Texas Inn Opens Newest Location in Richmond, VA

“The T Room,” as it’s called by loyal regulars, has served world-famous hot dogs, burgers, all-day breakfast, a secret recipe chili, and the iconic Cheesy Western in Lynchburg for 89 years, making it one of Virginia’s oldest dining establishments, an accomplishment officially recognized by Virginia’s General Assembly in 2023.

Now, the new Richmond location of Texas Inn, which is located at 2901 Park Ave., will serve the River City with its iconic menu items and vintage restaurant experience. The Richmond outpost of The Texas Inn is the fourth location for the iconic Virginia-based diner, following the 2022 opening of its third location in Harrisonburg, Virginia.

When Lynchburg native Dave Saunders assumed ownership of the Texas Inn in 2018, he knew the restaurant had a great legacy but had many ideas to expand its future. He knew he wanted more people to experience the same fond memories he made at the restaurant growing up. 

“I grew up going to the Texas Inn,” said Saunders. “It was part of my life for such a long time and was a second home to me. When I was in college at VCU, the Texas Inn was always my first stop when I would come back home so I could order a to-go meal for my mom. On my way back to Richmond, it was my last stop so I could a sack full of Cheesy Westerns for guys at my dorm.”

Saunders, who received the VRLTA’s Jim Wordsworth Award for Restaurateur of the Year in 2023, is now excited to bring that same hometown favorite flavor to the Capital City, where he has lived for the past 22 years. 

“The Texas Inn has been a late night staple for students in Lynchburg and Harrisonburg since the beginning,” Saunders said. “I am looking forward to seeing the restaurant filled with my fellow VCU alums — maybe even some UR fans — who will I believe will develop the same familiar hometown affinity I have for it.”

Long-time traditions and menu favorites such as the classic diner counter, the Cheesy Western, and the famous original secret chili recipe will all be in place at the new location in RVA. New menu items include french fries, ice cream floats, and the soon-to-be-infamous Great Bowls of Fire Chili Challenge.

“We created the Great Bowls of Fire Chili Challenge to celebrate our 86th anniversary and

it’s quite a feat,” Saunders said. “If you can eat 48 ounces of chili all the way in 30 minutes or less, it’s free. Winners get a small trophy and can of Febreze. Losers pay $34.99 plus tax and tip.”

A grand opening for the new location will take place on Wednesday, May 15, 2024, at 11 a.m. Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin, who is a longtime Texas Inn customer, will be attending the celebration to pick up his regular lunch order, which is two Cheesy Westerns “All The Way” and a Dr Pepper.

Founded in 1935, The Texas Inn, known by locals as “The T Room,” is one of Virginia’s oldest dining establishments. Now with locations in Lynchburg, Harrisonburg, and Richmond, the legendary diner still serves “1,500 people, 15 at a time” and has served more than 6 million customers. Learn more at texasinn.com