Diners looking for a place to eat in downtown Harrisonburg are likely to hear Rocktown Kitchen (RK) mentioned as a choice. The restaurant is spoken highly of by the community, not only for its food and service but also for its atmosphere.

“It’s casual and down to earth,” one customer said. 

The COVID-19 pandemic shut down restaurants, shops and other local businesses in downtown Harrisonburg. In the face of such a challenge, Rocktown Kitchen found a way not only to maintain their positive atmosphere, but also thrive. 

COVID is not the only adversary this restaurant has faced, however. Supply chain issues and rising inflation continue to create new problems, and RK rises to meet them each time.

When the pandemic hit, Rocktown Kitchen responded instantly. Within a week, they had implemented a curbside pickup/delivery service, as well as a website to order on, so transactions were as contactless as possible. Head Chef Kristo Papa understood that despite the fact this would be costly, it was a necessary change.  

“We were spending money we didn’t have,”  Kristo said. “We knew it was what the community needed.”

To raise awareness that they were open and ready to serve, Rocktown Kitchen began to organize neighborhood delivery nights. 

“We wanted to see what we could do for the community,” Kristo said. “ It wasn’t just us hurting.”

The delivery nights not only improved the morale of the community, but also that of the RK staff. 

“Doing those deliveries showed us that our customer base was still here,” Kristo said. “The community coming together is the best thing that had ever happened.”

Shortages, low customer numbers and inconsistent business continued to cause issues for Rocktown Kitchen. During these hardships, employees invested back in the restaurant that had invested in them for so long.  

“[Our employees] immediately came to us to help,” Kristo said. “They offered to work for free.” 

After a few months, Rocktown Kitchen opened once more for dine-in orders. 

“I remember the first table I served, after the pandemic,” Anya, who chose not to give a last name, said. “Two construction workers sat right [on the patio]. It was amazing to get to serve people again.”

Above all else, Rocktown owners Mira and Kristo Papa wanted to make one thing clear. 

“How we survived COVID is not how smart we are, or how hard-work[ing] we are,” Kristo said. “It’s the community.” 

In light of the hardships that Rocktown employees endured throughout the pandemic, Papa was eager to give back rewards to those who stepped up in a time of need. Rocktown began to offer paid vacation to full-time employees after the pandemic restrictions loosened.

“We are a small business,” Kristo said. “So for us, this is a huge thing.”

Now that the pandemic has begun to end, supply chain issues have damaged RK’s ability to operate comfortably. 

“Some [groceries] have gone up 200 [or] 300 percent,”Kristo said. “It’s hard, because a restaurant business can only take so much.” 

Despite the challenges Rocktown Kitchen has faced, the restaurant as a whole continues to operate. It remains a staple in downtown Harrisonburg, and the Papa’s believe they are prepared to face whatever challenges come next. 

“After going through COVID, this issue with the prices and supply is definitely easier to handle,” Kristo said. “We are ready for anything.”

Gallery • 8 Photos

Sean Lin

Colleagues Stephen and Mike of Coldwell Banker Premier meet at Rocktown Kitchen for lunch. While Mike had never been to RK, Stephen has waited since the COVID shutdown to eat at the restaurant again. “The food is excellent and the service is always good,” Stephen said. “I would totally come here for happy hour.”