Texas Tavern facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Texas Tavern |
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Texas Tavern from above on Church Ave.
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| Restaurant information | |
| Slogan | Serving 10,000 people, 10 at a time. |
| Established | 1930 |
| Food type | Fast food |
| Street address | 114 Church Ave SW |
| City | Roanoke |
| State | Virginia |
| Postal/ZIP code | 24011 |
| Country | United States |
| Seating capacity | 10 stools |
| Nickname | Roanoke's Millionaire's Club |
| Website | Official website: https://texastavern-inc.com |
Texas Tavern is a famous restaurant in Roanoke, Virginia. It's known as a special place with a lot of history in the city. Many people in Roanoke think of it as a local treasure.
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The Story of Texas Tavern
The Texas Tavern opened its doors in 1930. It was started by Issac N. (Nick) Bullington. Nick used to work for the Ringling Brothers Circus. His job was to travel ahead of the circus and arrange their shows.
While working in San Antonio, Texas, Nick found a special chili recipe. This recipe gave him the idea to open his own restaurant. He settled down in Roanoke and opened the Texas Tavern. It was built in the parking lot of a furniture store on Church Avenue.
Family Business Through Generations
The Bullington family has owned the Texas Tavern for many years. When Nick Bullington passed away in 1942, his son James G. took over. Later, James G. passed the restaurant to his son, James N.
In February 2005, James N. gave ownership to his son, James Matthew Bullington. Today, James Matthew Bullington still owns and runs the restaurant. It has truly been a family business for a long time!
What's on the Menu?
Not much on the menu has changed since 1930. The restaurant is famous for its chili. You can also find different kinds of hamburgers and hot dogs. They also serve breakfast items.
You can get soft drinks at Texas Tavern, but they do not serve alcohol. One popular item is the "Cheesy Western." This is a cheeseburger with a fried egg, pickles, and sweet relish. In 2015, a website called Thrillist said it was one of the 20 best burgers in Virginia!
Texas Tavern Culture
Texas Tavern is a well-known spot in its neighborhood. It has many regular customers who visit often. The restaurant is sometimes called "Roanoke's Millionaires Club." This is a fun nickname for the small place.
There's a sign at the restaurant that says, "We seat 1,000 people, 10 at a time." This is a funny way to say that even though it's small, many people love to visit.
Famous Visitors
Many famous people have stopped by Texas Tavern over the years. These visitors include singer Harry Connick, Jr. and actor Kevin Costner. Even a U.S. Vice President, Mike Pence, has visited this special restaurant.
