News Summary
The Blue Heron restaurant at River’s Rest Marina and Resort is scheduled to reopen by the end of May under new management by local businessman Billy Bryan. This beloved dining spot, closed since fall 2024, will offer a diverse menu featuring southern fare, seafood, and more. Plans also include community events and renovations to enhance the dining experience. The restaurant will move to year-round operation, integrating with the marina’s amenities, and aims to attract locals and visitors alike.
Charles City – The Blue Heron restaurant at River’s Rest Marina and Resort is scheduled to reopen by the end of May 2025 under new management. The eatery will be operated by Billy Bryan, an established local businessman who also owns the Richmond bakery Whisk. This reopening marks a significant change for the beloved dining spot, which has been closed since the fall of 2024.
Under Bryan’s management, the Blue Heron aims to capture the essence of the area’s culinary preferences. With plans to offer a diverse menu that includes southern fare, seafood, sandwiches, pizza, and a complete bar service, Bryan intends to pay homage to classic dishes from the restaurant’s previous menu. Highlights include a handmade burger, tasty sandwiches, fried chicken, and made-from-scratch sides, all tailored to attract both local residents and visitors arriving by boat.
The restaurant will operate seven days a week for lunch and dinner, and will additionally serve breakfast on weekends. To foster community engagement and entertainment, the Blue Heron plans to introduce a range of events, including Texas Hold ’em nights, live musical performances, and karaoke.
Recent renovations have breathed new life into the space, including upgrades to the kitchen, HVAC system, roof, and other key cosmetic improvements. Though the total cost of these renovations has not been disclosed, Bryan characterized the investment as significant, reflecting a commitment to revitalizing the restaurant. Additionally, he will manage the marina’s store, which sells fuel and fishing supplies, further integrating the restaurant with River’s Rest’s offerings.
River’s Rest Marina and Resort is owned by National Land Lease Capital, a branch of Richmond’s 1850 Investments, which aims to extend the restaurant’s service from a seasonal operation to one that is open year-round. The larger marina features amenities such as 126 seasonal RV campsites, 68 boat slips, a 21-room inn, a swimming pool, and a dog park, making it a popular destination in the area.
Billy Bryan has a personal connection to the Blue Heron, having been a loyal customer for two decades while living nearby. He discovered the opportunity to take over operations shortly after the previous management, Grub LLC, closed the restaurant. Bryan’s connection with the ownership group played a significant role in his decision, captivated by their vision for the property and its potential.
In 2022, 1850 Investments acquired and revitalized the former Blue Heron Marina, which has further established its footprint in the region. The company also owns several RV resorts in Virginia, Texas, and Massachusetts, as well as a cold storage operation in Suffolk. As the reopening approaches, the community of Charles City eagerly anticipates the return of the Blue Heron restaurant, a cherished spot for dining and social gathering.
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Blue Heron Restaurant to Reopen at River’s Rest Marina
Additional Resources
- Richmond BizSense: Whisk Bakery Owner Reopening Blue Heron Restaurant
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Charles City
- WRIC: Neighbors Frustrated by Proposed Data Center
- Google Search: Charles City News
- Chicago Tribune: Proposed Dam Removals on Fox River
- Google News: Environmental Issues Fox River
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WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER The WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWilliamsburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Williamsburg, James City County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Williamsburg Farmers Market, Yorktown Market Days, and Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce and Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, plus leading businesses in education and hospitality that power the local economy such as College of William & Mary, The Williamsburg Winery, and Sodexo. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREVirginiaBeach.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Virginia's dynamic landscape.
