WILLIAMSBURG — The Old Chickahominy House, located on Jamestown Road, has officially announced that it will close its doors in late January after 70 years in business.
Founded in 1955, the restaurant began in an old one-story building near the Chickahominy River as a tea room serving ham biscuits and homemade pie. The location also sold antiques, gas and cigarettes.
In 1962, the location on Jamestown Road opened after a robbery at the riverfront location. The restaurant has been located there ever since.
Known primarily for its southern cooking, the location also boasts a gift shop that sells furniture, lamps, pictures, mirrors, unique gift items, jewelry, handbags, jackets and seasonal items.
With rumors circulating about a possible closure, Old Chickahominy House ownership confirmed it would be closing in a Facebook post Dec. 22.
“Yes, the word on the street is true. The Chickahominy House building and land are on the market to be sold. We will be open until sometime in late January, and then we will close, and we will retire. That’s all I know at this time. As I know more, you’ll know more. We love you all, and thank you for your wonderful and continued support,” the statement said.
Comments poured in from the public, sharing memories and their special connections to the establishment.
“Thank you for the wonderful food and gift shop all these years! Hope you have a happy healthy retirement. I have so many wonderful memories of what my parents nicknamed ‘The Chickie House.’ I started visiting while in college in Williamsburg and continued into my retirement years. You will be truly missed,” one comment said.
“The OCH has been such a happy part of our many, many Williamsburg trips. We have always looked forward to our many happy meals there. But … such hard workers such as yourselves absolutely deserve a wonderful, happy retirement. Thank you for having taking on this wonderful establishment and continuing the southern foods traditions and hospitality as long as you could,” another comment said.
Many commenters also suggested that the restaurant publish a cookbook with recipes for the establishment’s biscuits, pies and ham prior to closing its doors.
Updates on the pending closure can be found on The Old Chickahominy House Facebook page.