Meet Local Clifton Entrepreneurs the McNamaras

If you live in Clifton, you know A Flower Blooms in Clifton and the Main Street Pub and General Store.

"We are the crossroads of the community," Tom McNamara, the owner, said. It is hard to know if he's speaking of his family, their business ventures or both.  

While the McNamara family businesses are frequented by locals on a regular basis, many might not know that owners and locals Tom and Judy McNamara have met their share of crossroads in building their successful enterprises.

As owners of the shops that anchored the town of Clifton since the late 80s, the McNamaras' success was hard-hewn from the challenges of raising a family and personal dedication to the history of this tiny town.  

Both originally from Silver Spring, Maryland, the couple met when Judy was in nursing school and Tom was working for a major retail chain.

The couple will celebrate their 38th anniversary in June. While the McNamaras have lived all over the mid-Atlantic, their mutual love of history and restoration of historic properties eventually drew them to Clifton, a place Tom accidentally discovered in searching for an alternate commute to and from Manassas.  

The couple purchased their home, the McDaniel House, in 1986 and immediately doubled the square footage to accommodate their growing family.

Career demands, coupled with the challenges of raising a young family, had these parents longing for change.  

In 1988, Judy decided: "I wanted my own business.  I needed something where I could set my own schedule with four kids."  

Growing up, her parents owned their own businesses.  She was never intimidated by the prospect.  With no formal training in floral design, she opened "A Flower Blooms in Clifton" on the site of what is now the Clifton post office, just around the corner from the family's home.

After only a few months, Judy's shop was visited by former first lady Nancy Reagan.

A regular Clifton visitor, Mrs. Reagan made her last official visit to Clifton in December 1988 for lunch at the then Heart in Hand restaurant.

Judy was among those invited to lunch that day, but obligations at the floral shop just days before Christmas required she decline.  Offering her seat to a friend, Judy's friend asked what she could for her. Judy's simple request was a slice of pecan pie.  

As Mrs. Reagan strolled Main Street, she turned the corner onto Chapel Road.

Judy's friend mustered the courage to ask Mrs. Reagan if she would deliver the pie to her friend.  The First Lady obliged.  

Judy recalled that Mrs. Reagan was very gracious and complimentary of the shop, "but the Secret Service detail wasn't too pleased with her unscheduled stop."

Shortly after, Tom left his job as a corporate executive, and assumed responsibilities at the floral shop while Judy went back to nursing.  

Somewhat serendipitously, the historic "Clifton Store" was put up for sale and former owners contacted the McNamaras to gauge their interest.  Tom recalls his initial trepidation.

"I was ‘Mr. Corporate’ for 18 years," Tom said. He credits Judy with encouraging him to take the risk.  

She told him: "Nothing's for the rest of your life.  If you don't like it, you can sell it. It's a food store.  We won't starve."

After making building modifications to provide space for the floral shop, the couple relocated the floral shop and assumed ownership of the historic Clifton Store in the fall of 1989.  While a 6:30 am weekday opening presented hurdles in raising a family, the McNamaras agree that "it provided freedom in raising our kids."

Some couples might find working together every day over more than two decades daunting, but the McNamaras say their partnership works well.  

"We really are best friends," said Judy.  "It's always been like that."

Tom agreed.  Tom designed the logo for the initial flower shop and chose the name.

Clifton residents and regular patrons know the pair as friendly, outspoken and unerringly honest.

Just four years ago, the couple decided they were ready for another change and put both businesses on the market.  After at least two contracts failed to come to fruition, they said they decided to try something new.

Their eldest son, Sean, a food service executive who his parents said "always imagined the general store as a pub," led the transformation.  

Maintaining the integrity of the initial general store, the McNamaras added interior seating, a bar, and an outdoor patio replete with heaters and blankets.

The changes have been embraced by locals and distant visitors alike, some of whom have traveled from Hagerstown, Maryland to enjoy the history and hospitality the McNamaras provide daily.  Two years ago, the now Main Street Pub took second place in WTOP's "Best Burger in Northern Virginia" contest.

The couple’s son, Kevin, serves as front-of-house manager, while twin brother, Jamie helped with training, management and technology updates.  

Their daughter Katie, "is the best cook we have,"  Judy said.  

While both parents admit their brood wasn't easy to raise, their father said, "I'm so proud of my kids.  They have grown into amazing adults.  They are a piece of this and what they have done made us a success."

The couple considered more than their own family's best interests in building their business.  Tom has served on Clifton's Town Council.  They currently serve on the town's Planning Committee and Architectural Review Board, respectively.  

"This is a commercial venture in a neighborhood," said Judy.  "This is a little village and there are rules.  We feel a sense of stewardship and emotional involvement in the community."  

Consequently, "the community has responded with overwhelming support," according to Tom.    

He said his favorite part of the business "is socializing and being involved with the community, our customers.  That keeps us young.  There's nothing like success to reenergize you."