History of Griffin Tavern
Owners, Debbie and Jim Donehey
Griffin Tavern opened May 9, 2003.
Owners Jim & Debbie Donehey, residents of Flint Hill, VA, purchased land here in February, 1997 after falling in love with the atmosphere of the area. They finally made it their permanent residence in March, 2002.
During the many years they traveled to the area on weekends, they found it difficult to find a good burger and a cold draft beer for lunch. So that was the incentive to start the tavern and restaurant.
Both had worked for many years for Capital One and were looking for a new business to keep themselves occupied. Debbie has always dreamed of a restaurant, and Jim envisioned a pub like the ones he frequented when in the UK.
When the owners of the beautiful builiding in Flint Hill known as Chappalapa, or the Bradford House, became interested in selling due their business growth, they knew this was the opportunity they had been waiting for.
The building needed some work. It dates to the 1850s, so they came up with a plan to allow for individual dining rooms and a pub area which included TV’s, darts, and weekend live music – the perfect combination of their two dreams!
Jim collects Griffins, so the name came easily.
Griffins are a mythological character with the body of a lion and the head and wings of an eagle. The Griffin is very popular for it has numerous virtues and apparently no vices. They display vigilance, courage, and strength. They posses sharp vision and keen hearing. These instincts led them to know where buried treasures lay and to keep plunderers at bay.
Thank you for your patronage and we look forward to serving you for many years to come.
Enjoy some photos of the present day here.
