A long time ago, I found this tape my dad recorded of Gone with the Wind for my mom back in the early 1990s. I saw the most ridiculous local commercial for this bar and grill in Newport News, The Red Baron . This must of been big production values for a local commercial back in 1991.
Look at this guy hanging out with da ladies. … remember when people looked like this?
I looked the address up on google maps, and this Langley Federal Credit union shows up. At first I thought it seemed a little small to be a lounge at one point, but when I look closely at the entrance, it does sort of look like one for a restaurant.
That Mall is sick and that Store is dead! 
I think I remember eating there once! What a great blog for the dearly departed businesses and malls out there.
Comment by Free Your Mind Today — October 21, 2013 @ 2:05 pm |
WOW I was only in Red Baron once. I was with my dad as we were scouting real estate. They had a real red baron plane in front of the building. They completely leveled the restaurant to build the credit union (it is a considerably smaller building). My dad bought the Red Baron in the early 1990s and re-christened it Oldies Vintage Tin Restaurant & Classic Glass Tavern. He put over a million dollar façade on the front of the building-it has a bar, dance floor, Edy’s grand ice cream parlor–was a bit over 16,000 sq ft. It had a 50s theme and he kept a rotating stable of antique cars inside of it (even using an old truck and its bed as the salad bar). Sad to see it go that’s for sure. I have several photos on my Facebook page I believe they are set to public.
Comment by Tami — August 2, 2014 @ 8:09 am |
I have the corvette that was in there! Would love to have a picture of it in the restaurant if you have one!??
Comment by Leigh Anne Rudolph — January 14, 2022 @ 9:12 pm |
There was a large red biplane in front of the resturant. The Denbigh HS C/O ’89 had a scavenger hunt. If you managed to steal the biplane you automaticly won. Don’t know if anyone actually attempted it or not.
Comment by Steve — November 25, 2014 @ 2:10 pm |
I was a regular at the Red Baron. It was managed by a guy named Kip who ended up opening his own restaurant/bar called Manhattan’s NY Deli. Then it turned into the Atlanta Beer Garten and they they tore it down and built the credit union. I miss that place. The winnings from Lady in Black paid my rent many a month. Thanks for the flash back.
Comment by Tracey — January 1, 2015 @ 5:05 pm |
Kip’s dad owned The Red Baron. Wish I could remember his name, but he was there a lot. Kip’s wife was so nice. I was sad to see that place go. The only time I ate there was when they had the happy hour buffets. Italian night and seafood night…yeah baby!
Comment by Kim — April 9, 2016 @ 9:21 am |
I sold the white Fiberglas paneling used in the kitchen and rest rooms when it was being built. At one point Blue Oyster Cult performed there
Comment by Greg — August 6, 2016 @ 7:49 pm |
I worked there for a year or so when the place opened in 1988. I don’t think Kip was the owner’s son unless he later bought the place — originally it was a guy named Brian, I think his dad’s name was Charles and I believe they owned a movie theater and bowling alley in Denbigh. Can’t remember the last name. The aim was to create an upscale eatery — lobster, steaks, fine wines — with a nightlife atmosphere following dinner hours. Intentions were good, they hired talented restaurant managers, cooks, experienced wait staff etc. from places like the Williamsburg Inn and other local high-volume restaurants, but the dual masters of fine dining and nightclub party didn’t blend there. The fine-dining concept didn’t last too long, obviously harder to make that fly than it is to run a regular restaurant/nightclub.
Comment by John — March 11, 2017 @ 10:40 am |
I can’t believe I randomly ran across this article and video! My grandfather, Charles “Chuck” Jennings, owned & operated The Red Baron alongside my dad Brian. Kip was a lifelong business partner of the family (not sure of his role/title at The Red Baron). My dad can be seen in the opening scene of the commercial dodging the airplane haha. Such fun memory and I will most certainly be forwarding the video to my entire family.
Comment by Andrew — March 1, 2022 @ 12:10 pm |
The Red Baron was Old Virginia Brewery and Smokehouse after Red Baron closed. The brewery made it about a year or so and that also went under. They tore the building down and built the bank. I worked at the smokehouse for a little bit before they went under
Comment by Chris — September 18, 2019 @ 2:24 pm |