Virginia Beach Restaurant Association

31/05/2026

On May 31, our Virginia Beach community comes together to remember the 12 lives lost in the tragic events at the Municipal Center in 2019. We honor their memories, support the survivors and families, and recognize the strength and resilience that continues to unite our city. 💙

As restaurants and hospitality businesses, we know the importance of community, compassion, and coming together during difficult times. We encourage everyone to take a moment to reflect, remember, and show support.

On Sunday, May 31, 2026:
💙 Wear blue, the color of remembrance
💙 Attend the 5/31 Remembrance Ceremony & Memorial Unveiling at 4:00 p.m. at the Memorial Site near Building 30 at the Municipal Center
💙 Pause for a Moment of Silence at 4:06 p.m., the time the first 911 call was received

Virginia Beach will never forget.
Virginia Beach Restaurant Association

16/05/2026

After nearly 11 months away from home, we proudly welcome back the sailors of the USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group to Hampton Roads.

Your dedication, sacrifice, and service—logging thousands of flight hours and supporting missions around the world—do not go unnoticed. Thank you to the sailors and military families who endure long deployments in service to our nation.

To our local restaurants and businesses, let’s continue showing appreciation to these heroes and their families as they return home. Welcome back, and thank you for your service.

27/04/2026

Virginia Beach is taking its place on the national culinary stage.

The James Beard Foundation is coming to Virginia Beach with an officially sanctioned dinner this Fall—marking a major milestone for our local restaurant community and the region’s growing reputation as a premier dining destination.

This one-night-only experience will showcase the talent, creativity, and coastal flavor that define our culinary scene, while bringing national attention to the chefs, restaurants, and partners who make it thrive.

Leading up to the main event, we’ll be hosting a series of intimate, smaller dining experiences at select Virginia Beach locations—offering exclusive opportunities to engage with our culinary community in a unique and meaningful way.

This is more than a dinner—it’s a moment for Virginia Beach. Stay tuned.

Full press release:

26/04/2026

At the April 21, 2026, City Council meeting, the Virginia Beach Restaurant Association (VBRA) was presented with a proclamation officially recognizing tomorrow, April 27, 2026, as “Birthplace of American Cuisine Day.” Accepting the proclamation on behalf of VBRA were President Debbie Lou Hague and Executive Director Martha Davenport. Culinary historian Patrick Evans-Hylton, whose work helped inspire this designation, was unable to attend.

In her remarks, Debbie Lou Hague thanked City Council for the recognition and highlighted the significance of the moment:

“We have a unique opportunity in Virginia Beach with this recognition—one that has been more than 400 years in the making. While many cities can claim great food and restaurants, our strength lies not only in our culinary heritage, but in how that heritage continues to shape our vibrant food scene today. Virginia Beach represents the edible American dream—a true fusion of food and traditions from Native Americans, English settlers, African slaves, Caribbean trade, and generations of others who have made this community their home.

Food does more than nourish—it defines cultural identity, creates opportunity for businesses, drives tourism, and elevates a city from good to great. For more than 30 years, Patrick Evans-Hylton has dedicated himself to researching and honoring the foodways of this region. This recognition is not only a personal milestone for him, but a tribute to the chefs, bartenders, restaurateurs, distillers, winemakers, brewers, farmers, watermen, and specialty food producers who make Virginia Beach such a dynamic culinary destination.”

We thank our city leaders for this meaningful recognition, which serves as a powerful steppingstone toward even greater opportunities to elevate, celebrate, and promote Virginia Beach as a premier culinary destination in the years ahead.

Mayor Bobby Dyer
Amelia Ross-Hammond for Virginia Beach City Council
Rosemary Wilson for Virginia Beach City Council
Councilman Joash Schulman
Councilman Michael Berlucchi
Councilwoman Barbara Henley
Councilman Stacy Cummings
Councilwoman Jennifer Rouse
Councilman Worth Remick
David Hutcheson, City Councilmember District One - Kempsville
Cash Green for City Council

23/04/2026

A true supporter of hospitality in VB!

Robert ‘Bobby’ Melatti was a force to be reckoned with. The father of the Beach Events program, an innovator, leader, and motivator in the music industry, and a deep friend to us all, Bobby is truly missed by.

We are proud to honor his legacy with the renaming of the 24th Street Stage to the Robert ‘Bobby’ N. Melatti Stage. Join us for the official unveiling this Friday, April 24 at 4pm at 24th Street Park. 🤍🪽

18/04/2026

Our thoughts are with the team at Murphy’s Irish Pub and all those impacted by last night’s incident.

We are grateful for the quick response and professionalism of our first responders, and for the staff, guests, and community members who stepped in to help in a critical moment. Their actions truly reflect the strength and compassion of our Virginia Beach hospitality community.

Murphy’s will be open today, continuing to serve guests while addressing repairs—please show them your support.

This is what our industry does best: we come together, we take care of one another, and we move forward—stronger.

15/04/2026

86 the VB Meals Tax 🚫🍽️

You know what doesn’t belong on the menu? A 12% tax.

In restaurant terms…
86 overpriced dining.
86 unnecessary add-ons.
86 anything that leaves a bad taste.

Virginia Beach restaurants are already serving up incredible food, experiences, and hospitality—no extra “tax” seasoning needed.

Let’s keep our tables full, our visitors coming back, and our local dining scene thriving.

👉 It’s time to 86 the Meals Tax.

16/03/2026

VBRA’s Annual Golf Tournament is coming up on May 13, 2026, and it’s always a fantastic day on the course (Red Wing Lake Golf Course). And since restaurants are involved, you can count on plenty of great food and beverages along the way.

We currently have one team slot still available ($500)!

Looking to connect with local restaurant owners and managers? We also have six tee box sponsorships remaining ($400), which are a great way to showcase your business to the restaurant community.

Or simply show your support by sponsoring a sign on the course ($150).

Interested? Register here: https://www.dineinvb.com/events/annual-golf-tournament/

06/03/2026

Standing with Our Military Community

Here in Hampton Roads, the connection between our restaurant community and our military runs deep. Many of our friends, neighbors, customers, and even restaurant team members wear the uniform—or support someone who does.

During this time of heightened conflict and uncertainty involving Iran, our thoughts are with the brave service members who may be deployed or preparing to serve, and with the families here at home who carry that weight every day.

We also pause to mourn the lives that have been lost and extend our deepest condolences to the families, friends, and fellow service members who are grieving. Their sacrifice is a powerful reminder of the courage and cost of protecting our freedoms.

To those serving from Hampton Roads and around the world—please know this community stands with you. We are thinking of you, supporting you, and praying for your safe return home.

Virginia Beach restaurants have always been places where people gather for comfort, connection, and community—and during times like these, that spirit of hospitality matters more than ever.

Thank you for your service and sacrifice.