Hope on new menu at Hampton Blvd.

NORFOLK, Va - Cheers, and a toast for a new eatery in Norfolk. The owner, Annette Stone told WAVY.com, "I think Zen is appropriate for this day and time. It's a pretty tumultuous planet right now."

There's a little Zen at 37th Street in Norfolk. Literally. Stone and business partner Holly Spires named their new place 37th & Zen. At the corner of 37th Street and Hampton Boulevard, it's blocks from Old Dominion University. It is also at an entry point for Park Place.

Park Place is not a community known for peace and tranquility. However, business and civic leaders hope economic development will eliminate perceptions of crime and fear.

Park Place Civic League President Alton Robinson attended an open house for the restaurant Friday. He said he supports Stone's effort because "businesses are the economic base for any community."

New businesses also bring new jobs.

According to manager Holly Spires, "We put up fliers in the restaurant when we were still doing construction to hire. And we did get some great turnout from the neighborhood."

Spires said a handful of employees can actually walk to work. Eventually, she joked, "we'll put up a bike rack so everyone can just ride in."

Stone said more opportunities are on the way. She said she knows because one of her friends is moving to the neighborhood.

"She's bringing a dog grooming business in, so already another business has sprouted up right behind ours," Stone said. She continued, "We want great things to happen here on Hampton Blvd, and we're sure if we bring enough positive businesses here they will happen."

Norfolk Mayor Paul Fraim spoke at the open house in support of Stone's business. "We really appreciate this investment and confidence in the city, we think the timing is excellent," Fraim said. He referred to the upcoming first football season for ODU. There is optimism that home games will bring crowds into the areas surrounding the campus, including 37th & Zen.

Robinson believes those who visit will see the home he knows. "There are mis-perceptions because people are looking from the outside, not inside. I have an inside view. I know the people of Park Place and I know they are good people," he explained.

Instead of emergency lights, Stone wants those who think of Park Place and Hampton Boulevard to think of a trendy decor with accent lights.

"We're looking forward to spreading a little Zen around Park Place," she said.