Old Chickahominy House serves diners for the final time

JAMES CITY COUNTY – It was the end of an era for the Old Chickahominy House on Jan. 17 as the storied restaurant served diners for the final time.

Customers packed into the rustic dining room last week after the business’ ownership announced plans to close by the end of January. Many who ate there on Saturday day did not know they would be among the last people the restaurant would ever serve.

The Old Chickahominy House has been a Williamsburg-area staple for the past 70 years. Specializing in southern comfort food, the establishment drew locals and tourists alike for their renowned biscuits, Brunswick stew and homemade pie.

The restaurant also housed a boutique gift store where guests were often greeted by a friendly shop cat.

“Thank you all for your generations of love and support. We will cherish the memories and joy you have given us through the years,” owner Dan Kennedy wrote in a Facebook statement. “Saturday, January 17th, was our last day for dining in at the ‘CHICK HOUSE’… We had to have an ending day in order to move into the next phase of closing.”

Shortly before Christmas, the restaurant took to social media to confirm rumors surrounding its closure.

“Yes, the word on the street is true. The Chickahominy House building and land are on the market to be sold,” Kennedy explained in a Dec. 22 statement. “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.”

Customers will have one last chance to enjoy Old Chickahominy’s most popular menu offerings later this week. The restaurant will be open with limited carryout options on Thursday from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.

Depending on the remaining food supply, takeout offerings may be available once more on Friday beginning at 10 a.m. Customers are asked to bring their own to-go boxes or food containers.

Located at 1211 Jamestown Road, the 6,700 square-foot Old Chickahominy building is now up for sale by Cushman & Wakefield for $950,000.

The property’s listing describes the building as “multi-purpose” and able to accommodate both commercial and residential uses.

“A prospective buyer may want to continue to operate the property as a family restaurant or explore other uses,” such as retail or medical space, the listing states.

Meanwhile, Carrot Tree Kitchens, a next-door neighbor of the Old Chickahominy House, is also gearing up to close. The bakery will be moving to a different location nearby.

In a Jan. 1 Facebook post, Carrot Tree’s ownership said the business needs “a little trimming” and is preparing for “a new chapter.”

The current James City County location at 1303 Jamestown Road will be closing on Jan. 24. It will reopen on Feb. 3 at Toby’s Dog House, located at 1782 Jamestown Road.

It was unclear if the bakery will continue to offer its full menu at the new site. The Yorktown location at 323 Water Street is expected to remain open for the foreseeable future.