NWP Energy’s new Live Outdoors showroom in Irvington, however, does the job.
There’s also a table for six, a pizza oven, a double burner designed for huge pots—steamed crabs, anyone?—hanging infrared gas heaters, lanterns, ice makers, end tables and a central fireplace sometimes lit to catch the attention of passing drivers.
“The options really are just about endless,” said Ryan Faulkner, general manager of NWP. “These kitchens have become a real extension of people’s homes. Anything that you can cook inside, you can cook outside.”
NWP, a family-owned propane and petroleum provider and servicer for 41 years, completed its Live Outdoors showroom in November 2024. The addition was a direct response to a growing interest in customized outdoor kitchens in recent years, particularly in milder climates.
The COVID-19 pandemic only accelerated the trend to build the stylish but functional backyard spaces, which have a wide range of price points but can bring anywhere from a 55% to 200% return on investment, according to the National Association of Realtors.
On the Northern Neck and surrounding coastal areas—where connections with nature are prized and many people own second homes—a combination of relatively warm weather and effective propane-powered heating equipment make the rooms usable for nine or more months of the year, said Wayne Galleher, showroom manager for NWP.
“They’re a great place to socialize with family and friends, and to relax and enjoy the fresh air,” Galleher noted. “We only expect the market to keep growing, so we wanted our customers to be able to see, touch and try out some of what we consider the best items available.”
NWP kicked off plans to host free product demonstrations this summer at the showroom with a June 5 event for industry representatives such as architects, contractors, real estate agents and designers. Faulkner will announce dates for the general public soon.
The Live Outdoors showroom sits just off NWP’s gravel parking lot on Irvington Road and includes patterned concrete flooring, granite countertops, a blue-tiled backsplash and black and silver stainless steel and aluminum cabinets and appliances, plus a large fireplace surrounded by wicker chairs.
NWP highlights popular grill, griddle, firepit and burner models such as American Fyre, Blaze, Wildfire and Fire Magic, available in digital or analog form. A rear section of the showroom has a firepit and a smaller fire table, just two of many available models; colored glass, stones, logs and wood chunks are among the filler options.
Headquartered in Kilmarnock, NWP has deep roots on the Northern Neck. Its origins trace back to Humble Oil Company, founded more than 75 years ago when barges brought fuel to the area. Over the years, the company has offered auto service stations, convenience stores with homemade items such as chicken salad and giant chocolate chip cookies and Subway restaurants, all in addition to its fuel-supplying services.
The NWP name combines the monikers of three companies acquired during that time: George Noblett Oil Company, Ware Oil and Peoples Oil. The Faulkner family has owned NWP since 1984, when Ryan Faulkner’s grandfather, Norman L. Faulkner, bought the business.
Ryan Faulkner’s father, Norman (Norm) F. Faulkner, took over management of NWP’s retail division in 1986. Norm Faulkner’s older brother, Doug, integrated propane delivery into the business model in the early 1990s and also built a biodiesel refinery.
After Doug Faulkner passed away in 2006, NWP stepped away from its retail division to focus on its core petroleum and propane business. Its flagship store in Kilmarnock showcases gas logs, fireplaces, propane heaters, tankless water heaters and other items behind its slogan: “Proud sponsor of the cozy life.”
As Norm Faulkner moves into retirement, Ryan Faulkner has taken on a larger management role after 15 years with the business; Galleher, who has spent almost a decade with NWP, has led the creation of the outdoor kitchen showroom. The two regularly attend national industry conventions to stay atop the latest products and trends.
Their overall message is that an outdoor kitchen can be anything a homeowner wants it to be, from a place for meals or cocktails at a bar to a spot for reading, watching television with a group or washing hands and storing tools after gardening.
And for cooks, it’s a second spot to prepare full-course meals. “You don’t have to run in and out of the house to gather the things you need anymore,” Faulkner said, “because your entire kitchen can be right there.”
NWP Live Outdoors Showroom | Open Monday-Friday, 8 am-4 pm | 3531 Irvington Road, Irvington | 804-435-1126 | nwpenergy.com/live-outdoors
