Walmart Business Stories: Blue Ridge Inn

Modern hospitality with a rustic charm

The Blue Ridge Inn, nestled in the hills of Georgia, is a Victorian-era gem that has changed a lot over the years. It was built in 1890 in Blue Ridge, GA, by a railroad company employee during a historic economic boom. The building changed hands several times over the following decades, acting as a personal residence, hotel and now a bed and breakfast.

John Lavin took over as the building’s owner in 2021 after spending a career working in corporate America. John grew up in the nearby town of Chattanooga, TN, and saw the Inn as an opportunity to give something back to the Appalachian community and make visitors feel welcome. 

“It’s an awesome feeling to be able to dream up new ideas, bring them to life and attend to every detail so that our guests in Blue Ridge feel as though they’ve visited somewhere truly remarkable,” John says.

The result is a building full of modern amenities that retains its rustic charm—and, of course, comes with a delicious made-from-scratch Southern breakfast in the morning. 

John is a real do-it-yourself-er—he’s taught himself how to build event spaces, fix plumbing and repair furniture. The list of things to do seemingly never ends, but that’s largely due to all of the ideas John has to make the Inn even better.

Then there are the day-to-day necessities a bed and breakfast needs, like paper products, bath and bedding supplies or ingredients for the kitchen. John leans on Walmart Business’s same-day delivery to stay stocked up, with fresh groceries and other supplies delivered from his local Walmart right to his doorstep.

Watch the video and discover how Walmart Business helps Blue Ridge Inn keep its guests happy and comfortable during their stay.

Watch how other successful business owners use Walmart Business to save money, time, and hassle.