By Tim Ryan

Get ready to turn up the heat on your holiday hustle! As we dive deeper into 2025, Norfolk’s entrepreneurial heartbeat is pulsing stronger than ever, and Selden Market is dropping the mic with its latest game-changer: Avocargo, a Southern Caribbean fusion powerhouse led by the unstoppable Chef Shauntel Davis. Joining the fresh lineup alongside Model Citizen Cocktail Supply and Juniper & Jam, this trio is injecting pure innovation into our downtown scene, proving once again why Hampton Roads is the ultimate launchpad for bold dreamers.

Let’s rewind for a sec—because context is everything in our innovation saga. Back in fall 2017, the Downtown Norfolk Council flipped the script on traditional retail by unveiling Selden Market as a low-risk incubator in the historic Selden Arcade. What started as a haven for testing street-level ideas has ballooned into a national model, nurturing nearly 40 small businesses (with a whopping 80% success rate in scaling up). We’re talking low rents, pop-up flexibility, and a spotlight on women- and minority-owned ventures—hello, real equity in action. Fast-forward to today: After a glow-up renovation featuring expanded lounges, vibrant murals, and entrepreneur-friendly pop-up spots, Selden’s vacancy rate is basically nonexistent, and it’s partnering with Norfolk State University to fast-track ideas into reality in just eight weeks. This isn’t just shopping; it’s an ecosystem where local makers thrive, communities connect, and Hampton Roads’ creative edge sharpens.

Enter Avocargo: Chef Davis’s family-owned mobile kitchen is trading wheels for walls, bringing health-conscious comfort food that’s equal parts soulful Southern roots and zesty Caribbean flair. Think plant-based power bowls, wellness teas, and dishes bursting with bold, feel-good flavors— all crafted to fuel your body and spark your spirit. “I chose Norfolk because it’s a city full of culture, creativity, and community,” Davis shares. “Selden embodies that—it’s where local flavor meets innovation. We’re excited to build a home here.” And build they will: Expect cooking demos, weekend brunches, and wellness workshops that turn every visit into an interactive adventure.

For you, our visionary viewers? This is gold. Avocargo amps up Selden’s role as a diversity-driven hub, spotlighting Black women entrepreneurs like Davis and creating ripple effects—more jobs, more mentorships, more proof that Hampton Roads backs underrepresented innovators. Pair it with Model Citizen’s craft cocktail ingenuity and Juniper & Jam’s artisanal jams, and you’ve got a trifecta of tastes that screams “support local, level up global.” It’s the kind of momentum that inspires your next pitch, pop-up, or pivot.

Mark your calendars: Join us for the ribbon-cutting extravaganza on November 20 at 11 a.m., where you’ll snag first dibs on the revamped space and holiday vibes. Selden’s doors swing wide Mon/Wed/Thurs/Sun from 11 a.m.–5 p.m., and Fri/Sat till 6 p.m.—perfect for weaving work, wellness, and wonder into your week. Follow @seldenmarketon Insta for event drops, and peek at avocargova.com or @avocargova
for the full flavor forecast.

At Innovate Hampton Roads, we’re all about amplifying these stories because they mirror your potential. Selden isn’t just evolving—it’s exploding with opportunities that make our region a magnet for makers. What’s your take? Drop a comment: How’s Avocargo fitting into your holiday game plan? Let’s keep the conversation cooking.

Download the press release here.

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