The city-managed Virginia Beach Farmers Market is putting sit-down dining back on the menu after it’s been without a restaurant for more than a year.
Scot Wilson ran the Princess Anne County Grill here for two decades, building a following for “blue plate” specials, country-style cooking and, for his ambitious diners, an extreme omelet challenge called Eggzilla.
“It was a good run,” Wilson said. “The run ended.”
The city needed to renovate the space, which forced Wilson to close in February 2024. He thought he might be out three months, but it took longer than expected, and then his reopening wasn’t guaranteed.
The city considered proposals for the 1,038-square-foot space after making about $200,000 in improvements. That included another restaurant that didn’t work out. Ultimately, Virginia Beach went with Wilson again.
“I kind of struggled to find things to do,” said Wilson, who kept catering when the grill closed. “I mean, I found them, but nothing that has the passion of having that place, being in there and working. You know, serving the people and making them happy.”
If all goes well, the Princess Anne County Grill will return in August.
Some merchants and vendors missed having an anchor to help bring business to the market, particularly in the winter months.
Robin Stoughton, who owns Nature’s Treasures, said business dropped off.
“People still come out expecting it to be open,” Stoughton said in her shop on Sunday. “They want that country cooking.”
“Scot’s customers are looking for him,” said Sharon Creekmore Mosley, co-owner of the produce stand, Creekmore’s Place. “They ask me, ‘Is he coming back?’ ”
“It’s important to have a viable, local restaurant at the farmers market,” said David Trimmer, the city’s agriculture director.
His department manages the rustic mall built around a circle of small businesses and produce stands in barn-red buildings. There’s a baker, a butcher and an ice cream shop. There are educational facilities, gardens and events tied to agriculture.
Nearer to populous neighborhoods than working farmland, the market is a kind of rural ambassador to the suburbs.
Trimmer said that the grill also catered to folks who attend Friday night “hoedown” concerts, and sit-down dining complements options such as food trucks. Fruit and vegetable stands are a big draw, but they’re not open in the winter, Trimmer said.
A vendor called out to Wilson while he walked through the market Sunday.
“When can I get an egg sandwich over there?” Tuffy Braithwaite of Max the Knife Sharpening asked.
“Soon,” Wilson replied.
Wilson knew Braithwaite’s regular order — fried egg, toast, a little butter.
“A lot of people would drop off their knives and go there to eat,” Braithwaite said. “That was a draw.”
The City Council is scheduled to vote on the grill’s lease Tuesday, July 8, and at least one person on the dais is a fan.
“It’s part of the legacy of the farmers market and Virginia Beach,” Mayor Bobby Dyer said after the public hearing Tuesday at City Hall. “I can’t wait until they get back.”
Dyer’s go-to?
“Meatloaf.”
Wilson said he’s grateful to the city for the chance to reopen. There may be a few healthier options on the menu, but Wilson said much of what brought people here for 20 years will return when the grill does.
“The meatloaf will be there.”
