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It isn’t often that attractions in the small town of Courtland make headlines in regional publications like Inside Business, a publication of The Virginian Pilot, but such was the case recently when Judy Riddick, president of The Peanut Patch and FERIDIES, was lauded as one of the 26 recipients of Inside Business‘s Women In Business Achievement Award.

We at The Tidewater News commend the Franklin-Southampton Chamber of Commerce for nominating Riddick, and Inside Business for selecting her. Riddick and The Peanut Patch/FERIDIES have been staples of the Franklin-Southampton community for many years.

As is stated on page A1, the Peanut Patch began 46 years ago when Riddick, her husband, Bob, his brother, Will, and his wife, Gaynelle, created a furniture restoration business and gift shop as a way to make extra money. As the men worked on the furniture, the women decided on selling peanuts, which Riddick recalled weren’t readily available in retail shops. The popularity of selling the snack grew to the point that the sisters-in-law came up with their own method of preparation. The success led to growth from the shop across from the Courtland post office to a site on Business 58.

Congratulations, Judy! Well deserved!