VRLTA seeks Virginia restaurants in operation for more than 50 years

To mark its 75th anniversary, the Virginia Restaurant, Lodging and Travel Association has launched a new legacy membership program honoring Virginia restaurants that have been in operation for more than 50 years

Eligible restaurants must have been established in Virginia and in continuous operation for at least 50 years. Applicants must apply by Nov. 26, and those that qualify will receive a free lifetime membership to the VRLTA and be featured in several programs that celebrate the organization’s anniversary.

On Sept. 12, the VRLTA honored the first recipients of its legacy membership program for six state restaurants that have operated for more than half a century. They are:

• Black Angus, Virginia Beach

• Joe’s Inn, Richmond

• L’Auberge Chez Francois, Great Falls

• Pierce’s BBQ, Williamsburg

• Texas Inn, Lynchburg

• The Red Fox Inn & Tavern, Middleburg

“Restaurants are an important part of our community and bring people together,” said VRLTA president Eric Terry. “We look forward to celebrating these incredible establishments and the legacies they’ve created, while helping them continue to flourish through support from VRLTA.”

Virginia’s restaurant industry is a significant driver of the state’s economy. The food and beverage industry contributed $9.4 billion in visitor spending in 2023, making up 28% of all visitor spending.