News Summary
Longboards Restaurant is set to open in Williamsburg, Virginia, in mid-September, bringing coastal dining vibes to the area. The restaurant, established by college friends, will offer a diverse menu with seafood, burgers, and wings. Renovations are in progress to create a welcoming beach-inspired atmosphere, aiming to foster community connections. Guests can expect a casual dining experience reminiscent of a coastal getaway, appealing to both locals and visitors. Construction updates and a menu preview can be found on their website.
Williamsburg Welcomes Longboards Restaurant This September
Williamsburg, Virginia is set to welcome a new dining destination, as Longboards Restaurant announces its opening at the former Oceans & Ale location in the Williamsburg Premium Outlets by mid-September 2023. This expansion aims to bring coastal vibes and a taste of the beach to the local food scene.
About the New Location
The decision to establish the new Longboards Restaurant comes from the partnership of college friends Rodney Williams, Randy Snodgrass, and Mark Bernecker. The trio selected this location due to its historical significance, high traffic, and overall suitability for the Longboards concept, which combines a relaxed atmosphere with quality dining options.
Menu Highlights
The new restaurant will feature a diverse menu similar to its established locations in Norfolk and Portsmouth. Guests can expect to find a range of dishes, including seafood, burgers, and wings, all with a hint of Hawaiian flair. However, the restaurant will not be themed entirely around Hawaiian cuisine, allowing for broader appeal.
Renovation and Design Features
Renovations at the Williamsburg site are progressing ahead of schedule, transforming the space to align with the Longboards vision. Significant changes are planned for the interior design, aiming to create a beachy atmosphere reminiscent of a coastal getaway. Key features include:
- A tiki bar feel at the bar area.
- New booths arranged in a cabana-like setting, replacing the previous live music stage.
- An outdoor bar area featuring bamboo wrap and bar tops designed for standing and socializing.
- Outdoor acoustic music to be played on select nights, while live music will not be featured indoors.
Aiming for Community Connection
The ownership team emphasizes their desire to create a local establishment where residents feel a sense of community, akin to the “Cheers” model. By providing quality dining experiences, Longboards aims to fill a notable gap in Williamsburg’s culinary landscape, catering to both locals and visitors alike.
Looking Ahead
The Williamsburg location’s menu is currently accessible online for potential customers who want a preview of what to expect. Construction updates, along with further details about the grand opening, will be available on their website, eatatlongboards.com.
Background on Longboards Restaurant
Longboards Restaurant has built a reputation in Virginia through its previous establishments located in Norfolk and Portsmouth. Founded by Williams, Snodgrass, and Bernecker—friends with a shared passion for beach culture and great food—the brand has become synonymous with a laid-back dining experience and high-quality menu options.
As the Williamsburg location approaches its opening date, community members eagerly await the chance to explore what Longboards has to offer. The combination of a welcoming atmosphere, diverse menu, and commitment to local engagement seeks to make it a popular spot for both dining and socializing in the area.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- WYDaily: Longboards Expands to Williamsburg
- Wikipedia: Restaurant
- Daily Press: New Restaurant in Former Oceans & Ale Location
- Google Search: Restaurant Industry Trends
- New York Times: Street Skateboarding Thrives
- Google Scholar: Restaurant Management
- Monterey Herald: Michael G. Patton Obituary
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Restaurant Design

Author: STAFF HERE WILLIAMSBURG WRITER
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.