Restaurants across Virginia have continued to close in recent months as rising costs, lease expirations, and shifting consumer habits take a toll on the state’s dining scene. Many of the closures impacted community staples that had been in business for decades, acting as a reminder that even the longest-standing eateries aren’t immune to closing for good.
Roanoke
One of the most notable closures came in Roanoke, where beloved seafood spot Awful Arthur’s Downtown Roanoke announced it would close permanently on June 29, 2025, after 30 years of service.
Owner Todd Lancaster cited a desire to slow down and focus on family and other business interests, choosing not to continue operating the downtown location amid declining revenue there. While the brand lives on at its Salem location, the Downtown Roanoke restaurant was widely regarded as a community staple.
Northern Virginia sees wave of closures
Northern Virginia has been particularly hard hit, with residents saying farewell to several cherished eateries.
According to a recent roundup of closures in the region:
- Bonefish Grill in Gainesville closed after 21 years, ending an era for seafood lovers. (This is due to its parent company, Bloomin’ Brands, downsizing its footprint.)
- Seamore’s in Arlington shut its doors following an eviction.
- Union Kitchen in Ballston closed its local location after opening in 2020 (a rough time to start a restaurant!)
- Benny Diforza’s pizza spot in Alexandria also ended operations, though some brands maintain other locations in the region.
- Applebee’s in Warrenton closed after three decades in July 2025.
- The Block Food Hall in Annandale ceased operations to make way for apartment development in August 2025.
Long-running oceanfront favorite bids farewell
In Virginia Beach, long-time oceanfront favorite Rockafeller’s Restaurant, a seafood institution since 1989, closed its doors in early November 2025. Ownership cited a personal decision to retire from the high-volume restaurant business rather than financial distress. However, the closure still marked a significant loss for locals and tourists alike who had frequented the Rudee Inlet spot for decades.
Industry factors behind the closures
Experts say these closures reflect widespread industry trends in the restaurant business. Rising food and labor costs, higher taxes, increasing rent, and tightening consumer spending have squeezed profit margins for full-service establishments, particularly sit-down restaurants and local independent businesses. Additionally, lease expirations and redevelopment pressures continue to push out long-time operators in high-rent areas…