The Virginian-Pilot
©
NORFOLK
Magnolia Steak & Seafood Co., a restaurant in the city's Ghent section, has closed. Its last day was Monday, co-owner David Holmes said.
Holmes, who owned the restaurant with his wife, Tracey, blamed the “slow economy.”
“Things have been really tough for the last 18 months,” he said.
The restaurant, known for its steaks, had been open since 1991. Lisa Davidson of Norfolk had been a regular since she moved here six years ago. She attended the farewell round of drinks Monday night at Magnolia, which she said was packed.
“It was a great neighborhood place,” she said. “It was just a local hangout that everybody loved.”
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Why not blame the mediocre food and service
I went there ONCE with my wife. The steak was thin and over cooked. I asked for A-1 sauce (a necessity when the meat is dry and over done), and got the "low class customer look" from the wait staff). The sauce that came out was NOT in an A-1 bottle and did not taste like A-1. To top it all off the meal was ~20% over priced. I get better steaks at Texas Roadhouse (not to mention the more upscale places like Ruth's Chris - but at a higher price), and Freemason Abbey, which by the way, is our favorite for all-round dining. I am not surprised Magnolias went out of business. They just as easily could have called it Steel Magnolia Steaks.
We will miss you; btw smoke made a night out authentic
Truely the best steak in the area!
My family would go there for special evenings... like my upcoming birthday. We loved the food!
We boycot national chains. I recommend all locals to do the same. Eating at Mag's is like investing in your local economy. We will miss you.
national chains
employ local workers and pay local taxes. That being said, Logan's and TX Roadhouse easily have better steaks than Mags did.
More Mags
A little more street talk. I've heard (and I think from someone who knows) - NO sports bar. No Channello's Pizza. Not sure what, but for sure, neither of those. Talk on Colley is landlord just wants a tenant who pays the rent.
magnolia
Good Luck Bill and Lisa, I'm sure someone will pick you up.
David and Tracy were so stubborn they couldn't bear to adjust their menu to the economy. They thought a Raw Bar would bring in more people. Nice try.
Then someone got stabbed in the restaurant.
They had a good run. THe word on the street is Jerry Channello is going to make it into another pizza & burger joint, just what we need.
How about a CVS pharmacy, or a circuit city, or , I know, Have a Nice Day Cafe or Bar Ghent.
Where's chip Fraser, get the potporri (sp??) back.
Maybe Katz is going to do a buddhist buffet
Go get a paper route Tracy and Tony G
Mags
A sad day for many who have such great memories of Magnolia. This was a true neighborhood institution.....a great staff, thanks Lisa & Bill, good owners, great food....it is a shame that changes were not made to adapt to the economic downturn....everyone is looking for a deal, so new owners, whoever you are, know your customers!
Good luck to the entire Magnolia crew....you will be missed!
Our New Reality
Hardly a season over the past 17 years has passed where my once girlfriend, now wife, and I haven't stopped by Magnolia's. Mother's Days, Father's Days, the birth of our 3 children, and beyond, Magnolia's has always held a special place in our minds and tummies. But, as our nation's new economic reality continues to establish itself as the norm, business must too create new ways to engage lighter wallets and longer work schedules.
Bottom Line: My family will miss the Magnolia's that once was, circa 1998. We wish the owners, the staff, and Brian--host for over a decade-- all the best.
Very sad
Best wishes to them. It was a wonderful resturant with great food and Excellent service!
Master's Drug Store*, The
Master's Drug Store*, The Amrit Restaurant, Potpourri, Masters Restaurant, and then Magnolia's....
Can't wait to see what that building does next...
*I remember when fountain cokes were 5 cents, but 6 cents of it was to go....
Sad shock
For years my wife and I went to the Magnolia for meals when we lived in Norfolk. It was definitely a local hangout. The food was great and the atmosphere was excellent also. It was an anchor point of the Ghent neighborhood. It is a sad shock to hear it has closed.