Pit Stop Pasta & Grill

7145 Chances Creek Rd, Fancy Gap, VA 24328

Hours

Open daily 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.

About

When you pull up to Pit Stop Pasta & Grill in Fancy Gap, don't let its facade fool you. While it looks like another brick-and-mortar burger and fries joint, what awaits is made-from-scratch savory Italian cuisine. 

Our story begins with Abraheem Rabee, who fell in love with the food industry while working his way through college at restaurants. Rabee, a mechanical engineer by trade, fueled his passion for restaurants as a side job.

When the opportunity to take over the defunct Gearhead Diner arose, he and his wife Elizabeth jumped at the chance! They kept the race car decor but overhauled the existing menu.

In an era where cutting corners was the norm, the Rabees focused on creating their sauces and even waited to serve pizza until they could purchase a brick oven. Such passion and attention to detail make Pit Stop Pasta & Grill a gem in Fancy Gap.

The menu showcases a range of offerings from classic Italian and American choices to Mediterranean options, making Pit Stop the perfect choice for those with a wide range of preferences.

After a day exploring the Blue Ridge Parkway, make a "pit stop" at Pit Stop Pasta & Grill. This locally-owned eatery will astound you with its fresh fare!

Vibe

As mentioned, Pit Stop Pasta & Grill looks different from an Italian restaurant. The refurbished gas station, complete with a large carport where the pumps were, has more of a greasy-spoon vibe. But as the saying goes, "Don't judge a book by its cover."

Inside, the ambiance is that of an old-time diner with booths and fluorescent lighting. The Rabees kept Gearhead Diner's racing and auto theme, which adds to the restaurant's mystique.

Picture vintage license plates and oil company signs on the wood walls with a galvanized steel wainscot beneath. The rustic look works perfectly with Virginia's High Country vibe.

While the gas pumps are long gone, the covered area is perfect for dining outside. Metal tables and chairs dot the pavement, making it ideal for families or adventurers back from exploring Devil's Den Nature Preserve.

This eclectic eatery oozes with a vibey style that combines NASCAR, the Blue Ridge Parkway, and delicious Italian cuisine.

Pit Stop Pasta & Grill: Menu & Drinks

Prepare for a taste treat at Pit Stop with a menu highlighting time-tested Italian-American favorites.

The lunch menu will appeal to various palates, with options ranging from a Philly cheese steak with fries to a hot dog plate. Other options include calzones, subs, burgers, and a small NY-style pizza.

On the lighter side, the salads are a healthy option that is also very filling. One standout is the Greek Salad with Romaine lettuce, tomatoes, onions, black olives, cucumbers, and feta cheese. If you need a little spicy kick, try the Buffalo Crispy Chicken Salad, which has black olives, crispy onion rings, and crispy chicken slathered in Buffalo sauce.

You can't go wrong with a New York-style pizza when it's time for dinner or feeding a famished lunch crowd. You'll taste the difference with their crust, which is made with homemade dough hand-tossed to your preference. You can build your own pizza or choose a signature pizza like the Mediterranean, which showcases grilled chicken, spinach, fresh tomatoes, black olives, feta cheese, and mozzarella cheese.

With so many pasta options, many patrons will have difficulty deciding which to choose. A unique dish is the Pasta du Terra, which features spinach and tomato sautéed with fresh garlic in 100% virgin olive oil and cooked with penne noodles. Baked pasta dishes like the meat lasagna and Ziti Perfecto are the perfect ending to a day at Olde Mill Golf Resort.

Pairing these delectable dishes and refreshing drinks with the serene beauty of the Blue Ridge Parkway ultimately enhances the experience, making Pit Stop Pasta & Grill a perfect pit stop on your vacation.

Local Tips

  • Visit during off-peak hours for quicker seating and service.
  • Order online and then enjoy back at your Casago rental.
  • Ask about the daily specials.
  • The Mega Calzone and Colossus Pizza take about an hour to cook, so order well in advance.
  • Sign up for Tasty Rewards to earn discounts and learn about specials.

Location

7145 Chances Creek Rd, Fancy Gap, VA 24328

Frequently Asked Questions

If you only have one day to explore the Blue Ridge Parkway, we have a top-notch recommendation for you: Primland Resort and Spa. This isn’t just an ordinary resort; it’s a destination that has been carefully curated to offer an unparalleled experience, as evidenced by its impressive 4.8-star Google rating.

Primland Resort and Spa is located right in the heart of the breathtaking Blue Ridge Mountains. It’s not just about the location, though; it’s about the experience. From the moment you step foot onto the property, you’re enveloped in a blend of rustic charm and refined luxury that makes for an unforgettable visit.

The resort offers a wide array of activities tailored to suit all interests and age groups. For the golf enthusiasts, there’s the award-winning Highland Course, ranked as the #1 course in Virginia by Golf Digest. For the nature lovers, there are horseback riding and ATV tours that let you explore the beautiful surroundings in a fun and engaging manner.

But perhaps what truly sets Primland apart is its commitment to wellness. The on-site spa offers a variety of treatments designed to rejuvenate your mind, body, and soul—because your well-being is a priority here. Imagine ending your day with a soothing massage or a peaceful yoga session under the stars at their observatory.

And let’s not forget about the culinary delights. With multiple eateries serving up a variety of dishes made from fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, your taste buds are in for a treat.
So, if you’re looking for a one-day itinerary that seamlessly combines adventure, relaxation, and gastronomic delights, Primland Resort and Spa is the place to be. Don’t just take our word for it—we invite you to experience it for yourself.

The New River Trail on the Blue Ridge Parkway is a treasure trove of natural beauty and outdoor adventure. According to sources like dcr.virginia.gov, traillink.com, and roadslesstraveled.us, the trail spans an impressive 57.5 miles, starting from E Main St/VA 99 & Xaloy Way in Pulaski and ending at T George Vaughan Jr Ave in Galax.

This trail isn’t just about distance, though. It’s about the journey. As you embark on this trail, you’ll find yourself meandering through four counties and the city of Galax, as per blueridgeparkway.org. The trail parallels the historic New River for 39 scenic miles, offering a unique blend of forested mountains and pastoral valleys that create a visual feast for the eyes.

But the benefits of this trail extend beyond its stunning landscapes. The New River Trail State Park is a hub of activities, with options for biking, hiking, and camping, making it a perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

The changing of the leaves along the Blue Ridge Parkway is a breathtaking event that attracts countless visitors each year. This natural spectacle begins at the highest elevations in late September, soon after the first calendar days of fall.

The timing and intensity of the color change can differ from year to year and are affected by varying factors such as temperature and rainfall. However, the general pattern is that leaves change color at higher, cooler elevations first. The elevation along the Parkway ranges from over 6,000 feet at Richland Balsam in North Carolina down to just 649 feet near James River in Virginia.

This beautiful autumn leaf show typically starts in early October in the highest elevations above 5,000 feet and gradually descends to lower elevations by late October or early November. In fact the Farmers Almanac, projects peak fall color for the inland portion of Virginia to occur between October 12-28.

So, if you’re planning a trip to witness the stunning fall colors of the Blue Ridge Parkway, aim for these dates. But remember, the beauty of nature is unpredictable and can surprise you at any time. So, pack your camera and hiking boots, and get ready to immerse yourself in the vibrant hues of autumn on the Blue Ridge Parkway.

More questions

More questions?

Feel free to send us an email with any and all questions you might have regarding the start of a Casago Franchise!

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