Virginia Beach Restaurant Anniversary
On December 17, 2017, Abbey Road Pub & Restaurant celebrates it’s 35th anniversary, operating under the same owner/management.
“It was twenty years ago today, Sgt. Pepper taught the band to play…,” and it was more than thirty-four years ago today when the bands began to play, at Abbey Road. Owner Bill Dillon has been bringing the best in good food and live entertainment to Virginia Beach since 1982. Their fresh seafood, beef, and pasta dishes are summed up by The Virginian Pilot’s reviews: “Abbey Road Leads Diners to a Satisfying Evening (1983)” and “Abbey Road is a great pub in the midst of a Tourist Location. For locals, it is well worth the trip any time of the year (2008).” “Abbey Road is the Best Acoustic Venue in Tidewater, offering the best and the most variety…” Port Folio Magazine
After three years in the food service industry, first as a busboy and then as a waiter, Bill decided in the fall of 1982 to open his own restaurant in the resort area of Virginia Beach. Starting with a small loan from his grandparents, and with no family history in the restaurant business, Bill has achieved what most restaurants are unable to, a career in the restaurant industry, as most restaurants fail in the first 3-5 years. The restaurant business has one of the highest failure rates of any start-up business. For every 100 restaurants that open today, only 1 or 2 will be open in 20 years. Abbey Road puts great effort in serving good food, and is now rated by Trip Advisor as one of the top 3% of the over 1000 restaurants in Virginia Beach!
The Love Of The Beatles Started Early…
Heavily influenced by the Beatles when growing up, thanks to his two older sisters who listened to their records all the time, he decided to name it ’Abbey Road’ after the last album the Beatles recorded.
A Haven For Live Music In Virginia Beach
Many national, regional, and local musicians have performed at Abbey Road since 1982, including: Richie Havens – the man who opened Woodstock, Ronee Blakely – toured with Bob Dylan, Livingston Taylor – James’ brother, The Ventures -theme from Hawaii Five-O, Rick Roberts of Firefall, – wrote & sang many of their #1 hits, Robert Hunter of The Grateful Dead, Robbin Thompson & The Robbin Thompson Band, Gove Scrivener, Lewis McGehee – toured with Bruce Hornsby, Mike Proffit & The Mike Proffitt Band, Keller Williams, Chuck ‘Coyote’ Larson & Robbie House & Norman Harrell of Snuff, and many, many more …
Fast facts:
- Abbey Road proudly provides a 100% smoke free environment for their patrons and employees.
- Two thirds of their menu is now available Gluten free! Look for Gf!
- They are Certified Virginia Green through recycling and energy conservation.
- They participate in the SENSIBLE SEAFOOD program, partnering with the Virginia Aquarium and the Monterey Aquarium in California, serving only sustainable seafood. They also participate in the Lynnhaven River Now project by saving our oyster and clam shells to build future oyster reefs.
“Lend me your ears and I’ll sing you a song…”
