Our Roots

In the year 1975, after wrapping up his successful career in professional baseball with the Pittsburgh Pirates, Charley Sands decided to venture into the culinary world by opening a chain of restaurants that he named Charley's. This ambitious project aimed to establish locations in various cities across Virginia and North Carolina. The very first restaurant in this chain opened its doors to the public in Charlottesville, Virginia, marking the beginning of what would become a beloved dining experience in the region. Following this initial success, the second Charley's restaurant made its debut in Lynchburg on September 24, 1980, conveniently located within the River Ridge Mall.

In a significant expansion of our services, we established our catering department in 2001. This department was created to offer full-service off-site catering for a diverse array of events, which include meetings, anniversaries, weddings, and birthday celebrations. Our catering menus are thoughtfully crafted to encompass not only Charley's most popular and cherished favorites but also an assortment of creative and innovative new entrées designed to delight and satisfy a variety of palates.

Today, the Lynchburg Charley's has grown and evolved into an independent restaurant. It is now proudly owned and operated by Rob and MJ Pearson, who are dedicated to upholding the high standards of quality and service that Charley Sands envisioned when he first embarked on this culinary journey. Their commitment to excellence continues to ensure that every dining experience at Charley's is memorable and enjoyable.