Brunswick County, VA — East of Pea Hill Creek Bridge, Lake Gaston
7001 Gasburg Road, Valentines, VA
Brunswick County, VA — East of Pea Hill Creek Bridge, Lake Gaston
7001 Gasburg Road, Valentines, VA
The Kennon House prides itself on creating a warm and inviting atmosphere where friends and family can gather. Our restaurant story began in the early 1970s when Kathleen and Hunter Wright had the vision to restore the 1792 "mud house" and add an addition to turn it into a restaurant. Their motivation was fueled with a passion for great southern food specialties, warm hospitality, and exceptional service in this beloved, historic setting.
Dennis Monds carried forward Kathleen's dream for two decades, adding alcoholic beverages and menu expansion. This vision continues to drive us every day, and we still use many of the original recipes, while adding new selections along the way.
We are excited to be led by new owners - partners Pete Richardson and Kerry Huff (Lake Gaston Pizza) - who took the reins in late 2024 and opened in January 2025. They are committed to continuing the foundational traditions of the Kennon House brand that they grew up with and loved by multiple generations of loyal patrons. Kerry manages the day-to-day operations supported by Tami Richardson, chefs Coop and Sophia, their kitchen team, and a dedicated staff of customer-focused servers.
We take great pride in being a treasured destination for locals and visitors.
(Skip to Menu: scroll below this section)
Today, from our menu service, we offer Kennon House classics like our famous Fried Chicken and Brunswick Stew, expanded to embrace upscale comfort food with a flair that includes beef, more chicken options, pork, seafood, pasta, lots of veggies, weekly specials, robust salad bar, yummy desserts, kids menu. On Sunday, we offer our famous buffet - no menu service. We also offer Alcohol service with beer, wine, and spirits.
Throughout the year, we offer three Grand Buffets aligned with Easter Sunday, Mother's Day, and Thanksgiving.
WALK-INS WELCOMED RESERVATIONS ACCEPTED
Dark Meat - 20 minute wait
White Meat - 20 minute wait
20 minute wait
Fried Shrimp with Fries, Cole Slaw, Hushpuppies
Fried Shrimp & Catfish with Fries, Cole Slaw, Hushpuppies
Fried Flounder, Fried Calamari, Grilled Shrimp, Seared Scallops, Slaw, 1-trip Salad Bar, Hushpuppies
12 oz Cut of Prime Rib with 2 Sides
4 French Dip Sliders Au Jus and 1 Side
Perfectly Seasoned Grilled Sirloin Steak with Juicy Fried Nashville Hot Shrimp over Cheddar Broccoli Rice
Includes 4 proteins (always Fried Chicken), 6 veggies (select varieties), salad bar, beverage, rolls, and dessert bar Father's Day Proteins: Fried Chicken, Fried Fish, Baked Fish, Fried Shrimp
* Consuming raw or undercooked meats or eggs may increase your risk of foodborne illness.
Our menu service is offered each day we open, except Sunday. Sunday is dedicated to our famous country buffet. You may choose to dine in a more intimate, formal setting with soft lighting and tablecloths or in a more casual area, accented by a huge fireplace (where our Sunday buffet is set up). Or sit around the lovely expanded bar that was added in 2024. We also offer take-out food service.
The Kennon House can accommodate larger groups up to 20 in a private dining room upon special request; please call ahead to arrange. We can also accommodate dinner meetings in the main dining area on nights the restaurant is not open.
Regarding reservations, they are usually not required but suggested, especially if you are thinking of visiting during busy seasonal weekends or have a party larger than 4, so that we can have your table set up when you arrive.
If you need handicap access, there is a ramp that connects to the porch on the west wing of the building.
COME DINE WITH US
Thanks for visiting our website. Be sure to follow us on Facebook. We hope to see you soon at the restaurant!
We love serving our customers and hope to see you soon! We kindly ask that you call ahead for parties larger than 4 so that we can have your table set up when you arrive.
Mon | 03:00 pm – 08:00 pm | |
Tue | Closed | |
Wed | Closed | |
Thu | 03:00 pm – 09:00 pm | |
Fri | 03:00 pm – 09:00 pm | |
Sat | 03:00 pm – 09:00 pm | |
Sun | 11:00 am – 03:30 pm |
Continuing "Our Story" near the top of the page, below the buttons: following Dennis Monds, who followed Kathleen Wright, the founder, additional owner-investors became involved in 2023 and 2024. They facilitated repairs, updates, and renovations to the building. The bar area was expanded into the west wing with the introduction of a Sports Bar theme in spring 2024. However, the Richardson-Huff partnership reopened the classic Kennon House Restaurant in January 2025, continuing to focus on its roots and Kathleen's vision, without the Sports Bar feature. The beautiful new bar area is perfect for enjoying a drink or dinner!
If you are a history buff, you may be interested in the following detailed history which covers its connection to the Civil War era and much earlier. Also, be sure to visit the Kennon Museum Room, located off the main entrance corridor of the original "mud house" structure on the east end. Established in 2024, it was part of the 2024 renovation project and designed in a joint effort by the University of Virginia and Historian Fred Taylor.
We love sharing the story and are proud to be part of its past, present, and future!
We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data.