Scene on Main Street is a new weekly series that gives you an on-the-street view of what’s happening in downtown Staunton. Designed to be a fun, interesting and engaging series with welcomed participation from our readers and those we run into along the way.
The Frenchmen coming to Staunton’s train station
Reporter Monique Calello here. As a dog owner and reporter, I walk downtown every day. On one of my (many) dog walks, I noticed new life at Staunton’s train station where the old Pullman used to be and was lucky enough to run into one of the owners of a new restaurant taking shape there. Each time I pass by, I see something a little different as they envision the new space. Look for a story when the owners are ready to share more. I’m excited. Are you?
The Frenchmen restaurant, Cajun-French cuisine inspired by the street in New Orleans, opening soon at 36 Middlebrook Ave. in Staunton’s train station.
In the meantime, here’s a description from The Frenchmen’s website:
“The Frenchmen is a culinary destination inspired by the beloved street in New Orleans where the locals of the city gather to experience the unique cultural scene of New Orleans.
“We are a husband and wife team who are industry veterans and have a passion for food & great service. Our mission is simple: to share the beauty, flavor, and artistry of this historical space with great fare & heartfelt hospitality.
“Our vision is to breathe life back into Staunton’s historical train station, reawakening one of it’s most iconic buildings by offering a unique dining experience.
“We believe dining should be more than just eating a meal. It should be a moment, a celebration of conversation, laughter, and the joy of good food and libation.”
On-the-street interviews with the people we meet
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Community finds from our readers
Here is where we hope you’ll have fun and participate: Send us something you think readers will find interesting, include your name, and we will add it here in upcoming editions of Scene on Main Street. Email your discovery to: mcalello@newsleader.com. Thanks!
Monthly spotlight: A chance to share something about the people who make Staunton special
Dr. Francis Collins and wife Diane Baker (right), with Words Matter owner Terah Cox, manager Sunny Hickin, Yvonne Surette and Ruth Capobianco.
Staunton native, Dr. Francis Collins, scientist-physician, former Director of the Human Genome Project and the National Institutes of Health, visited Words Matter Bookshop in downtown Staunton.
On Sept. 6, Collins and his wife, Diane Baker, in Staunton for a family event, visited the downtown bookshop Words Matter, at 110 E. Beverley St.
“Collins graciously chatted with Words Matter staff and customers and autographed copies of his books, ‘The Language of God,’ and his latest book, ‘The Road to Wisdom,'” said Terah Cox, owner of Words Matter.
In Spring 2026, he will be hosted by the Staunton Public Library for a talk and book signing.
Collins was the Director of the National Institutes of Health under presidents Obama, Trump and Biden. He is also the former U.S. leader of the Human Genome Project which ultimately sequenced all three billion letters of the human genome that composes our DNA. The success of that project has led to major advances in cancer and to treatments for cystic fibrosis, sickle cell anemia and other diseases. He was elected by his peers to the Institute of Medicine and the National Academy of Sciences, and was awarded the National Medal of Science and the Presidential Medal of Freedom for his work. He is also one of America’s foremost proponents for the compatibility between science, religion and the existence of God.
Collins was born in Staunton and attended Robert E. Lee High School. He went on to University of Virginia for a bachelor’s degree in chemistry and a Ph.D. from Yale University in physical chemistry. Ultimately he obtained his medical degree at the University of North Carolina.
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This article originally appeared on Staunton News Leader: Scene on Main Street: What’s happening in Staunton, VA