by Charlottesville29

The rumors are true. Littlejohn’s is back.

The icon was the restaurant casualty of COVID-19 that hit some in Charlottesville harder than any other. The deli’s beloved sandwiches were part of the reason. But, just as big, if not bigger, is the place that Littlejohn’s holds in the city’s mystique. For many, it’s hard to picture The Corner without the Littlejohn’s awning and words in the window: “OPEN 24 HRS”.

But, the pandemic was not kind to a business so dependent on foot traffic and university life. “Until the COVID-19 shutdown, it has been in continuous operation for 44 years and as a flagship Corner restaurant has survived many upheavals,” said then-owner Christian Trendel in April 2020. “But, I don’t know if it will survive this challenge.” Sadly, his concerns were warranted. Littlejohn’s closed that year.

But now, a team of owners is resurrecting it.

The Hook

Of the many theories for Charlottesville’s nickname “The Hook,” one is that the city’s allure brings you back. (On that you can rely.) Many people – natives and UVa students alike – leave Charlottesville only to find themselves drawn back to the place that holds their heart. I am one of them.

Another is former UVa swimming star Bill Smyth, who has now been lured back to Charlottesville not once, but twice. The first was in 1997. After graduating from UVa in 1994, the five-time All American left for several swim coaching jobs around the country. In 1997, he returned as an assistant coach at UVa. In 2005, he left again for a head coaching job at Boston University, from which he retired last year. Now he’s back in the place he loves.

What brought him back this time? Littlejohn’s. As a UVa student and coach for more than a decade, Littlejohn’s was a favorite of Smyth’s. He was one of many who were sad to see it go. “I knew what Littlejohn’s meant to Charlottesville,” said Smyth. And so, when he caught wind last year of the opportunity to resurrect it with a team of owners, he leapt at it.

With no background in restaurants, Smyth is teaming up with longtime friend Dain North, an industry veteran whose experience includes Ace Biscuit & Barbecue, Draft, and McGrady’s. What do they have planned? The Littlejohn’s everyone remembers.

“We are walking into the shoes of legendary ownership of an institution,” said Smyth. “We’re going to keep things largely the same as they were.” While Smyth says they may expand the menu down the road, initially the focus will be the 8-10 sandwiches and 8-10 subs that Charlottesville has missed in Littlejohn’s absence.

Smyth’s personal favorite is the Nuclear Sub. “I don’t remember if that was my first sub,” said Smyth. “But, I do remember having it many, many times.” There will also of course be the Five Easy Pieces, The Sampson, Wild Turkey, and other favorites.

Follow along for the latest on Littlejohn’s Instagram feed.