As Ralph Lauren, founder of his eponymous label, said, “This collection is about more than a charming coastal town; it’s a story of the American dream.”
"What moved me most was not just the aesthetic beauty of the collection, but the integrity behind it. Polo Ralph Lauren didn’t simply borrow from Oak Bluffs’ culture — it partnered with it. It collaborated with the Cottagers, Inc., a group of Black women homeowners who have safeguarded Oak Bluffs’ legacy since 1956. It pledged support to the United Negro College Fund, and produced a companion documentary, “A Portrait of the American Dream: Oak Bluffs,” premiering at the Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival. The collection tells a story.
The campaign imagery felt like a family reunion: Multigenerational models posed on porches, wrapped in textures that whisper history and resilience. Even the smallest details — buttons, embroidery, hemstitching — felt reverent. As a designer and a daughter of this place, it was emotional to witness.
"As retailers shrink away from diversity, the iconic American brand has taken the opposite route...Ralph Lauren has proved it pays to highlight underrepresented communities and overlooked chapters of American history. The company’s stock has soared nearly 30 percent year-to-date, vastly outpacing the broader market. The S&P 500, tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average are all up less than 10 percent this year." -Inc. Magazine
On Wednesday, June 4, the opening of the new McDonald’s at 3179 Godwin Blvd. in Suffolk, VA brought together familiar faces from across Suffolk. The event was shaped by local partnerships, shared memories, and community moments — making it more than just a ribbon cutting, but a reflection of the connections that already exist between the restaurant and the neighborhood it serves.
Photos courtesy of the City of Suffolk.
Kyle Harmon, owner/operator of the new Suffolk McDonald’s, represents the next generation of a family deeply rooted in the brand. He got his start with McDonald’s at just 15, following in the footsteps of his father, Frank Harmon, who began his McDonald’s career in 1971. After college and five years with the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Maryland, Kyle returned to the family business in 2007. 3179 Godwin Boulevard is the newest of five McDonald’s restaurants he owns in the region, where his leadership blends a legacy of tradition with a deep commitment to the communities he serves.
“We’re so excited to officially open our doors here in Suffolk,” said Kyle Harmon, local McDonald’s Owner/Operator. “This restaurant represents our ongoing commitment to the community—not just by serving great food, but by creating jobs, supporting local organizations like RMHC, and bringing people together. We’re so grateful to everyone who came out to support us,” said Kyle Harmon, McDonald’s Owner/Operator. “This wasn’t just a ribbon cutting—it was a true Suffolk moment. From the Hamburglar arrest to the RMHC donation and Diane’s surprise, every detail reflected how much we value this community.”
$1,500 Donation Supports Local Families at Ronald McDonald House Norfolk
The celebration included a $1,500 donation to Ronald McDonald House Charities of Norfolk, a home-away-from-home located just steps from Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters (CHKD). The House provides lodging, comfort, and critical support for families with children receiving treatment at nearby hospitals. In 2024 alone, RMHC Norfolk provided more than 4,798 nights of lodging, helping relieve the emotional and financial burden of travel, meals, and housing. The support saves families nearly $600,000 annually—and since opening in 1981, the Norfolk House has served over 25,000 families, keeping them close during some of the most difficult times in their lives.
In addition to the donation, customers at the new Suffolk location can also support RMHC every day through Round-Up for RMHC — an innovative in-restaurant feature that allows guests to round up their purchase to the nearest dollar at the register or kiosk. Even small contributions make a big impact: just 92 cents can help provide a bedtime story, or 21 cents can help give families five minutes of shared laughter.
“Round-Up for RMHC is a simple way to help keep families close when they need it most,” said McDonald’s Owner/Operator Kyle Harmon. “We’re proud to support RMHC Norfolk and give our guests a way to do the same.”
Music and Prizes from a Local Favorite: 106.1,
Local radio partners US106.1 America’s Country brought the energy with live music and giveaways. Guests spun a prize wheel for exciting local prizes like Free Big Macs for a Year and Busch Gardens tickets, while enjoying 79¢ hamburgers and 89¢ cheeseburgers during the event. As part of the Grand Opening celebration, the restaurant is celebrating all week long with specials through Sunday, 6/8.
Honoring Suffolk’s Own with the “1 in 8” Tribute
The event highlighted McDonald’s national “1 in 8” initiative, celebrating the one in eight Americans who have worked at a McDonald’s restaurant. After some lighthearted investigating, the team discovered that Diane Raihle, Member Relations Executive with the Hampton Roads Chamber, was a former crew member. She was surprised with a limited-edition McDonald’s varsity jacket, honoring her as part of the 1 in 8 cohort and welcoming her back to the crew.
Sheriff Miles Keeps the Peace (and the Burgers) in Suffolk
One of the most memorable moments of the day came when Sheriff David Miles of the Suffolk Sheriff’s Office surprised guests by playfully “arresting” the Hamburglar. With certifications in Crisis Intervention and Hostage Negotiation, burger theft was light work. No cuffs were needed — just calm authority and a side of fries. Even the Hamburglar knew when it was time to surrender.
The light-hearted exchange drew laughter and cheers from families and included a good-natured talking-to — a reminder about making better choices. Sheriff Miles is known throughout the community not just for his leadership, but for his calm, respectful approach — which was on full display, even in a moment of mischief.
With grand opening burgers priced at just 79 cents, customers were already getting a steal — no need for the Hamburglar to get involved.
Cutting the Ribbon with City Council and The Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce
The event concluded with a ceremonial ribbon cutting in partnership with the Hampton Roads Chamber, with remarks from Suffolk City Council Member Shelley Butler Barlow. City leaders, local businesses, and neighbors joined together to mark the official opening of the restaurant.
“We’re so grateful to everyone who came out to support us,” said Kyle Harmon, McDonald’s Owner/Operator. “This wasn’t just a ribbon cutting—it was a true Suffolk moment. From the Hamburglar arrest to the RMHC donation and Diane’s surprise, every detail reflected how much we value this community.”
The celebration doesn’t end with opening day — special deals will continue throughout Grand Opening Week, giving guests even more reasons to stop by and enjoy the new Suffolk location. From classic favorites to limited-time offers, there's something for everyone to enjoy all week long.
🌟 About the “1 in 8” Initiative
McDonald’s is proud to celebrate the 1 in 8 Americans who have worked under the Golden Arches. Whether their careers stayed with McDonald’s or led them elsewhere, the 1 in 8 initiative honors the impact, growth, and lifelong connections made through restaurant crew experiences. Learn more or share your story at McDonalds1in8.com.
❤️ About RMHC
McDonald’s is the largest corporate donor to Ronald McDonald House Charities, helping families stay close during medical crises through donations, awareness, and volunteer support.
🔥 About McDonald’s USA
McDonald’s USA, LLC, serves millions daily with quality ingredients and iconic favorites. 95% of its 13,500+ U.S. restaurants are independently owned and operated.
Learn more at www.mcdonalds.com and follow along on X, Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.
I LOVED Chicago!
My new PR friend, Cindy, hooked me up with tickets to opening night to Chicago on tour at Altria Theatre in Richmond and I’m so grateful because it was just the best. Her job is to promote all the Broadway shows that come to Richmond - how cool is that?
Chicago is the longest-running American musical in Broadway and West-End History, but I was excited to see it for the first time.
The show opens with “All That Jazz.” It’s always so fun when you hear a song you know and realize ohhhh that’s where it’s from.
I loved “Cell Block Tango” about all the girls murdering their husbands. 🎶 “He had it coming. He had it coming. He only had himself 5o blame.”🎶 Jay was sitting next to me and his eyes got real big.
The musical Chicago is based on a play of the same name by reporter and playwright Maurine Dallas Watkins, who was assigned to cover the 1924 trials of accused murderers Beulah Annan and Belva Gaertner for the Chicago Tribune. In the early 1920s, Chicago's press and public became riveted by the subject of homicides committed by women. A lore arose that, in Chicago, feminine or attractive women could not be convicted. The Chicago Tribune generally favored the prosecution's case, while still presenting the details of these women's lives. Its rivals at the Hearst papers were more pro-defendant, and employed what were derisively called "sob-sisters" – women reporters who focused on the plight, attractiveness, redemption, or grace of the female defendants. Regardless of stance, the press covered several of these women as celebrities. - Wikipedia
There wasn’t one dull moment. Everything and everyone was beautiful. The dancing was immaculate. There was SO much energy.
Taylor Lane played Velma, and I don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone with more energy. She was so much fun to watch.
I love love loved the dancing! Everyone was so GOOD! Look at these jumps!
I was mesmerized by this girl, Faith Jordan Candino. I looked her up after the show, and it turns out she’d danced for Richmond Ballet!
I loved all the girl power, especially in this number, Cell Block Tango. It reminded me of how much I loved SIX.
Aww and I loved Mr. Cellophane so much.
And my favorite part of the show was this, because what isn’t made better with giant feather fans?
And this guy, Connor Sullivan, held the longest note and everyone was cheering and loved it.
I loved seeing everyone’s outfits. I was some super cute sheer black tops. I wore this off-the-shoulder top from Samsoe and this skirt from Dottir (a local brand that just opened their first store in Church Hill!). I also always try to remember to bring a scarf/wrap in case I get cold. My cousin Jocelyn gave me this red one from Travel Wrap and it’s just the best.
If I went again, I think I’d wear a black skirt and my favorite pantyhose. I came across this brand, Calzedonia, a few years ago and it’s been a game changer. They don’t have a seam in the front and they don’t ride down and they are SO comfortable. I have them in black, dark brown, navy and nude.
Chicago’s here until Sunday 5/11, and I definitely recommend seeing the show before it’s gone!
Tickets: https://www.altriatheater.com/events/detail/chicago
We're so proud of former TFB intern Taylor Pattie on her recognition as VCU's Black History in the Making.
