Brick House Diner

For more than 20 years, Brick House Diner has been a place where community, family, and fresh, homemade food come together. Located in Midlothian, the restaurant is owned and operated by the Routsis family, who have been in the restaurant business for generations.  

For owner Vic Routsis, the story of Brick House Diner is tied to both family heritage and the relationships that have supported them along the way. “Our family restaurant started in Chesapeake,” Vic says. “My dad opened Four Brothers Steak House, named after me and my three brothers. We all grew up in the business.” 

Later, Routsis moved to Richmond at age 17 to help his godparents, who operated George’s Steakhouse, and soon made the city home. “I ended up meeting my wife here, and that’s what kept me in Richmond.” 

The Routsis brothers – Bill, Nick, Vic, and John (l. to r.) put family at the center of everything they do at Brick House Diner locations. 

In 2004, Vic and his brothers, John, Nick, and Bill, opened Brick House Diner. From day one, the restaurant has been shaped by the feeling of family: family within the kitchen and dining room, and family among customers who return again and again.  

“We operate the restaurant the way we operate our family,” Vic says. “We want everyone to feel welcome and enjoy their experience with great service and great hospitality.” 

Today, Brick House Diner includes three locations, including the newest flagship restaurant. The move allowed the business to nearly double its staff—from about 30 employees to more than 60. What stands out is how many employees have stayed for years. “They become part of the family,” Vic shares. “Many have been with us 10, 15, even 20 years.” 

Brick House Diner’s menu is built on fresh, homemade cooking, made daily and served fast. “Everything is homemade. Everything is in-house,” Vic explains. “Our fries are cut every day. Our chips are sliced every day. We grind our burgers fresh every day. There’s nothing added—just salt and pepper.” 

The result? Signature favorites like their half-pound burgers on brioche buns and their fluffy pancakes, which remain top sellers. 

Just as the family gives to the community, the community has given back. The diner regularly supports local youth sports teams and schools, donating meals and staying involved in neighborhood activities. “We’ve supported Midlothian, and Midlothian has supported us,” Vic says. “That’s why we are who we are today.” 

A big part of that support system has also come from TowneBank where they work with Jeff Raihall, senior vice president and commercial banker. Vic shares, “When you walk into TowneBank, you’re not just a number. They know who I am. They know my family. They know our employees. It feels like a neighborhood bank, and that matters to us. TowneBank has helped us grow by treating us the way we try to treat our own customers, with relationship, respect, and personal connection.”  

Brick House Diner opened in 2004 and now has grown to two locations in the Richmond area and one in Virginia Beach. 

Great food, signature drinks, and friendly service – that’s what you will find at Brick House Diner. 

Looking back, Vic says he is most proud of one simple thing: “Seeing happy families enjoy good food at a good price. That’s what it’s all about.” 

For more information and to check out the Brick House menu, visit BrickHouseDiner.com.