National Park Service picks MM176 for Mabry Mill

The National Park Service said May 14 that it selected MM176, LLC for a 10-year concessions contract at Mabry Mill on the Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia. The agreement covers food, beverage and retail services in the restaurant and gift shop next to the historic mill at milepost 176.2, according to the Parkway. The new operator plans interior renovations in 2026 and expects to open food and retail services to the public in spring 2027, the agency said. The award follows a competitive selection process that the Park Service reopened last year after an earlier solicitation drew no bids. ### Why is the Mabry Mill restaurant still closed if a new operator has been chosen? Spring 2027 is the target for reopening, according to the Parkway’s May 14 announcement. MM176 plans to spend 2026 on interior renovations before opening the restaurant and shop to the public, the agency said. The restaurant has been closed for several years, according to WSLS. The Parkway said visitors will still find programming at the site during the 2026 season, including educational programs, blacksmithing demonstrations, music events and walking tours. ### How did the Park Service get to this contract? June 26, 2025 was the date the Blue Ridge Parkway announced a re-released concession opportunity for Mabry Mill. The Park Service said the contract would run for 10 years and that the solicitation had first been advertised in the summer of 2024, when no bids were received. October 1, 2025 was the deadline for proposals under the reissued prospectus, according to the Park Service. The agency said it revised some financial aspects of the prospectus before seeking bids again. ### What exactly does MM176 control at the site? The 10-year contract covers the restaurant and gift shop adjacent to the historic Mabry Mill, the Parkway said. The Park Service described the work as providing food, beverage and retail services rather than operating the historic site itself. Mabry Mill at milepost 176.2 includes a historic gristmill, sawmill and blacksmith shop, according to the Parkway. The agency said the mill building and blacksmith shop are original to the site, while other buildings were moved from nearby areas to show visitors early-20th-century Appalachian life. ### What did park officials say about the selection? Tracy Swartout, superintendent of the Blue Ridge Parkway, said the agency was “excited to see food service return” to Mabry Mill. Swartout said the operator’s planned investment builds on recent work at the site, including rehabilitation of Matthews Cabin and a new roof and wheel on the mill building. Nearby communities were also named in the Parkway’s statement. The agency pointed visitors to Meadows of Dan and Floyd for food options while the concessionaire prepares the site for renovation. ### What will visitors find at Mabry Mill before the restaurant reopens? During the 2026 visitor season, National Park Service staff and volunteers will host regular educational programs and cultural demonstrations at Mabry Mill, the Parkway said. The list includes blacksmithing, music events and walking tours. June 7 is the start date for Milepost Music concerts hosted by the Blue Ridge Music Center on the first and third Sundays through the summer, according to the Parkway. The agency also said food truck vendor opportunities are available for the 2026 season and directed interested businesses to contact its concessions office.