Though its reopening was short-lived, The Bluffs Restaurant is looking forward to serving diners in 2021 when Covid-19 isn't an issue/David Huff

Its reopening was a long time coming, but unfortunately the Bluffs Restaurant on the Blue Ridge Parkway has closed after just five days due to the challenges posed by Covid-19.

"The operator has decided to suspend food service for the remainder of the 2020 season in the interest of the safety of patrons and staff during the COVID-19 pandemic," said Carolyn Ward, CEO of the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation. "We agree with the decision, and plan to reopen in the spring of 2021."

Initially, a water supply issue temporarily closed the restaurant at milepost 241 after its opening on Saturday, August 22. That concern has been resolved. But the situation with the spread of Covid-19 prompted the decision to close the resaurant until spring.

“We are so grateful for the support we’ve received from parkway visitors and the community, including those who came out for our opening day,” said Shana Whitehead of Muddy Creek Enterprises, the restaurant’s operator. “It was a difficult decision to postpone our full reopening until the spring, but we want to move forward in the safest possible way.”

In 1949, "The Bluffs" became the first dining establishment to open on the scenic route and served customers for 61 years. Generations of families made the restaurant a destination after a day of hiking nearby trails or nights spent at the neighboring campground or lodge.

But the restaurant and lodge closed a decade ago after the concessionaire decided it wasn't an economical operation.

In recent years efforts led by the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation have inched the restaurant closer to reopening. 

Revitalization of The Bluffs has been a long-term effort. During the decade it remained closed, the facility fell into a severe state of disrepair. Four years ago, the foundation stepped in and began raising funds to restore the restaurant. A combination of donations from individuals and organizations and support from the State of North Carolina and Appalachian Regional Commission made the rehabilitation of the building possible. More than 500 donors contributed nearly $1 million for the project.

The extensive repairs and upgrades included a new roof, a reconstructed lunch counter, ADA-compliant restrooms, a complete kitchen equipment update, and much more.

During the six decades it operated, the interior of the facility remained largely unchanged. For the restoration of the building, new fixtures and design upgrades were selected to replicate the original look and feel of the restaurant. For many visitors, The Bluffs will seem just as they remember it, with green checkerboard floors and the same large parkway photos hanging at opposite ends of the dining room.

“Thanks to our donors, we were able to reach the milestone of restoring The Bluffs this year,” said Ward. “Now the facility will be poised to welcome back diners for a full season in 2021.”

The foundation plans to host a grand reopening in the spring of 2021 provided large gatherings are permitted at that time. In the meantime, the nonprofit is exploring options for scheduled interpretive programs at the facility.