Our Story

It all started with a pencil sketch on a plain paper napkin. Before Vintage Tavern became a unique “Seasonally Southern” dining experience, it was a simple drawing featuring a Guinness beer tap in the bar and an ice cream maker in the kitchen. Brian Mullins, owner of a successful real estate development business and a proud descendant of Irish forebears (hence the Guinness), with his wife Teresa by his side began developing Governor’s Pointe in 2003 in the Northern corridor of Suffolk. Having dreamed of building and opening a restaurant for years, they knew that this new, one-of-kind restaurant would bring something special to the Suffolk Community and all of Hampton Roads.

Brian and Teresa envisioned a restaurant with genuine character, where great food would be served without pretension. It would be a place that welcomed people to a relaxed atmosphere and surrounded them with rustic arts and crafts architecture such as exposed beams, Rumsford fireplaces in each dining room and game trophies in the lounge.

They began collaborating with acclaimed Norfolk chef Meredith Nicolls until a paralyzing mountain biking accident in October 2004 forced him to limit active participation. Nicolls recommended fellow chef Sam McGann, his close friend of more than 20 years to carry on in his stead. Together with his wife Cindy, the McGann’s joined the team as consultants to help set up and oversee the operation. As the McGann’s completed their mentoring and training, the very talented and capable team that emerged took over the operation of the Vintage Tavern.

From the exhibition kitchen initially designed by Meredith Nicolls come signature dishes prepared by the culinary team, among them an appetizing Taste of Southern Goodness sampler of home made biscuits, house made sausages, shaved Virginia ham, deviled eggs, house made spreads such as strawberry jam and seasonal entrees like oven-baked flounder with herb-onion spoon bread and lemon brown butter sauce.

The Mullins cordially invite you to enjoy the exceptional hospitality of Vintage Tavern and to return often for an ever-changing taste of seasonally southern cuisine.