"There is no place like home," and that feeling returned to Catawba, Virginia, as The Homeplace held its grand reopening at 4 p.m. today. Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, this beloved gathering spot has been restored, making a new chapter for dining and tradition.
After having been selected as number 4 of Yelp's Top 50 most prolific Elites of 2025, a year when I also was awarded the Yelp Triad Squad Photographer of the Year Award at their Yelpies 2025 Award Ceremony, an event that honored the highest-performing Yelp Elites, and where last year I was awarded the Yelp Triad Squad Yelper of the Year Award, I decided that this year, as an All-Star Yelp Elite, I not only wanted to be the first to discover new restaurants and businesses, and bring them to the attention of the public, but also to uncover those found in hidden paths that for one reason or another have not reached the public in its totality. And The Homeplace Restaurant in Catawba, Virginia is a perfect example.
And it didn't take long for me to get into my Lexus and drive up to this ionic restaurant famous for its family-style southern comfort food and historic 1907 farmhouse setting. The new owners, the Henegar family, who are bringing this beloved restaurant back to life, plan to keep the Wingate family legacy by maintaining its original recipes, introducing some seasonal items, and expanding to offer weekend breakfasts and lunch.
Rarely have I ever gone to a grand opening and felt so much at home. As soon as I arrived and got in line, I mingled with people who had been dining there for years; some from the current community, and others who had driven many miles to gather once again in the place that had been so meaningful in their lives. An 88 year old gentleman and his wife told me many memorable stories of the place famous for its "all-you-can-eat" family-style service that opened its doors in 1982 by the Wingate family and closed in 2021 due to Covid-related struggles, and after 5 years is once again alive and well, and ready to serve this community as a family-centered restaurant in which customers are considered part of the Homeplace family.
When I arrived to the Host's station, a friendly, young lady welcomed me and took my name, having me join the others in the waiting room. It had a couple of benches but was mostly standing room only. Then the parties were called in order of arrival and taken to their tables in several dining rooms around the restaurant.
Immediately aftet I was seated, my server, Landon greeted me and explained the ordering system there. Pricing was determined by the number of meats you ordered. The three choices were Chicken, Roast Beef, and Ham. You could order one, two, or the three. And that included all the sides: Corn, Green Beans, Pinto Beans, Slaw, Mashed Potatoes & Gravy, or Fries. As well as a basket of Biscuits with regular and Apple Butter. I order the three and a Coke to drink.
Not long after my server arrived with a large tray with everything ordered on it. Everything was served hot and you could see were high-quality products cooked to perfection. The Fried Chicken was plumpy and juicy. The Roast Beef was was tender and in its juices. The Ham was a few thin slices, but tasted like the best ham I've ever had on my trip to Madrid, Spain. And the sides, what can I say, every single one tasted amazingly delicious. I invite you to view my photographs accompanying this review to get a better sense of the place and the high-quality of their food. For dessert I had a Peach Cobbler with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It was amazing!
The General Manager, Brittany Green, the Owners, the Chefs, Servers, and Staff, all did an excellent job in recreating that original family, place-like-home environment that contributed to an extraordinary, relaxed, unique, family-friendly, dining experience, I have yet to have experienced at any other dining establishment. I highly recommend this restaurant for the dining experience of your life, and I know that when you do give them a visit, you will be considered as part of the family. read more