Background: Owner, Country Cafe Pit Stop, Sperryville. Rappahannock native whose family goes back several generations in the county. Former 30-year board member of Belvoir Assembly of God church in Marshall, Va. Supports county community service programs through prepared food donations. Lives on Harris Hollow Road in Washington with his wife, Janet, who teaches at Rappahannock County Elementary School. Their son, Isaiah, attends Bridgewater College in Bridgewater, Va.
The Spark: Back in the early 1970s, my uncle sold the old Parkway Gift Shop that is now the Sperryville Trading building outside Sperryville. One of the purchasers, Mike Sacco, knew the food business and they opened a deli. I got a job there right out of high school and Mr. Sacco trained me to prepare food. He was a wonderful man who inspired me to follow a career in the food service business. I would also add that both my parents had a strong work ethic and had a big influence on me. They wanted my brothers, sisters and me to be better off than they were, and they lived to see that.
Proudest Achievement: Having my own successful business for 35 years, 30 years at the Country Cafe in the Town of Washington and five years here at the Pit Stop in Sperryville. I have always strived to provide food that is of high quality, affordable and tasty. The restaurant business is tough and demanding with long hours, but I’m passionate about it.
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Country Cafe Pit Stop owner David Huff at his Sperryville roadside restaurant.
Biggest Challenge: It was a stressful time when we learned from The Inn at Little Washington we’d have to close the Country Cafe to make way for Patty O’s restaurant. I was afraid I’d be out of a job or have to leave Rappahannock County to find work elsewhere. Then, in 2020, when COVID hit and dine-in restaurants were closing, our current location became available. It was a blessing in disguise. We were able to move from the cafe and pivot to a carryout business. I’m not sure we would have made it during COVID if we had continued at the Country Cafe. All in all, it was a smooth transition. Patrick O’Connell and the folks at the inn were very kind to us. We have been so fortunate since we’ve moved here.
Why It Matters: I find this work personally rewarding. It sounds simple, but when I fix someone’s lunch, and they tell me how much they enjoy it, that makes me feel good. At the Country Cafe and continuing on here, we have so many regular patrons. I’ve met many fine people and developed a good number of friendships. Some of them are almost like family. I’m blessed to be able to work and live in this county, providing reasonably priced meals that our local residents enjoy.
Favorite Rappahannock Treasure: We live in such a special place. When I come home from a trip, I go out on my deck and say to myself, ‘I didn’t see anything more beautiful than this.’ It’s not just the beauty. Since I was a kid, I’ve always felt this is a very caring community. People are always there for each other, especially in times of need.
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