The Virginia Kitchen Story
Our story begins in 1973 when founder John Andrews opened his first restaurant, “The Waffle King,” in Huntington, WV. The Waffle King’s claim to fame was “breakfast served anytime,” with the restaurant open for 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. John’s success encouraged him to open several additional locations, including two in Virginia.
John opened Waffle Kings in Fairfax and Herndon in 1977. John eventually decided to sell the Fairfax location, and focus his energy on the thriving Herndon location.
When asked why he changed the name, John said that he wanted to focus on an expanded menu of homemade items, and wanted to be known for more than his famous waffles.
John quickly invested in a state of the art juice machine. The machine fascinated staff and customers as it sorted, sliced, and juiced oranges, making fabulous, fresh squeezed orange juice. John also started making homemade jams to use on his fluffy, buttermilk biscuits. Making his mark on the lunch and dinner menu as well, John designated every Thursday as Thanksgiving day. Every Thursday we roast a large turkey to serve with gravy, stuffing, mashed potatoes, green beans, cranberry sauce, and a dinner roll. Soon “The Virginia Kitchen” became known as the place to go in Herndon for good, homestyle cooking at affordable prices.
John opened Waffle Kings in Fairfax and Herndon in 1977. John eventually decided to sell the Fairfax location, and focus his energy on the thriving Herndon location.
When asked why he changed the name, John said that he wanted to focus on an expanded menu of homemade items, and wanted to be known for more than his famous waffles.
John quickly invested in a state of the art juice machine. The machine fascinated staff and customers as it sorted, sliced, and juiced oranges, making fabulous, fresh squeezed orange juice. John also started making homemade jams to use on his fluffy, buttermilk biscuits. Making his mark on the lunch and dinner menu as well, John designated every Thursday as Thanksgiving day. Every Thursday we roast a large turkey to serve with gravy, stuffing, mashed potatoes, green beans, cranberry sauce, and a dinner roll. Soon “The Virginia Kitchen” became known as the place to go in Herndon for good, homestyle cooking at affordable prices.
The Virginia Kitchen Family
The other thing that makes The Virginia Kitchen Herndon’s best diner is our wonderful staff. Our employees take great pride in getting to know our customers and providing them with personal service. Many of our employees have been with us for over a decade, and have become part of our family. John’s four children all began their work careers at “The Virginia Kitchen”, as well as many of the children of our cooks and waitresses. When John retired from the restaurant business in 2002, it was his eldest daughter Julie and her husband Linc Krueger that decided to continue building upon the tradition John established and run the family business.
Linc and Julie have maintained the atmosphere that John established, while adding their own personal touches. They consistently introduce new daily specials, utilizing fresh seasonal produce and trying new homemade recipes. For example, the sausage brie casserole is a can’t miss special, often requested by regular customers. The Ninee’s Pot Roast, added to the menu recently as a standing Friday lunch special, has generated a loyal following as well. Linc continues to make homemade jams weekly, using John’s tried and true formula.
Linc and Julie have maintained the atmosphere that John established, while adding their own personal touches. They consistently introduce new daily specials, utilizing fresh seasonal produce and trying new homemade recipes. For example, the sausage brie casserole is a can’t miss special, often requested by regular customers. The Ninee’s Pot Roast, added to the menu recently as a standing Friday lunch special, has generated a loyal following as well. Linc continues to make homemade jams weekly, using John’s tried and true formula.
Our Loyal Customers
The main reason for the Virginia Kitchen’s continued success is its loyal customers. Generations of families have eaten here, as well as worked here. The friendly atmosphere and camaraderie that has developed between longtime staff and customers has led many people to liken the Virginia Kitchen to a daytime version of the television show “Cheers”. The dining experience is similar to that expressed in “Cheers” theme song: “Sometimes you want to go where everybody knows your name, and they’re always glad you came.”
Virginia Kitchen Reviews
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“Local breakfast restaurant with a southern/country feel. It feels like it's a place where you have your regulars and everyone knows everyone.”
- Yukta R (Yelp) “Been here several times and every time I come, it’s the same great service by friendly waitstaff, who get you in and out quickly.”
- Stefan S (Yelp) “Truly authentic! It's a little gem in Herndon, from the people that work there to the daily specials.”
- Keith M (Trip Advisor) |
“This is one of my favorite breakfast spots in the area.”
- Cait M (Yelp) “We love this small, warm, friendly, family-owned restaurant. That's because the staff go out of their way to let you know they are happy that you came. The delicious food is freshly made in the kitchen & not from a frozen package”
- Kathy S (Google) “The best local diner style place to get breakfast in the area.”
- Julia L (Google) |
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