GLOUCESTER — What began as a small kitchen experiment has grown into a staple of Virginia’s peanut industry. This year, Whitley’s Peanut Factory is celebrating its 40th anniversary, marking four decades of family tradition, innovation, and steady growth in Gloucester.

For owner Todd Smith, the milestone is both personal and professional.

“We’re doing something right,” Smith said. “The quality of the product and great customer service, those two things have carried us for 40 years.”

The company officially launched in 1986, though its roots trace back to Smith’s upbringing in the peanut business. His father worked closely with farmers supplying seed peanuts, giving Smith early exposure to an industry that would later define his career.

The idea for the business came from a homemade recipe.

“My dad used to cook these peanuts in our kitchen,” Smith said. “We decided to try it commercially, put them in a can, and see if we could sell them.”

Starting with a small retail store, a single cooker, and just a few employees, the company has since expanded into a multi-location operation. Today, Whitley’s employs dozens of workers, particularly during the busy holiday season when demand peaks.

Despite its growth, the company has remained committed to its original process.

“We’re doing the same thing today that we did 40 years ago, just on a bigger scale,” Smith said.

That consistency has been key to maintaining the brand’s identity and loyal customer base. At the same time, the company has found ways to evolve without compromising quality.

Remaining in southeastern Virginia has been essential to the company’s success. The region is known for producing Virginia peanuts, a variety prized for its size and flavor.

“We’re close to where the peanuts are sourced,” Brett Smith said. “That’s always been important.”

Over the years, Whitley’s has also become a significant employer in Gloucester. During peak seasons, the company employs around 90 people, contributing to the local economy and providing long-term opportunities for many workers.

As Whitley’s celebrates 40 years, the focus is also on what comes next. Todd Smith hopes to eventually pass the business on to his son, who joined the company five years ago.

“The goal is for him to take over and carry on the legacy,” Smith said.

Brett Smith sees both opportunity and challenge ahead.

“The world is changing fast,” he said. “It’s about adapting to that while staying true to what’s made us successful.”

The company’s 40th anniversary comes at a unique time for the Commonwealth, as Virginia prepares to celebrate its 250th anniversary. For Whitley’s, the overlap adds another layer of meaning to the milestone.

To mark both occasions, the company has introduced commemorative packaging and is participating in local events and festivals tied to the anniversary, particularly in historic areas like Williamsburg and Yorktown. From community gatherings to major seasonal celebrations, Whitley’s is using the moment to highlight both its own history and Virginia’s broader story.

“It’s kind of the bigger picture,” Brett Smith said. “We’re proud of 40 years, but 250 years is pretty incredible.”

As Virginia reflects on its past, Whitley’s Peanut Factory is celebrating its own legacy, while positioning itself to remain part of the state’s future for years to come.

As the special election that will determine the fate of a plan to redraw Virginia’s congressional districts approaches, the state’s largest jurisdiction has started being referenced as a verb in messaging opposing the initiative.

Signs that say, “Don’t Fairfax Me” and “Vote No” started appearing in rural parts of Virginia, Cardinal News reported. And on social media, Del. Wren Williams, whose district includes several counties in the southwestern portion of the state, defined “Fairfaxphobia.”

Early voting has been underway for weeks, but on April 21, voters will decide whether to OK a plan that would redraw Virginia’s congressional map. Currently, the state has elected six Democrats and five Republicans across its 11 districts. The proposed map could give Democrats a 10-1 advantage, experts say.

Virginia Democrats argue the step comes in response to President Donald Trump’s push for redistricting in Republican-led states. Republicans have been critical of the effort.

Williams is describing “Fairfaxphobia” as a fear that political power concentrated in Fairfax County will make decisions for the whole state and create policies impacting some communities that they can’t afford.

“We don’t want to be Fairfax County,” Williams told WTOP. “We don’t want skyscrapers. I don’t want to have to go somewhere outside and walk around to find some patches of grass to touch. I am interested in rural life, a little bit easier, a little bit simpler, a little bit more laid back, not as fast paced.”

As part of the proposed map, Williams said, “at least five districts run up and split up Fairfax County, which will eventually lead to five sitting congressional members from the county of Fairfax, and that’s just not representative of the entirety of the commonwealth.”

Jeannette, a longtime Northern Virginia resident, said people who live in the northern part of the state “are seen as an anomaly, maybe to the rest of Virginia, given our, I think, collective more liberal leaning. And I understand why they’re saying that, but I think we should separate that from the goal of the referendum.”

Dave Lincoln, meanwhile, said Friday he hadn’t heard about the signs in rural parts of the state but, “I guess it’s — we are what we are.”

Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell called the campaign disappointing, because “Fairfax County does a lot for the entire state. If it wasn’t for Fairfax, our state would have the economy of Mississippi.”

The “Don’t Fairfax Me” signs say they’re paid for and authorized by a political action committee called “New Vision VA.” Dominion Energy made a $25,000 donation to the PAC, according to the Virginia Public Access Project.

Yves Fischer, who lives in Alexandria, said the messaging and advertising on the redistricting referendum are confusing.

For Tiffany, “I guess they’re saying ‘Don’t Fairfax’ Virginia, because obviously we are a much more educated, classy, professional, employed area, and we, of course, are going to vote ‘yes’ on this.”

In Springfield on Friday afternoon, Ann said she hadn’t seen or heard about the signs, but, “It should be a big ‘no.’ It’s not right. It’s not fair to most Virginians.”

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