The Union Star

Buddy and Joanie Wood, of Phenix, have recently opened Rusty Rooster LLC in Brookneal. The store is at 239 Main St., across from the new Sonny Buck’s Diner.

“We’ve always got something to crow about at the Rusty Rooster,” Joanie said. “We chose our business name because of my love for roosters, chickens and guineas. We had, at one time (more than) 100 fowl. Due to a medical situation, we decided to close the hen house down. So, the name Rusty Rooster was born. It reminds me of a time gone by. I’ve always had an interest in history and old antique items. So we’ve merged all our dreams into one business.”

The store will carry a large variety of antiques and collectables such as furniture, glassware, vintage clothes for adults and children, and kitchen implements. It will specialize in children’s vintage clothes and toys, McCoy pottery and “rusty, dusty” collectables. There will be a boutique with vintage and modern clothes for ladies, vintage hats, and name brand pocketbooks such as Vera Bradley and Thirty One.

“We are not operating on consignments. Occasionally, we may buy some estate items from an individual,” Joanie said. “I would like to see Brookneal become an antique hub and continue to be included in the Sunday drive route.”

She called Brookneal is a “diamond in the rough.”

“It’s time to bring Brookneal back to the days of when tobacco was sold here, only the Rusty Rooster will be selling antiques,” she said. “We would love to see Brookneal thrive again. Buy local, shop local. Everyone needs to support Brookneal. Come crow with us at Rusty Rooster.”

She said she wanted to thank The Department Store Antiques for its encouragement and support with getting started selling antiques and vintage collectables in Brookneal.