BLUEFIELD, VA – JULY 21, 2026 – A unique, coastal-inspired dining experience in a community-centered environment is what Ahmed Darwish set out to create when he opened Seagull Seafood LLC earlier this year in Bluefield, VA.

Seagull Seafood LLC is a recent recipient of a $10,000 Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority (VCEDA) Seed Capital Matching Grant. Seed capital grants are funded from regional funds received by VCEDA which are paid by the natural gas industry.

“Seagull Seafood enhances the region’s growing creative tourism sector, serving local residents, regional visitors and travelers,” said Jonathan Belcher, VCEDA executive director/general counsel.

“The business projects six full-time and 10 part-time employees within five years.”

“Fresh, high-quality seafood is sourced for our restaurant,” Darwish said. “We are also expanding our menu offerings to include ice cream and a small Italian menu, serving items like chicken Alfredo.”

Additional menu items include Greek salads, gyros, Philly cheese steaks, burgers, ice cream and more. The restaurant utilizes both regional and national food suppliers.

The business is located at 103 Spring Street, Suite A and is open seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Reservations are accepted by calling the restaurant at 276-322-7048. Delivery is available to local businesses for 99 cents. Students at Bluefield University and Bluefield State University can receive 5 percent off their meals by showing their college ID cards. In the future, Darwish said, plans are to sign up with Door Dash to capitalize on the take-out options available from the restaurant.

The restaurant celebrated its first anniversary in June, offering free ice cream to kids visiting the restaurant.

Darwish used the seed capital grant toward the purchase of food inventory and to restock essential supplies.

“The VCEDA grant was evidence of God listening to my prayer is exactly what it is,” Darwish said of what the grant has meant to him and his new business. “I am blessed.”

Darwish worked with the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Southwest Virginia Community College (SWCC) in developing his application to VCEDA. He received a letter of support from the Tazewell County Industrial Development Authority.

“One of the greatest privileges of serving as the Southwest Virginia Community College Small Business Development Center (SBDC) director is getting to know the people behind the businesses,” said Denise Harmon, SBDC director at SWCC. “Ahmed Darwish welcomed me into his restaurant with warmth, generosity and gratitude every time we met. While the application process presented its challenges, his determination never wavered. His commitment to building a successful business that serves the community was evident in every step of the journey and it was an honor to work alongside him. This well-deserved investment reflects Ahmed’s perseverance, hard work and dedication to growing a business that contributes to the vitality of our region. We look forward to seeing Seagull Seafood continue to thrive and serve the community for years to come.”

“Seagull Seafood offers high-quality seafood in a welcoming downtown setting, enhancing the visitor experience and contributing to a vibrant downtown atmosphere,” said Tazewell County IDA Executive Director Tim Danielson. “Ahmed’s business is a valued contribution to Tazewell County and the Town of Bluefield. VCEDA’s support is most appreciated.”

For more information about Seagull Seafood, interested persons may visit their Facebook page.

About Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority and Southwest Virginia’s e-Region: The Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority, created by the Virginia General Assembly in 1988 to enhance and diversify the region’s economy and help create jobs, markets Southwest Virginia’s e-Region and its focus on electronic information technology, energy, education, emerging technologies, and entrepreneurship. VCEDA is a unique economic development organization that manages funds for economic development projects from a percentage of the coal and natural gas severance taxes paid by coal and natural gas companies that operate in the region. Located in southwestern Virginia, the region includes Buchanan, Dickenson, Lee, Russell, Scott, Tazewell, and Wise counties and the City of Norton. www.vceda.us or www.e-Region.org.

About the Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority Seed Capital Matching Grant Fund: VCEDA region for-profit businesses, within qualifying business categories, one year and under with less than 10 full-time employees are eligible to apply for dollar-for-dollar matching grants up to $10,000 from the VCEDA Seed Capital Matching Fund. Applicants work with the Small Business Development Centers at Mountain Empire and Southwest Virginia community colleges to prepare the applications to VCEDA that include detailed business and financial plans. Businesses must be located in or plan to operate in the VCEDA region in southwestern Virginia that includes Buchanan, Dickenson, Lee, Russell, Scott, Tazewell, and Wise counties and the City of Norton.

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PHOTO CAPTION: Ahmed Darwish opened Seagull Seafood LLC in Bluefield, VA, to offer a unique, coastal-inspired dining experience in a community-centered environment. The new business is a recent recipient of a $10,000 VCEDA Seed Capital Matching Grant.