 July 2026

Written by Staff Report

There’s nothing quite like Southern comfort food to make you feel at home. Cumberland County is filled with restaurants that have perfected the art of hearty, flavorful cooking, like crispy fried chicken, slow-smoked barbecue, creamy macaroni and cheese, buttery biscuits, or a slice of homemade pie.
Longtime family-owned establishments serve generations of loyal customers, and modern eateries put a fresh spin on Southern classics. Fayetteville, Hope Mills, and the surrounding communities offer plenty of delicious ways to satisfy your cravings.
Perfect for gathering with family after church, meeting friends for brunch, or simply searching for a comforting meal made with Southern hospitality, these local favorites showcase the flavors and traditions that make Southern cuisine a beloved part of our community.

KINLAWS GRILL
1816 Sapona Rd.
910-483-9425
www.kinlawsgrill.com
Kinlaw's Grill is a beloved, long-standing restaurant in East Fayetteville offering traditional Southern Country cooking in a relaxed, cafeteria-style setting. Since 1979, Kinlaw's has been known for its fast service, affordable prices and down-home hospitality. They deliver high-quality homestyle hot meals. Their Southern staples include biscuits, grits, homestyle potatoes, and sausage gravy for breakfast; Southern fried chicken, batter-fried pork chops, and chicken and pastry for lunch; and collard greens, hush puppies, and banana pudding for sides and dessert.

CIRCA 1800 RESTAURANT & BAR
108 Person St.
910-568-4725
www.thecirca1800.com
Circa 1800 is a premier upscale dining destination that is ushering in the "New Southern" cuisine and farm-to-table ethos. The venue is a blend of historic downtown charm with modern culinary flair. Circa 1800 emphasizes regional sustainability, sourcing its ingredients from local vendors. Menu highlights include Southern eggrolls, shrimp and grits, fried green tomatoes, sweet corn hushpuppies and red pepper jelly-glazed mac & cheese.

MELVIN'S AT RIVERSIDE
1130 Person St.
910-339-3059
https://melvins-atriverside.com/?utm_source=google
Melvin's at Riverside is celebrated for its hearty Southern soul food, barbecue, and home-style comfort dishes. Melvin's offers a relaxed, casual dining setting centered around generous portions and authentic soul food. It is the go-to restaurant for slow-smoked barbecue, seafood platters and hearty meat combinations. Highlights of their menu include pecan-wood slow-smoked brisket, hand-breaded fried chicken, and traditional sides like fried okra, sweet potato soufflé and corn bread. Finish off a meal with homemade banana pudding and a glass of sweet tea.

CHASON'S BUFFET
1758 Owen Dr.
910-860-4899
https://tinyurl.com/ms23f4ch
Chason's Buffet is a spacious, all-you-can-eat Southern cooking and soul food buffet. Their atmosphere is warm and family-friendly and ready to welcome large groups looking for classic down-home hospitality and a variety of comfort dishes. They are known for their traditional Southern staples, slow-cooked meats, fresh seafood and home-style sides. Features of their menu include baked and smothered chicken, meatloaf, country-style steak, clam strips, seafood casseroles, and sides like collard greens, fried okra and hush puppies.

SOUTHERN COALS
3319 C Raeford Rd.
910-745-7675
www.southerncoals.com
Southern Coals is a family-owned restaurant known for serving authentic low-and-slow smoked meats and traditional Carolina comfort food. Their casual, rustic atmosphere with wood accents has a welcoming neighborhood feel. Southern Coals is known for their generous portions and friendly service. Their menu highlights include pit-smoked meats, pulled pork sliders, brisket sandwiches, bacon-braised collard greens and potato salad. Complete your meal with some peach cobbler and sweet tea.

FOOD 4 THE SOUL
6829 Fillyaw Rd. #102
910-302-0116
Food 4 the Soul is highly regarded for its generous portions of authentic, home-style soul food and Southern comfort classics. Their welcoming and informal environment is family-friendly, a great place for anyone looking for rich, comforting and traditional home-cooked meals. Their signature meals include fall-off-the-bone oxtails served in rich gravy, smothered pork chops, and crispy fried chicken, as well as traditional sides like black-eyed peas, collard greens and mac & cheese.

LEVEL 88
5112 Yadkin Rd.
910-500-3092
https://level-88.com/
Level 88 is a modern restaurant and lounge blending upscale Southern soul food with a lounge-style atmosphere. A popular destination for date nights, group celebrations, and weekend brunches, their menu puts an elevated spin on classic Southern, Cajun and coastal Carolina comfort food. Highlights on the menu feature Cajun shrimp and grits, slow-simmered weekend oxtails, smothered pork chips, fried cabbage and sweet plantains.

BARBARA ANN'S SOUTHERN FRIED CHICKEN
3740 S. Main St., Hope Mills
901-491-5859
https://tinyurl.com/ph8t88ys
Barbara Ann's Southern Fried Chicken is known for its scratch-made Southern classics. Their casual and friendly establishment has a loyal following due to its generous portions and authentic home-style seasoning. Menu highlights include their signature fried chicken, pork barbecue and chicken and waffles. Their traditional sides include candied yams, bacon-braised collard greens and creamy baked mac & cheese.

STEWART'S TAVERN
116 N Main St., Raeford
910-479-1313
https://stewartstavern.com/
Stewart's Tavern is carrying on the local barbecue heritage that started with Fowler's Barbecue with its low-and-slow wood-smoked meats and lively community tavern environment. Stewart's Tavern features a rustic and casual atmosphere that functions as both a sit-down dining experience and a gathering spot for craft beers on top, sporting events on the TV, and regular live music performances. Their menu highlights include shrimp po'boys, brisket Reuben, smoked chicken wings, and sides like coleslaw, potato salad and homemade banana pudding.

CEDAR POINT RESTAURANT
997 N Bragg Blvd., Spring Lake
910-497-9127
Cedar Point offers a nostalgic diner vibe where friendly service and hospitality take priority. Known for their generous portions, fast service, and cooked-to-order comfort food at budget-friendly prices. Their menu highlights include country ham, grits, and biscuits for breakfast; burgers and hot sandwiches for lunch and traditional Southern comfort plates for dinner.