PORTSMOUTH — Roger Brown’s Restaurant and Sports Bar in Portsmouth’s Olde Towne will close its doors this weekend after 25 years.
A Tuesday social media post from the restaurant announced permanent closure after Sunday’s Super Bowl. It’s not clear why the restaurant is closing. Restaurant owners did not immediately respond Tuesday to a request for comment from The Virginian-Pilot.
The iconic sports bar and restaurant, located at 316 High St., is named after Virginia Sports Hall of Famer and six-time NFL Pro Bowl participant Roger Brown. He was a defensive tackle for the Detroit Lions and Los Angeles Rams before retiring in Portsmouth and opening several restaurants. Brown died in 2021.
“What began as a simple dream of Roger Brown — to create a place where good food and good company could come together — grew into something far greater than we ever imagined,” the post stated. “Over the years, our restaurant became a gathering place for celebrations, first dates, family traditions, business lunches, weddings and quiet conversations over shared meals. We have been honored to be part of so many of your lives.”
Natalie Anderson, 757-732-1133, natalie.anderson@virginiamedia.com
