It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting Ashland The Henry Clay Estate in Lexington, NC gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Lexington, NC is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“Excellent Senior Care Provider! I highly recommend this senior care provider to anyone looking for compassionate”
“I reached out to Cody and he was amazing and a life saver I had both”
“Cody Edwards has spent the last two months helping our family as we walked a”
“Cody was extremely helpful finding an assisted living facility for our loved one. His guidance”
“Always Best Care (ABC) is a top-notch reliable sitter service covering the Piedmont Triad in”
“I worked with Karla Dixon on a referral. Karla was very involved and helped facilitate”
“I’ve seen firsthand the excellent care Always Best Care Senior Services provides. Their team is”
“The staff here are compassionate, professional, and truly go above and beyond. You can tell”
“5 stars all the way—professional, compassionate, and reliable. You can tell they genuinely care!”
“Great work provided by this company, and great staff to execute their goals!”
“To see the work this company puts in to make sure their clients needs are”
“Not only is the care they provide outstanding, but the support from the front office”
“It’s rare to find a company where both the caregivers and the office staff are”
“Kaitlyn Jones is absolutely the best. Hands down!”
“Quick responses, clear communication, and a very friendly admin team. Everything was handled efficiently and”
“Cody was very helpful getting tours setup for my daughter and me to tour independent”
“We thoroughly enjoyed working with Cody while exploring independent living facilities for my mom. He”
“Great care for your loved ones!”
“They have a good work team very satisfied with their care”
“Always Best Care will not disappoint! They truly provide the best service for all of”
“Always Best Care Services has been a wonderful experience, and Leslie Christian was especially helpful”
“Absolutely fantastic caregivers, support staff and management. If you ever need any assistance CALL ABC.”
“If you ever get Alexis on the phone, you’re in for a great experience. She’s”
“We have had a great start with Always Best Care. They send daily caregivers to”
“I am very happy with this provider's service. Cody was our coordinator, and he helped”
“Excellent Senior Care Provider! I highly recommend this senior care provider to anyone looking for compassionate and dependable care for their loved ones. The team is caring, professional, and dedicated to making sure each resident receives the attention and support they deserve. They go above and beyond to create a safe, comfortable, and welcoming environment. Their commitment to the well-being of seniors and their families truly makes a difference. It’s reassuring to know that there are care providers who treat every individual with dignity, kindness, and respect. Thank you for all that you do! Highly recommend this wonderful senior care provider! Thank you Cody Edwards!”
“I reached out to Cody and he was amazing and a life saver I had both of my parents in need of a asst living who are in their 90’s and he was able to place them and help me navigate the nightmare of paperwork, of moving out of state, and all the medical issues I recommend him for anyone who is going through this”
“Cody Edwards has spent the last two months helping our family as we walked a difficult journey with a sick loved one. He worked very hard to help us in spite of challenges and setbacks. He has a great attitude, always positive and solution-oriented! Laurie Hopkins, Hickory NC”
“Cody was extremely helpful finding an assisted living facility for our loved one. His guidance and knowledge made an extremely difficult situation easy. He was able to work with our schedule and set everything up. We thank you so much for all your help and for the follow up.”
“Always Best Care (ABC) is a top-notch reliable sitter service covering the Piedmont Triad in NC. Their internal staff is professional and efficient. They are always happy to answer any questions or concerns and they always respond in a very timely manner. ABC has quality sitters who will provide excellent care for your loved one with compassion, whether in a home or in a care facility. Always Best Care is appropriately named because they have “always” provided the “best care” to my mother-in-law, who has dementia. They have been helping her daily for the past three years. We are grateful for ABC’s help!”
“I worked with Karla Dixon on a referral. Karla was very involved and helped facilitate the meeting and tour. Loved working with her and look forward to our partnership in the future!!!!”
“I’ve seen firsthand the excellent care Always Best Care Senior Services provides. Their team is professional, compassionate, and truly dedicated to the well-being of those they serve. I highly recommend their services to anyone who may need them!”
“The staff here are compassionate, professional, and truly go above and beyond. You can tell they genuinely care about their clients and their families.”
“5 stars all the way—professional, compassionate, and reliable. You can tell they genuinely care!”
“Great work provided by this company, and great staff to execute their goals!”
“To see the work this company puts in to make sure their clients needs are met, means a lot to the community. Having care you can trust means the world to the families in need. From the first interaction over the phone to a smiling face that greets you at the door, this company is great for in home care!”
“Not only is the care they provide outstanding, but the support from the front office is just as impressive. It’s comforting knowing you can call and talk to someone who genuinely cares and helps guide you through everything.”
“It’s rare to find a company where both the caregivers and the office staff are this compassionate. From day one, the entire team made us feel comfortable and answered so many of our questions with guidance.”
“Kaitlyn Jones is absolutely the best. Hands down!”
“Quick responses, clear communication, and a very friendly admin team. Everything was handled efficiently and professionally.”
“Cody was very helpful getting tours setup for my daughter and me to tour independent living facilities. He contacted the facility and got all the needed information. He kept us well informed of what to expect. I appreciated his services. Cody is very caring.”
“We thoroughly enjoyed working with Cody while exploring independent living facilities for my mom. He spent time talking with us to learn what my mom was looking for in a place to live during the next chapters of her life and shared a variety of options. He scheduled and accompanied us on the tours. Cody was thorough, patient, kind and answered all of our questions. Even though my mom chose not to pursue independent living at this time, we appreciated the time Cody spent working with us and he will be the first call we make when/if she decides to pursue this route in the future. Thank you Cody!!!!”
“Great care for your loved ones!”
“They have a good work team very satisfied with their care”
“Always Best Care will not disappoint! They truly provide the best service for all of your in home care needs!”
“Always Best Care Services has been a wonderful experience, and Leslie Christian was especially helpful throughout the process. She was kind, professional, and took the time to answer questions and make everything feel easy and comfortable. It’s clear that she truly cares and wants to provide the best support possible. I would definitely recommend Always Best Care Services to anyone looking for dependable and compassionate care.”
“Absolutely fantastic caregivers, support staff and management. If you ever need any assistance CALL ABC. They were absolutley fabulous for our family.”
“If you ever get Alexis on the phone, you’re in for a great experience. She’s funny, lively, and full of great energy. I actually caught myself laughing during the call, which almost never happens when calling places. Just a genuinely positive person who makes the conversation easy and enjoyable. Loved the energy! -cora”
“We have had a great start with Always Best Care. They send daily caregivers to help my mother and always follow their well-thought out care plan. Their program is very organized and they are great with communication. Our caregiver, Allison, is especially fabulous ... she is ABOVE and BEYOND. She is so thorough, creative, and thoughtful. We feel very lucky to be on her list!”
“I am very happy with this provider's service. Cody was our coordinator, and he helped my family and I find a caring, affordable, and beautiful assisted living facility for my mother. He was thorough and kind, keeping us updated with new finds and even helping me into one of the facilities we were touring with an umbrella against the pouring rain. He asked all the right questions, ensuring we found a good fit. After much searching, Cody ultimately discovered the place my mother is at now. Thanks for all the help, Cody!”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Jacobson Park in Lexington, NC with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Jeff Ruby's Steakhouse Lexington or visit The Loudoun House, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
Request More Information
While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Lexington, NC, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Lexington, NC understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Lexington, NC 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
DAVIDSON, N.C. —UpdateThe North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is sharing more details of possible exposures after baby goats at a petting zoo in Iredell County tested positive for rabies.NCDHHS officials say their agency and the state's Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services were first notified about the potential rabies exposure of four baby goats at Farm Adventures in Harmony, North Carolina, on Aug. 27.The agency stated that the goats ...
DAVIDSON, N.C. —
Update
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is sharing more details of possible exposures after baby goats at a petting zoo in Iredell County tested positive for rabies.
NCDHHS officials say their agency and the state's Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services were first notified about the potential rabies exposure of four baby goats at Farm Adventures in Harmony, North Carolina, on Aug. 27.
The agency stated that the goats were most likely exposed to the deadly disease by a skunk that entered into their pen sometime in late July. Officials say the NC State Laboratory of Public Health confirmed the rabies virus was found in three of the baby goats Aug. 29. A fourth wasn't tested, but officials assume it's also been infected.
Officials with NCDHHS and NCDA&CS have been working with the farm and local health departments to gather more data about any potential exposure dates and locations. They say no other animals on the farm were at risk of rabies exposure to people.
Anyone who is believed to have had contact with the baby goats at the farm Adventures mobile petting zoo location in Harmony, North Carolina, or at another off-site event between July 28 and Aug. 27 should call their local health department to see what medications are needed to prevent an infection.
Known potential exposure dates and locations include:
NCDHHS says public health officials are working with the events' organizers to locate and notify attendees who might have come into contact with the infected goats. At this time, the investigation is ongoing.
Rabies is transmitted through the saliva of an infected animal. NCDHHS officials say human rabies infections are extremely rare in the US, with no human cases being reported in North Carolina since 2011.
Original story
The Davidson County Health Department is warning of a potential rabies exposure connected to a petting zoo at a community event earlier this month.
Health officials said four goats that were part of the petting zoo at the Community Connections event at Breeden Amphitheater in Lexington on Aug. 1 have tested positive for rabies.
Rabies is transmitted through the saliva of an infected animal.
The health department said anyone who attended the event and held a baby goat may have been exposed and should contact the department for a risk assessment.
A call center has been set up at 336-242-2371.
The phone line will be open:
Health officials said additional information will be released if the call center is needed Sunday.
TRENDING
LEXINGTON, N.C. —Three months after a massive fire destroyed two landmark businesses in Uptown Lexington, firefighters are reflecting on their response and the strategies that prevented the flames from spreading further.Lexington Fire Chief Michael Tofano said his department has spent the past three months reviewing its handling of the May 19 fire that destroyed The Candy Factory and Shoto Japanese Steakhouse."There were a lot of things that went right for us that night," Tofano said....
LEXINGTON, N.C. —
Three months after a massive fire destroyed two landmark businesses in Uptown Lexington, firefighters are reflecting on their response and the strategies that prevented the flames from spreading further.
Lexington Fire Chief Michael Tofano said his department has spent the past three months reviewing its handling of the May 19 fire that destroyed The Candy Factory and Shoto Japanese Steakhouse.
"There were a lot of things that went right for us that night," Tofano said.
With assistance from other agencies and strategic placement of ladder trucks, crews were able to prevent the fire from spreading to nearby businesses.
"One of our main takeaways was the utilization of all of those resources that we needed in order to be successful at putting out the fire," Tofano said.
While the cause of the fire may never be determined, Tofano said the moments crews responded will remain unforgettable.
"When we originally arrived on scene, the fire was from the first floor all the way through the third floor. So with that extensive amount of time that it had been burning in there, most likely by the time we arrived, it had already spread over into The Candy Factory," Tofano said.
Specialized firewalls prevented the fire from jumping to nearby businesses, including Main Street Deli and Bagels & More. However, Tofano noted that firewalls, which are required by code, can pose a risk of collapse after fires, leaving the block closed until the walls are deemed stable.
"If you have buildings that are together like those, you're going to end up having firewalls. That is, something that is required by code. And, in those particular businesses, those firewalls were made from masonry, from brick," Tofano said.
LEXINGTON, N.C. (WGHP) — It’s been nearly three months since a fire in uptown Lexington destroyed Shoto’s Japanese Seafood and Steakhouse and the Candy Factory.Demolition began two weeks ago, and FOX8 spoke with the owner of the Candy Factory, Annette Conrad.She said the rebuilding has been difficult, but the crew is ahead of schedule on the demolition, so they are one step closer to reopening the Candy Factory.“We are working on a plan to recreate those creaky wooden floors,” Conrad said....
LEXINGTON, N.C. (WGHP) — It’s been nearly three months since a fire in uptown Lexington destroyed Shoto’s Japanese Seafood and Steakhouse and the Candy Factory.
Demolition began two weeks ago, and FOX8 spoke with the owner of the Candy Factory, Annette Conrad.
She said the rebuilding has been difficult, but the crew is ahead of schedule on the demolition, so they are one step closer to reopening the Candy Factory.
“We are working on a plan to recreate those creaky wooden floors,” Conrad said.
She said Lexington residents have been asking the Conrad family to make the Candy Factory feel, look, and smell just as it did the day before it all burned down.
“I think we’re going to be able to accomplish it. We’re going to do our best. It will be different inside as well, and that will be mandated by code,” Conrad said.
She said the Candy Factory has been in the same location in Uptown Lexington since 1978 and the nostalgic look inside was curated over time. Once they reopen, Conrad said the smell when you walk through the doors will take you back.
“The mix of the candy and the chocolate, and the popcorn popping … makes you want to buy a bag of popcorn and definitely get some double-dipped peanuts,” Conrad said.
She said that as much as they will try to replicate the Candy Factory, there is some reality they’ve had to accept.
“We’re going to do everything we can to maintain the feel and nostalgia, but we know that it will look somewhat different inside with some of the changes we’re going to have to make to the retail space,” Conrad said.
And while it may take them a while to replace their antiques and one-of-a-kind items, one item was found under the rubble: the book “Leaves of Gold.”
Conrad said it served as a reminder to her family.
“That was a sign that God’s still with us. … When one door closes, another one opens. The doors may be different, but what’s on the other side may be just as awesome,” Conrad said.
Right now, the Candy Factory is not planning on doing any pop-ups, and they haven’t made a decision about the Lexington Barbeque Festival yet.
Conrad said their priority is finishing up the demolition and working towards rebuilding.
LEXINGTON, N.C. —Demolition crews are set to begin work Monday for Shoto Japanese Restaurant and the Candy Factory in Lexington, 10 weeks after a fire destroyed both businesses.“The buildings are going to come down together; it’s just the safest and easiest,” said Stephanie Huynh of Shoto Japanese Restaurant.The fire, which investigators said was undetermined in origin, caused significant damage to the structures. Huynh said that fire investigators ruled out trespassing, but due t...
LEXINGTON, N.C. —
Demolition crews are set to begin work Monday for Shoto Japanese Restaurant and the Candy Factory in Lexington, 10 weeks after a fire destroyed both businesses.
“The buildings are going to come down together; it’s just the safest and easiest,” said Stephanie Huynh of Shoto Japanese Restaurant.
The fire, which investigators said was undetermined in origin, caused significant damage to the structures. Huynh said that fire investigators ruled out trespassing, but due to the severity of the damage, that's all officials were able to determine. Both businesses are working together under a shared demolition contract to carefully dismantle the buildings.
“They’re going to have to go up on scaffolding and chisel and hammer for the top layer of the bricks,” Huynh said.
The demolition process will be slow, with crews carefully removing all of the brick and wood remaining before architects can help the business owners reimagine their spaces.
“I’m sure excavators, dump trucks will be there. I know they’re going to use the back alley as kind of like ground zero, that’s where they’re going to haul everything out,” Huynh said.
The fire has had a major impact on Uptown Lexington, with a significant Main Street block closed since the blaze. Huynh encouraged the community to continue supporting local businesses during this time.
“The road might be closed for a few more weeks or a month, but everybody’s still out and about. And so we’re all ready to see the town rise out of the ashes, per se,” she said.
She said the road closure is due to the NCDOT and the City of Lexington wanting to ensure the safety of drivers, pedestrians and surrounding businesses as well.
Despite the challenges ahead, Huynh expressed hope for the future of Shoto. Starting in August, the restaurateurs will have a food truck operating out of Brewer's Kettle in Lexington serving many of the fan favorites at the brewery and local street events.
Huynh also shared plans to incorporate salvaged bricks into the restaurant’s future design as an ode to the journey Shoto Japanese Restaurant has taken.
“We’d love to use some of the bricks as part of the façade in the front just to remember where we came from and that tragedy can bring joy,” she said.
Both Shoto Japanese Restaurant and the Candy Factory expect the demolition process to take several weeks, if not a couple of months. The exact timeline is also dependent on permitting from both the state and the city of Lexington, a process Huynh says is already underway.
You can find GoFundMe links to the businesses impacted here (Bagels & More, The Candy Factory, Shoto Japanese Restaurant, Main St. Pizza and Deli).
336-654-5001
