Railyard Businesses Band Together After Lidl Abandons Norfolk Plans

Businesses in Norfolk's Railyard at Lambert's Point find ways to succeed without the anticipated grocery store anchor tenant.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Years after German grocery chain Lidl bought a plot to build a store at Norfolk's Railyard at Lambert's Point, the space remains empty and is now listed for sale. Other Railyard businesses that were counting on the foot traffic a Lidl would bring are now banding together to drive traffic to the area through cross-promotional events and collaborations.

Why it matters

The loss of Lidl as an anchor tenant was a major setback for the Railyard businesses, who were relying on the increased foot traffic the grocery store would bring. However, the businesses have shown resilience by uniting and finding creative ways to support each other and attract customers to the area.

The details

Businesses like Just Birdies indoor golf venue, Afterglow Brewing, and Club Pilates have started a business association to coordinate events and promotions to drive traffic to the Railyard. They are offering discounts and allowing customers to order food from each other's establishments. The Railyard is also getting a new restaurant, Nelly's Brine and Grine, which will take over the space previously occupied by Sanctuary Taco.

  • Lidl bought the plot to build a store at the Railyard several years ago.
  • Just Birdies opened at the Railyard in September 2024.
  • Businesses started a new association with a grant from the city in 2026.
  • Nelly's Brine and Grine is set to open by June 2026.

The players

Lidl

A German grocery chain that bought a plot to build a store at the Railyard at Lambert's Point in Norfolk, but has since abandoned those plans.

Brad Brinke

The president of Just Birdies indoor golf and entertainment venue, which opened at the Railyard in 2024.

Josh Evans

The president of the new Railyard business association and the owner of Afterglow Brewing.

Dana Whitaker

The vice president of the new Railyard business association.

Nelly's Brine and Grine

A new restaurant that will be opening in the Railyard, taking over the space previously occupied by Sanctuary Taco.

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What they’re saying

“We're doing good. We're happy to be here. We're in our busy season right now.”

— Brad Brinke, President of Just Birdies (wtkr.com)

“When we found out that wasn't happening, we were definitely disappointed. So, what we've done is we've kind of refocused on, hey, how can we drive traffic to the spot [and] to the location.”

— Brad Brinke, President of Just Birdies (wtkr.com)

“We've talked about the struggles, what they wanna see. We've kind of leaned into trying to, to help out and, and support everybody.”

— Josh Evans, President of Railyard business association (wtkr.com)

“Hey, let's get together, let's band together, let's drive traffic, let's do events, let's get people here.”

— Brad Brinke, President of Just Birdies (wtkr.com)

“I'm a big believer of, if you support the community, they will support you back.”

— Josh Evans, President of Railyard business association (wtkr.com)

What’s next

Railyard developers said they have heard several grocers have expressed interest in buying the empty Lidl parcel, but nothing is set in stone yet.

The takeaway

The Railyard businesses have shown resilience and a commitment to the community by banding together to drive traffic and support each other, even in the face of a major setback like the loss of Lidl as an anchor tenant. Their collaborative efforts demonstrate the power of small businesses working together to overcome challenges and thrive.