News Summary
Rockafeller’s Restaurant, a beloved seafood spot in Virginia Beach known for its oysters and crab cakes, will close its doors after nearly 37 years of operation. Owner Elizabeth Baumann announced the closure to focus on her family and community interests. The restaurant has received numerous accolades, including sustainability certifications and awards for its quality seafood. The final day of operation will be November 2, with preparations including a private event on Halloween. Many locals cherish the restaurant’s legacy as a community fixture and a symbol of Virginia Beach’s vibrant dining scene.
Virginia Beach is set to lose one of its iconic seafood establishments as Rockafeller’s Restaurant prepares to close its doors for the final time on November 2, after nearly 37 years of service. The restaurant, renowned for its fish specials, crab cakes, Oysters Rockafeller, and she-crab soup, first opened in 1989 on Rudee Inlet.
Owner Elizabeth “BJ” Baumann made the announcement regarding the closure, expressing a desire to shift her focus toward civic interests and her family. Although the restaurant has maintained strong business operations, Baumann conveyed that it is time to step back from the responsibilities associated with running a high-volume establishment.
Baumann, who took over Rockafeller’s following the death of her husband, Frank Baumann, in 1999, emphasized the importance of prioritizing her personal life and community involvement. She has expressed a commitment to supporting her staff, many of whom have been with Rockafeller’s for decades, in finding new job opportunities.
The restaurant has garnered numerous accolades throughout its years of operation, including award recognition from Virginia Living Magazine for the Best Oyster Award and being named the “Virginia Neighborhood Restaurant of the Year” by the National Restaurant Association. Additionally, Rockafeller’s was one of the first in Virginia to achieve full Virginia Green Travel sustainability certification.
In its commitment to environmental responsibility, Rockafeller’s participated in an oyster shell recycling program with Lynnhaven River Now, contributing to local conservation efforts. The restaurant’s emphasis on sustainability and community has made it a beloved venue for both locals and tourists.
As Rockafeller’s heads towards its final days, they will continue operating with limited hours. The restaurant is scheduled to close temporarily for a private event on Halloween (October 31). Baumann and her team extend their gratitude to customers for their loyalty and support over the years, noting that many patrons have celebrated important milestones at the venue.
Founded in 1989, Rockafeller’s Restaurant became a fixture in Virginia Beach known for its delicious seafood offerings and commitment to quality. The decision to close marks the end of an era that has seen the establishment rise as a favorite dining location within the community. Baumann’s announcement has evoked a sense of nostalgia among locals, many of whom have created lasting memories at the restaurant.
In summary, Rockafeller’s Restaurant will officially close on November 2 after an impressive run of 37 years. The legacy of high-quality seafood and community engagement is one that will be remembered fondly by those who have been part of its journey.
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Additional Resources
- WTKR – Rockafeller’s Restaurant Closing
- Wikipedia: Virginia Beach
- WAVY – Oceanfront Seafood Restaurant Closing
- Google Search: Virginia Beach restaurants
- Pilot Online – Beloved Virginia Beach Restaurant Closing
- Google Scholar: Virginia Beach seafood restaurants
- 13 News Now – Rockafeller’s Closing Announcement
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Seaside Resorts
- 13 News Now Video – Rockafeller’s Closing
- Google News: Rockafeller’s Restaurant Virginia Beach
Author: STAFF HERE VIRGINIA BEACH WRITER
The VIRGINIA BEACH STAFF WRITER represents the seasoned team at HEREVirginiaBeach.com, your trusted source for actionable local news and information in Virginia Beach, Virginia Beach City, and beyond, delivering "news you can use" with comprehensive coverage of product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news impacting the region—supported by years of expert reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates, while offering top reporting on high-profile events like the Virginia Beach Neptune Festival, East Coast Surfing Championship, and military homecoming celebrations, alongside key organizations such as the Virginia Aquarium, Virginia Beach Convention Center, and Oceana Naval Air Station, plus leading businesses in tourism and defense like Busch Gardens and Northrop Grumman, and as part of the broader HERE network including HEREWilliamsburg.com, providing credible, in-depth insights into Virginia's vibrant landscape. HERE Virginia Beach HERE Williamsburg
