Our Journey Through the Years
──── ★ ────
Part One | A Home Is Built
Built in 1907 by the John Morgan family, the farmhouse stood at the heart of more than 600 acres of rolling Virginia farmland. Surrounded by the quiet beauty of the Catawba Valley, it was more than a family residence. It was the center of a working farm and a home shaped by faith, family, perseverance, and a deep connection to the land.
For generations, the family cared for the property, raising purebred horses, tending beef cattle, and later operating a dairy farm. Days were guided by changing seasons, honest labor, shared meals, and the belief that everyone had a part to play. Within the farmhouse walls, stories were shared, traditions were passed down, and the values of hospitality and togetherness took root. Long before it became a beloved restaurant, this remarkable place was already bringing people together and making them feel at home.
Part Two | A New Vision
In 1978, Harold C. Wingate purchased 63 acres of the original property, including the historic farmhouse and dairy barn. Recognizing the beauty and history held within the land, he envisioned restoring the farmhouse while preserving the character that had made it feel like home for generations.
Restoration began in 1981 with thoughtful care and a deep respect for the property’s past. The vision was not simply to repair an aging farmhouse, but to give it a meaningful new purpose. Room by room, the home was lovingly renewed and prepared to become a welcoming gathering place where families and friends could share comforting meals, warm hospitality, and memories that would last for generations.
Part Three | The Homeplace Opens
On September 17, 1982, The Homeplace Restaurant opened its doors and began a story that would touch generations. Guests were welcomed as family and gathered around tables filled with comforting home style cooking, warm biscuits, and meals meant to be shared. From the very beginning, The Homeplace became a place where hospitality was heartfelt, conversations lingered, and everyone was made to feel at home.
For nearly four decades, the Wingate family built far more than a restaurant. They created a treasured Virginia tradition where birthdays, anniversaries, reunions, and everyday moments became cherished memories. Families returned year after year, bringing children and grandchildren to experience the same welcoming spirit. The Homeplace became a beloved part of the Catawba Valley and a reminder that some of life’s sweetest blessings are found around the table together.
Part Four | The Tables Grow Quiet
On October 18, 2020, The Homeplace closed its doors, bringing an unforgettable chapter to a close. The dining rooms grew quiet, the familiar aroma of fried chicken and homemade biscuits faded, and the tables that had welcomed generations of families were left empty. Yet the memories remained alive in the hearts of everyone who had gathered within the farmhouse walls.
For generations, The Homeplace had been more than a restaurant. It was where birthdays were celebrated, friendships were strengthened, families reunited, and traditions were lovingly passed from one generation to the next. Although the doors were closed, the hope remained that one day this treasured gathering place would once again welcome family and friends home.
Part Five | Welcome Home Again
On October 10, 2025, the Henegar family became the next stewards of The Homeplace. They understood that caring for this beloved restaurant meant accepting the responsibility of protecting its traditions, memories, and important place within the community.
With deep respect for its history, faith in its purpose, and hope for its future, the family lovingly brought The Homeplace back to life. Their vision was not to change the heart of what generations had come to love, but to preserve its welcoming spirit while preparing it for a new chapter.
On April 22, 2026, the doors opened once again, welcoming longtime guests back to familiar tables and inviting a new generation to come home. The rooms were once again filled with conversation, laughter, fellowship, and the comforting aroma of homestyle meals shared among family and friends.
The Tradition Continues
Dear Homeplace Community,
Today, The Homeplace remains proudly family owned and operated. It is our greatest honor to carry forward the legacy of the families who came before us while preserving the traditions that have made this place so special.
We understand that The Homeplace is more than a restaurant. It is a place filled with cherished memories, family traditions, shared meals, and stories that have been passed down through generations. We are humbled by the responsibility of caring for something that means so much to so many people.
Thank you for welcoming our family and allowing us to serve yours. We are committed to continuing what The Homeplace has always represented: hearty meals, genuine hospitality, meaningful fellowship, and a place where family and friends can truly feel at home.
Every guest who walks through our doors becomes part of The Homeplace story. Whether you have been gathering around our tables for decades or are visiting for the first time, we hope you feel welcomed, valued, and cared for.
We thank God for the opportunity to be part of this special community and for each person who continues to believe in The Homeplace. Your stories, encouragement, patience, and support inspire us as we honor the past and prayerfully look toward the future.
We are deeply grateful for your love and continued support. We look forward to sharing many more meals, memories, celebrations, and special moments with each of you for generations to come.
With love and gratitude,
The Henegar Family