From Commerce to the Corner: Meet the Hoo redefining healthy eating

Thanks to McIntire School of Commerce alumnus Joseph Linzon, the Corner has become a hot spot for healthy eating, with staples such as Roots Natural Kitchen and Corner Juice.

Linzon's ventures grew from a simple observation: students and neighbors wanted better options within walking distance of Grounds. What started as a bet on fresh, approachable food became a local brand that reshaped how people eat on the Corner.

His path mirrors a familiar UVA story — coursework and community colliding into a company. Mentors, classmates, and the Charlottesville market helped turn an idea into lasting storefronts.

Stories like Linzon's are why UVA Innovates exists: to connect alumni founders with students, partners, and the broader ecosystem so the next generation can build with less friction.