For many locals in the Tidewater area, Surf Rider is a name that has long been synonymous with terrific home-style cooking. In fact, Surf Rider first opened in May 1980 when Liz Massey and her son, Stanley Bennett, had an idea about serving up real home-style cooking. Together they would do it all- from cooking to serving to bussing and cleaning up. Mother and son built a restaurant that soon became a favorite spot for many, serving friendly fare.
The original Surf Rider restaurant which was located in Virginia Beach at 17th and Mediterranean, closed after 20 years. But, prior to its closing, the family-run business gave birth to other locations which began popping up across Tidewater in 1988. Afterthis latest opening at Whitehouse Cove Marina in Poquoson there will be sevenlocations in all-Still run by family members. Chris, Stanley’s son has taken the helm of the family business, while dad Stanley has taken a more “behind the scenes approach.” Most days, you can find Chris hustling from one location to another; creating daily specials, placing orders, training new employees, handling book work or even cooking a few nights a week. A devoted staff helps keep things running smoothly at all locations.
