Local BusinessTuesday, November 3
Richmond's Texas Inn, founded in Lynchburg, will stay open after community support
The Daily Lynchburg team
If you've eaten at a Texas Inn, here's good news: the Richmond location is staying open. Owner Dave Saunders opened it as the fourth Texas Inn, which was founded in Lynchburg nearly 100 years ago.
A fire marshal visit closed the restaurant after problems with its hood, HVAC and ventilation systems. Saunders was quoted around $20,000 to fix them and announced it would close. Then contractors, some from the Lynchburg area, offered discounts. One offered electrical and welding repairs for the cost of a couple cheeseburgers.
$20,000quoted to bring the Richmond Texas Inn up to code
Saunders said he was assuming $20,000 plus to reopen. Offers of help came in before the doors were sealed.
Sources: WRIC ABC 8News, CBS 6 News Richmond WTVR
- Address: 2901 Park Ave., Richmond
- Opened in Richmond: 2024
- Saunders' other restaurants: three, in Lynchburg and Harrisonburg
Employee Sam Barton, who has worked there from day one and coaches soccer, put together a proposal to take over operations. "It's very humbling. I had no idea we really had that much support," Saunders said.
Repairs are underway and ownership is moving to Sam Barton
| Step | Plan |
|---|---|
| Repairs | Underway |
| Reopening | Expected by the end of this week |
| Ownership | Transfers to Barton's company over the next few months |
| Franchise | Saunders plans to sell it to Barton next year |
Source: WRIC ABC 8News
Sources: WRIC ABC 8News, CBS 6 News Richmond WTVR