Norfolk Businesses Rally to Support ODU After Deadly Shooting

Local shops offer free meals, fitness classes, and more to help the campus community cope with tragedy.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 9:49pm

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In the aftermath of a deadly shooting at Old Dominion University that left one student dead and two others injured, several Norfolk businesses have stepped up to support the campus community. Restaurants, fitness centers, and other local establishments are providing free meals, yoga classes, climbing gym access, and other gestures of goodwill to ODU students and staff as they grapple with the tragedy.

Why it matters

The shooting at ODU has shaken the campus and surrounding community, and the outpouring of support from local businesses demonstrates the tight-knit nature of the Norfolk area. These small acts of kindness can go a long way in providing comfort and healing during a difficult time.

The details

Businesses like Doug's Hot Dogs, Latitude Climbing and Fitness, and Hot House Yoga are among those offering free services to the ODU community. Doug's Hot Dogs will provide free meals this weekend, while the climbing gym and yoga studio are waiving entry fees for students and staff with valid university IDs. Other local attractions like the Virginia Zoo are also offering free admission to the ODU community through the end of the month.

  • The shooting occurred on Thursday at Old Dominion University.
  • Businesses began offering support to the ODU community in the days following the incident.

The players

David Derring

Owner of Doug's Hot Dogs, a local restaurant that will offer free meals to ODU students and staff this weekend.

Colin Foley

Staff member at Latitude Climbing and Fitness, a gym that is providing free entry to ODU community members.

John Yax

Owner of Hot House Yoga, a studio offering free classes to ODU students and staff.

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What they’re saying

“We're part of a community. We've been down here for 53 years, so you always look after everyone else.”

— David Derring, Owner, Doug's Hot Dogs

“Climbing creates an opportunity to release some serotonin and find a flow state and really let go of some of the stuff you're holding on to.”

— Colin Foley, Staff Member, Latitude Climbing and Fitness

“As business owners, let's open up and see if we can help our community. People are traumatized. It's intense, and we all need that space to try and find some healing.”

— John Yax, Owner, Hot House Yoga

What’s next

The Virginia Zoo is offering free admission to all ODU students, faculty, and staff through March 31, providing another opportunity for the campus community to find solace and support during this difficult time.

The takeaway

The outpouring of support from Norfolk businesses in the wake of the ODU shooting demonstrates the tight-knit nature of the local community and the power of small acts of kindness to provide comfort and healing in the face of tragedy. These gestures show that the community stands with the Monarchs as they navigate this difficult chapter.