Roger Brown's Restaurant Closes After 25 Years in Portsmouth

The longtime community staple served its final customers on its last night in Olde Towne.

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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Roger Brown's restaurant, a 25-year institution in Portsmouth's Olde Towne, served its final customers on Sunday night as the establishment closed its doors. The restaurant, which was named after NFL player Roger Brown, drew a packed crowd for its farewell, with customers and past employees gathering to say goodbye to a venue that had become a catalyst for the local community.

Why it matters

Roger Brown's was a beloved gathering place that hosted many community events over the years. Its closure leaves a significant void in the Portsmouth community, as it was known for bringing people together and supporting the local area.

The details

Owner Curtis Lyons cited several factors for the decision to close, including the impact of tunnel tolls, the pandemic, and competition with a new casino. Despite the circumstances, Lyons was grateful for the strong turnout on the restaurant's last night, noting that it was an emotional time for guests and past employees. Lyons expressed hope that his employees would be able to find jobs at other restaurants.

  • Roger Brown's restaurant opened in Olde Towne Portsmouth 25 years ago.
  • The restaurant served its final customers on Sunday, February 9, 2026.

The players

Roger Brown

A Surry County native who played in the NFL for years and went to six Pro Bowls. He retired in Portsmouth and opened several restaurants before passing away in September 2021.

Curtis Lyons

The owner of Roger Brown's restaurant, who announced the closure and reflected on the emotional farewell.

Victor Smith

A customer who expressed that the area will miss the restaurant, which had been a catalyst for the Olde Towne neighborhood.

Corliss Artis

A customer whose husband, a retired U.S. Navy veteran, used to attend naval events at the restaurant, which she described as a great community gathering place.

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What they’re saying

“Roger Brown's has been a catalyst for this area for years so it's going to be missed. This area in Portsmouth, they're gonna miss it. For me - I know that I'm gonna miss it and I know a lot of the other folks that are around here are going to miss it too.”

— Victor Smith, Customer (wtkr.com)

“This is a very sad occasion. My husband is retired from the United States Navy after 28 years. This is the place that he and all of his friends used to come to have naval events and this place was really great for the community.”

— Corliss Artis, Customer (wtkr.com)

What’s next

The owner, Curtis Lyons, expressed hope that his employees would be able to find jobs at other restaurants after the closure of Roger Brown's.

The takeaway

The closure of the beloved Roger Brown's restaurant in Portsmouth's Olde Towne neighborhood marks the end of a 25-year community institution that hosted many local events and brought people together. Its absence will leave a significant void in the area, highlighting the importance of supporting and preserving cherished local businesses that serve as hubs for their communities.