Draft:Texas Inn


Texas Inn is an American regional restaurant chain based in Lynchburg, Virginia. The restaurant specializes in late-night diner fare, including hamburgers, hot dogs, breakfast items, and chili. Founded in 1935, it is recognized as the oldest continuously operating restaurant in Lynchburg. Its longtime slogan, “1,500 people, 15 at a time,” refers to the 15 stools in the original diner.

History

The origins of Texas Inn trace back to Roanoke, Virginia. Isaac N. “Nick” Bullington, an advance agent for the Ringling Brothers Circus, was inspired by a bowl of chili he encountered in a San Antonio hotel restaurant. After purchasing the recipe, Bullington opened the original Texas Tavern in Roanoke in 1930.

In 1935, Bullington opened a second, identical 10-seat Texas Tavern location in Lynchburg, Virginia. From 1942 until 1971, two Texas Tavern locations operated in Virginia.

Following Bullington’s death, his son James G. Bullington sold the Lynchburg location. The original Lynchburg building was demolished in 1971, but a new restaurant opened within 72 hours one block away in a converted gas station. The new establishment was renamed Texas Inn.

A second Lynchburg location opened in December 2012.

In 2018, Lynchburg native and Madison+Main founder Dave Saunders purchased the Texas Inn locations. Under Saunders’ ownership, the company expanded to Harrisonburg, Virginia (2022), and Richmond, Virginia (2024).

Texas Tavern in Roanoke operates separately from Texas Inn and is not affiliated with the Lynchburg-based chain.

Locations

Texas Inn operates four locations, all in Virginia:

  • 422 Main Street, Lynchburg (original location)
  • 110 Cornerstone Street, Lynchburg
  • 95 South Main Street, Harrisonburg (opened 2022)
  • 2901 Park Avenue, Richmond (opened 2024)

The restaurant is locally known as the “T-Room.”

Texas Inn serves traditional American diner fare. Its menu includes hamburgers, hot dogs, chili, breakfast items, and desserts.

The restaurant’s signature chili, based on Nick Bullington’s original recipe, is served on burgers, hot dogs, French fries, or “all the way” in a bowl with onions, relish, oyster crackers, and hot sauce. The chili is featured in the “Great Bowl of Fire Challenge,” in which participants attempt to consume a 44-ounce serving within 30 minutes. Fewer than 130 individuals have reportedly completed the challenge.

Other menu items include:

  • The Cheesy Western (hamburger with relish, fried egg, and cheese)
  • The original red hot dog served with chili and relish
  • The Dukeburger, introduced in reference to James Madison University
  • All-day breakfast items
  • Ice cream floats
  • Deep-fried potato pie

Texas Inn prepares its mustard-based relish in-house. The company has stated that it is the largest seller in the United States of Jesse Jones Red Hots, a Southern-style hot dog brand.

Community involvement

Texas Inn has participated in several community initiatives.

In 2021, during its 86th anniversary, the restaurant organized an “#86Hunger” food drive benefiting the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank.

The restaurant also holds an annual Pi Day promotion on March 14, selling slices of pie for $3.14, with proceeds benefiting local education nonprofits.

In 2025, the Harrisonburg location partnered with the Virginia State Police to distribute information raising awareness about human trafficking.

A Richmond menu item introduced in 2025, the “Katz Dog,” was named after Richmond radio host Jeff Katz, with a portion of proceeds supporting Special Olympics Virginia.

Recognition

In February 2023, the Virginia House of Delegates passed House Resolution No. 285 honoring Texas Inn for its cultural and historical significance in Lynchburg.

In 2023, Dave Saunders and Texas Inn received the Jim Wordsworth Award for Restaurateur of the Year from the Virginia Restaurant, Lodging, and Travel Association (VRLTA).

References

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  1. ^ Smith, Rachael (October 12, 2018). "New Texas Inn owner keeping with traditions". AP News.
  2. ^ "About Us". TexasInn.com.
  3. ^ "Menus". TexasInn.com.
  4. ^ "Lynchburg's oldest restaurant celebrates 86th anniversary by giving back to community". WDBJ7. October 11, 2021.
  5. ^ "Texas Inn, Virginia State Police partner to spread awareness about human trafficking". WHSV. October 17, 2025.
  6. ^ "HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 285". Virginia General Assembly. February 6, 2023.
  7. ^ "Texas Inn is open and two other new Richmond restaurants to try this week". Axios Richmond. April 24, 2024.

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