Keysville Landmark Celebrates 75 Years

By Crystal Vandegrift, Staff Writer

A Keysville landmark has celebrated 75 years in business.  Sheldon’s Restaurant and Motel is still continuing to serve generations of people and newcomers alike.

“In the 1950s and ’60s, we were the only restaurant around,” said owner Grover Sheldon.

Today, Keysville has several restaurants and food options, but Sheldon’s is still the only restaurant offering a full buffet of southern home cooking. In fact, the restaurant is most famous known for it’s homemade rolls, pies and ham which is smoked on site. “The food people got 20 years ago is still as good if not better today.” added Sheldon.

Sheldon’s is the dream of Grovers father, Buck, who purchased the building where the restaurant still stands today with his brother back in the early 1940’s. When he bought the building it was his intent to open a restaurant and motel.” said Grover. “Back in the 1940’s, there were no roadside motels.”

At one point, in the beginning, the business stayed open 24 hours a day but in 1942 they did close for a brief time because it was hard to get supplies.

Although Grover is uncertain as to how long the business stayed closed he and his sister Betty do recall growing up and working in the restaurant as children. “I can remember that it would get so busy at time Dad would lock the doors with people still here because we would just get so full and busy.”

When Sheldon’s first opened they offered eight steam heated cottages. Today, the business provides 40 motel rooms.

 Prices were also a lot different back then than they are today. According to Grover and Betty, a room could be purchased for $1.50 for a single and $2.00 for a double. “You could also get a T-Bone steak for .75.” said Grover.

Over the years, both Buck and his wife Frances worked tirelessly in the business all the while raising four children. “Four kids were all fed, clothed, and educated with this business.” added Betty.

In 1971, Buck decided it was time to get out of the restaurant and motel business and sold it to a doctor in Richmond. “Dad missed it so much that within months he purchased it back,” said Grover.

Grover, who gradated with a business degree, was asked by his dad if he wanted to go into the restaurant business. “I said no at first. But I wanted to stay in this area, and I saw the opportunity there to be independent, and it just seemed to be the right thing to do.” Grover added.

In 1980, Grover purchased Sheldon’s from is his parents and in 1986 both Buck and Frances retired.

Since then, Sheldon’s has continued to grow offering off-site catering, and banquet facilities. Even with the success of their Both Grover and Betty are quick to point out that it is there parents and there hard working employees they own it to. “Good employees. That’s the key,” said Grover. Plus it goes further than tradition….it’s family. If we screw it up, we have our parents looking down on us.”

Story and Photos

by Crystal Vandegrift