![Featured image for “Business Spotlight: Mike Kavros of Callie Opies Orchard [Sponsored]”](https://lakeanna.online/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/MikeKavros232Final.jpg)
In just two years, Mike Kavros has swept nearly every major business honor in Louisa County and the Lake Anna region. From being named the 2025 Businessperson of the Year by the Louisa County Chamber of Commerce to winning the prestigious Jim Wordsworth Award for Entrepreneurial and Economic Excellence in 2024—and securing Diamond-level status in the Best of Lake Anna Awards—Kavros has emerged as a local powerhouse in business and hospitality.
His achievements speak volumes. But his story? Even more so.
Kavros, the visionary behind Callie Opie’s Orchard, didn’t just win awards—he built something from nothing. After retiring from a 37-year career in Information Technology, he chose not to slow down, but to start over. At a time when most would be looking to relax, he took the biggest risk of his life: opening a hospitality business in a completely new industry.
“When I hear a customer say, ‘Wow, you built all this from the ground up?’ there’s tremendous pride and a sense of accomplishment in being able to answer, ‘Yes,’” Kavros says.
In 2010, Mike and his wife, Roxanne, became full-timers at Lake Anna, searching for a lifestyle change—and found a calling. That calling eventually became Callie Opie’s: a rustic-yet-elegant destination that now includes a restaurant, event venue, short-term rental cabins, and more. The name pays homage to their beloved Aunt Callie Opie, and reflects their love of nature, food, and community.
Launching a multi-tiered hospitality brand from scratch was no easy feat. “It was a huge risk,” he admits. “I could have retired, but something in my head said, ‘Go for it.’” And go for it, he did.
Today, Callie Opie’s is a regional gem, known for warm hospitality, beautifully curated experiences, and a staff that feels more like family than employees. That’s no accident. Kavros believes the thing that truly sets his business apart is the sincerity and consistency his guests feel from the moment they arrive.
“Guests—especially new ones—tell me they feel welcomed, that there’s a warm sincerity,” he says. “They notice that we’ve kept our staff long enough to be seen as familiar faces. That apparently shows—and it matters.”
Beyond aesthetics and ambiance, Kavros brings a deep sense of purpose to his work. For him, running a business is about more than transactions—it’s about creating memorable experiences.
“When I hear someone say, ‘Great meal,’ ‘Great experience,’ or ‘Your staff is awesome,’ it brings me joy,” he says. “Knowing how young our staff is, and that they’re getting those kinds of compliments—it’s incredibly rewarding.”
His work is also guided by core values: gratitude, perseverance, and humility. “During tough times, I remind myself that no matter how hard it gets, someone else has it harder. There’s always something to be thankful for.”
It’s a mindset shaped by his upbringing and the influence of his family. “My parents, aunts, uncles, and grandmother all made lasting impressions on me. They all had a strong work ethic, always giving to and helping those less fortunate or in need. They’ve always been a source of inspiration to me.”
Even with a shelf full of awards and a full reservation book, Kavros is still learning, still pushing, still motivated by a desire to grow. One of his earliest inspirations came from a college English literature class: “The devil finds work for idle hands.” Another came from his first manager, who told the team, “There are three kinds of people in this world: those who make things happen, those who let things happen, and those who don’t know what happened. Which one are you going to be?”
Kavros chose the first.
Today, those lessons continue to guide his business—and his life.
“I’ve always been goal-oriented,” he says. “I don’t accept failure as an option.”
Reflecting on his journey, Kavros says he’s most proud of starting something entirely new—despite the odds. “The restaurant, travel and lodging industries were completely different from my past, and the odds of success weren’t in my favor,” he says. “But I believed in the vision.”
He also acknowledges there’s still work to do. “We’re trending in the right direction,” he says. “But there are still parts of the vision we haven’t completed yet.”
When asked what advice he’d offer his younger self, he doesn’t hesitate: “Do more diligence on researching and understanding your job market. Know your location, your audience, your opportunity.”
Callie Opie’s isn’t just a restaurant. It’s a gathering place. A wedding venue. An indoor and outdoor entertainment venue. A home for laughter, celebration, and memory-making. And for Mike Kavros, it’s a lifelong dream made real—not by chance, but by commitment, risk, and relentless drive.
“Thank you for recognizing our hard work and commitment to excellence,” he says to the community who has voted, supported, and stood beside him. While we strive for perfection, mistakes do happen but what really sets us apart is our effort to make things right before you leave.
In a region known for natural beauty and close-knit values, Mike Kavros has proven that even a major career shift can bloom into something extraordinary. His journey—from IT executive to award-winning entrepreneur—reminds us that it’s never too late to dream big, work hard, and build something that truly matters.
And if the last two years are any indication, he’s just getting started.

Hi! I’m Jennifer Bailey and I partner with entrepreneurs who have massive ideas that could change the world. Most marketing is meaningless. Filled with empty promises, its only job is to bring in new traffic, new leads, and new customers. But I’ve drawn a line in the sand, and I’ve learned that marketing can do so much more than reach business goals and build profit. My methods give businesses the fire and soul they need to reach the right people, set the groundwork for sustainable relationships, and offer true value to the people on both the giving and receiving ends of marketing.
Subscribe for Updates
Sponsors
latest articles
Business Spotlight: Mike Kavros of Callie Opies Orchard [Sponsored]
![Featured image for “Business Spotlight: Mike Kavros of Callie Opies Orchard [Sponsored]”](https://lakeanna.online/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/MikeKavros232Final.jpg)
Why Lake Anna Sunsets Are Ideal for Wedding Photography

Crafting the Ultimate Lakeside Wedding: A Dream Timeline for Your Lake Anna Celebration

Unique Outdoor Photo Opportunities Around Lake Anna

Waterproofing Your Outdoor Wedding Setup: Lake Anna Edition

Best Types of Photo Locations for a Lake Anna Wedding

In just two years, Mike Kavros has swept nearly every major business honor in Louisa County and the Lake Anna region. From being named the 2025 Businessperson of the Year by the Louisa County Chamber of Commerce to winning the prestigious Jim Wordsworth Award for Entrepreneurial and Economic Excellence in 2024—and securing Diamond-level status in the Best of Lake Anna Awards—Kavros has emerged as a local powerhouse in business and hospitality.
His achievements speak volumes. But his story? Even more so.
Kavros, the visionary behind Callie Opie’s Orchard, didn’t just win awards—he built something from nothing. After retiring from a 37-year career in Information Technology, he chose not to slow down, but to start over. At a time when most would be looking to relax, he took the biggest risk of his life: opening a hospitality business in a completely new industry.
“When I hear a customer say, ‘Wow, you built all this from the ground up?’ there’s tremendous pride and a sense of accomplishment in being able to answer, ‘Yes,’” Kavros says.
In 2010, Mike and his wife, Roxanne, became full-timers at Lake Anna, searching for a lifestyle change—and found a calling. That calling eventually became Callie Opie’s: a rustic-yet-elegant destination that now includes a restaurant, event venue, short-term rental cabins, and more. The name pays homage to their beloved Aunt Callie Opie, and reflects their love of nature, food, and community.
Launching a multi-tiered hospitality brand from scratch was no easy feat. “It was a huge risk,” he admits. “I could have retired, but something in my head said, ‘Go for it.’” And go for it, he did.
Today, Callie Opie’s is a regional gem, known for warm hospitality, beautifully curated experiences, and a staff that feels more like family than employees. That’s no accident. Kavros believes the thing that truly sets his business apart is the sincerity and consistency his guests feel from the moment they arrive.
“Guests—especially new ones—tell me they feel welcomed, that there’s a warm sincerity,” he says. “They notice that we’ve kept our staff long enough to be seen as familiar faces. That apparently shows—and it matters.”
Beyond aesthetics and ambiance, Kavros brings a deep sense of purpose to his work. For him, running a business is about more than transactions—it’s about creating memorable experiences.
“When I hear someone say, ‘Great meal,’ ‘Great experience,’ or ‘Your staff is awesome,’ it brings me joy,” he says. “Knowing how young our staff is, and that they’re getting those kinds of compliments—it’s incredibly rewarding.”
His work is also guided by core values: gratitude, perseverance, and humility. “During tough times, I remind myself that no matter how hard it gets, someone else has it harder. There’s always something to be thankful for.”
It’s a mindset shaped by his upbringing and the influence of his family. “My parents, aunts, uncles, and grandmother all made lasting impressions on me. They all had a strong work ethic, always giving to and helping those less fortunate or in need. They’ve always been a source of inspiration to me.”
Even with a shelf full of awards and a full reservation book, Kavros is still learning, still pushing, still motivated by a desire to grow. One of his earliest inspirations came from a college English literature class: “The devil finds work for idle hands.” Another came from his first manager, who told the team, “There are three kinds of people in this world: those who make things happen, those who let things happen, and those who don’t know what happened. Which one are you going to be?”
Kavros chose the first.
Today, those lessons continue to guide his business—and his life.
“I’ve always been goal-oriented,” he says. “I don’t accept failure as an option.”
Reflecting on his journey, Kavros says he’s most proud of starting something entirely new—despite the odds. “The restaurant, travel and lodging industries were completely different from my past, and the odds of success weren’t in my favor,” he says. “But I believed in the vision.”
He also acknowledges there’s still work to do. “We’re trending in the right direction,” he says. “But there are still parts of the vision we haven’t completed yet.”
When asked what advice he’d offer his younger self, he doesn’t hesitate: “Do more diligence on researching and understanding your job market. Know your location, your audience, your opportunity.”
Callie Opie’s isn’t just a restaurant. It’s a gathering place. A wedding venue. An indoor and outdoor entertainment venue. A home for laughter, celebration, and memory-making. And for Mike Kavros, it’s a lifelong dream made real—not by chance, but by commitment, risk, and relentless drive.
“Thank you for recognizing our hard work and commitment to excellence,” he says to the community who has voted, supported, and stood beside him. While we strive for perfection, mistakes do happen but what really sets us apart is our effort to make things right before you leave.
In a region known for natural beauty and close-knit values, Mike Kavros has proven that even a major career shift can bloom into something extraordinary. His journey—from IT executive to award-winning entrepreneur—reminds us that it’s never too late to dream big, work hard, and build something that truly matters.
And if the last two years are any indication, he’s just getting started.

Hi! I’m Jennifer Bailey and I partner with entrepreneurs who have massive ideas that could change the world. Most marketing is meaningless. Filled with empty promises, its only job is to bring in new traffic, new leads, and new customers. But I’ve drawn a line in the sand, and I’ve learned that marketing can do so much more than reach business goals and build profit. My methods give businesses the fire and soul they need to reach the right people, set the groundwork for sustainable relationships, and offer true value to the people on both the giving and receiving ends of marketing.
Subscribe for Updates
Sponsors
latest articles
Business Spotlight: Mike Kavros of Callie Opies Orchard [Sponsored]
![Featured image for “Business Spotlight: Mike Kavros of Callie Opies Orchard [Sponsored]”](https://lakeanna.online/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/MikeKavros232Final.jpg)
Why Lake Anna Sunsets Are Ideal for Wedding Photography

Crafting the Ultimate Lakeside Wedding: A Dream Timeline for Your Lake Anna Celebration

Unique Outdoor Photo Opportunities Around Lake Anna

Waterproofing Your Outdoor Wedding Setup: Lake Anna Edition

Best Types of Photo Locations for a Lake Anna Wedding


Belmont Ruritan Clubs Award $26,000 in Scholarships to Local Seniors
Article By Jen Bailey

Exclusive Golf Excursions for Cutalong Members
Article By Jen Bailey
