Blue Heron Restaurant to Reopen at River’s Rest Marina

The Blue Heron Restaurant, soon to reopen, welcomes guests to enjoy southern fare by the marina.

News Summary

The Blue Heron restaurant is set to reopen at River’s Rest Marina and Resort, bringing a new dining experience to Charles City. Owned by Billy Bryan, the restaurant aims to serve southern fare and comfort food to both locals and visiting boaters. Open seven days a week with plans for various events, the newly renovated restaurant is positioned to become a community hub, enhancing regional tourism and recreational offerings.

Charles City – The Blue Heron restaurant is set to reopen at River’s Rest Marina and Resort by the end of May 2025, marking a significant development for both local residents and visiting boaters along the Chickahominy River. The new operator of the Blue Heron will be Billy Bryan, who is the owner of the Richmond-based bakery Whisk.

The Blue Heron aims to cater to a diverse clientele, targeting leisure boaters and local patrons alike. Bryan envisions the new concept as “very approachable,” reflecting a commitment to creating a welcoming environment for everyone. The restaurant plans to offer a menu rich in southern fare, seafood, sandwiches, pizza, and a full bar, emphasizing comfort foods such as handmade burgers and fried chicken.

The restaurant will operate seven days a week for lunch and dinner services, with breakfast available on weekends. In addition to the culinary offerings, Bryan plans to introduce various events at the restaurant, including Texas Hold ’em nights, musical performances, and karaoke, enhancing the community feel.

Significant renovations have been completed in the Blue Heron’s kitchen, including the installation of a new HVAC system, a roof replacement, and various cosmetic improvements. The investment in these renovations has been described as significant, although no specific figures were disclosed.

River’s Rest Marina and Resort is owned by National Land Lease Capital, a subsidiary of Richmond-based 1850 Investments. Bryan, who has strong personal ties to the area—including family connections that span over 20 years—was motivated to take on the operation of the restaurant shortly after its closure in the fall of the previous year. He took over from the previous operating group, Grub LLC, seizing the opportunity during the transition of ownership.

Billy Bryan’s decision to manage Blue Heron aligns with the overarching vision of 1850 Investments, led by Yogi Singh. The partnership aims to shift the restaurant from its current seasonal operations to a year-round establishment, which would significantly enhance its appeal to both locals and visitors.

The Blue Heron building will be leased by Bryan, who will also manage the marina’s store selling fuel and fishing supplies, further integrating his role within the community. Taylor Carwile from 1850 Investments highlighted the necessity of selecting a tenant who aligns with their vision for the restaurant and can deliver a creative menu that honors local traditions.

Located at 9100 Wilcox Neck Road, River’s Rest Marina and Resort offers numerous amenities, including 126 seasonal RV campsites, 68 boat slips, a 21-room inn, a pool, and a dog park, aimed at enhancing guest experiences. In 2022, 1850 Investments revamped the former Blue Heron Marina, further investing in regional tourism and recreational offerings.

1850 Investments operates several RV resorts across Virginia, Texas, and Massachusetts, along with a cold storage operation, AgCold, in Suffolk. This latest venture indicates the company’s commitment to fostering community-centric recreational facilities while ensuring the Blue Heron restaurant becomes a staple dining experience in Charles City.