Pearlie's Restaurant named state historic landmark

The iconic eatery has been a community staple for over 75 years.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 3:29am

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A brightly colored, high-contrast silkscreen print of a stack of homestyle Southern dishes like fried chicken, collard greens, and sweet potato pie, repeated in a tight grid pattern in the style of Andy Warhol. The image utilizes flat, vibrant, and unnatural neon color palettes overlapping with heavy black photographic outlines to turn everyday comfort food into modern pop art.Pearlie's Restaurant, a beloved family-owned eatery in Newport News, Virginia, celebrates its designation as a state historic landmark with a vibrant pop art tribute to its iconic Southern cuisine.Newport News Today

Pearlie's Restaurant, a beloved family-owned establishment in Newport News, Virginia, has been officially designated as a state historic landmark by the Virginia Department of Historic Resources. The restaurant, which has been in operation for over 75 years, is known for its homestyle Southern cuisine and has long been a gathering place for the local community.

Why it matters

The designation as a state historic landmark recognizes Pearlie's as an important part of Newport News' cultural heritage and a testament to the resilience of small, family-owned businesses in the face of changing economic landscapes. It also highlights the restaurant's role as a community hub and its significance in preserving the culinary traditions of the region.

The details

Pearlie's Restaurant first opened its doors in 1945, founded by Pearlie and James Smith. Over the decades, the restaurant has remained in the Smith family, with Pearlie's grandchildren now running the business. The restaurant is known for its classic Southern dishes like fried chicken, collard greens, and sweet potato pie, all prepared using family recipes passed down through generations.

  • Pearlie's Restaurant opened in 1945.
  • The restaurant has been in operation for over 75 years.
  • Pearlie's was recently designated as a state historic landmark by the Virginia Department of Historic Resources.

The players

Pearlie and James Smith

The original founders of Pearlie's Restaurant, who opened the establishment in 1945.

Pearlie's Restaurant

A family-owned restaurant in Newport News, Virginia, known for its homestyle Southern cuisine and its designation as a state historic landmark.

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What they’re saying

“Pearlie's has been a cornerstone of our community for generations. This historic landmark designation is a well-deserved recognition of the restaurant's enduring legacy and the hard work of the Smith family.”

— Mayor McKinley Price, Mayor of Newport News

“We're honored to receive this designation and humbled by the support of our loyal customers over the years. Pearlie's has always been more than just a restaurant - it's a place where families and friends come together to share a meal and create lasting memories.”

— Jamal Smith, Third-generation owner of Pearlie's Restaurant

What’s next

The city of Newport News is planning a special ceremony to commemorate Pearlie's designation as a state historic landmark, which will be held at the restaurant on April 15, 2026.

The takeaway

Pearlie's Restaurant's historic landmark designation is a testament to the enduring power of family-owned businesses and the importance of preserving local culinary traditions. The restaurant's continued success over the past 75 years serves as an inspiration for other small businesses striving to maintain their roots and serve their communities.