There's a lot of history at the former Covington Grocery on Fudge Street.

Stan and Donna Young are preserving the history of the building and giving it a new lease on life as a banquet hall and future cafe.

The 3,500 square foot facility has been renovated but retains the look and feel of an old warehouse.

Covington Grocery supplied Covington merchants with wholesale groceries for over 50 years. The building was constructed in the 1920's.

"We tried to keep everything original but we brightened it up," Donna Young said.

The oak floor is original as well as the large wooden beams near the ceiling.

The building now hosts various affairs including weddings, reunions, birthdays, meetings and anniversaries at a reasonable rate.

The Youngs, who also own and operate S.G. Young Contracting in Covington, performed the renovation work themselves.

"We worked on it when we didn't have any other jobs," Donna Young said. The restoration took approximately one year," she added.

Air conditioning and heating were also added as part of the renovation.

"We tried to keep (the decor) neutral. Everything can be designed how they want," Young said. The hall features white walls, black ceiling and black floors. A restroom area was added that features a checkered-pattern floor.

The black and white motif was intentional, Young said, since it resembles a tuxedo. That way, the bridal parties can match the decor of the room.

During an interview Thursday, the hall was being transformed into a casino complete with casino games and a slot machine for an upcoming birthday party. Large dice will greet party goers in the foyer of the banquet hall.

An antique large brass and glass chandelier hangs over the bar area. The chandelier was a gift from Stan Young's mother who purchased it in 1987. The bar features a small refrigerator and wine cooler. A stage with a power supply to handle the needs of bands or disc jockeys has also be constructed.

The first wedding reception held at the former Covington Grocery was in April.

Donna Young said she was particularly excited when a couple married in the building.

In the future, Young said they will open a cafe in a portion of the building. Renovations are currently underway to make the transformation. She said other future plans include knocking out a bricked-over archway and adding an outdoor deck.

Young said she plans to have the cafe open in October. With a kitchen in place, Young said they will expand the business into catering.

Young said she plans to have the cafe open in October. With a kitchen in place, Young said they will expand the business into catering.

Young said she always wanted to open a cafe and event location. "I always said I wanted to do it and I have."

Her husband, Stan, fulfilled her wish. "A woman with ideas and a construction company is a dangerous combination." Stan joked.

Stan Young said the business was a family affair. He proudly showed pictures of their son, George, 6, painting the floor.

"We work together as a team, don't we?" Donna said to her husband.

"We thought it would add some flair to Covington. I really think it fits this part of town. Due to its close proximity to the CSX tracks and the restored depot, customers can enjoy the rich history of the railroad as well as the history of the building.

"I just love to hear old people tell stories about the building," Donna Young said.

The manager of the banquet hall is Sheena Jackson. The house disc jockey is Brian "DJ Hollywood" Hambrick.

For more information on renting the hall or for a tour, call S.G. Young Contracting at 965-5971. The hall can seat 200-225 persons.

Source: Virginian Review, Saturday, August 1, 2009.