Theismann's Restaurant in Old Town Alexandria celebrated the past 30 years and the coming 30 years Tuesday night at a get-together that marks the top-to-bottom renovation of the restaurant since it changed hands.
Renovation will take place at the same time as renovation work continues on the King Street Metro just across the street.
Former Redskins quarterback Joe Theismann, now a Leesburg resident, launched the eatery in the '80s.
Although he was not in attendance Tuesday, he'll be on hand Sept. 18 at the grand re-opening to celebrate his birthday and the 100th anniversary of the NFL, according to one of the restaurant's owners, Scott Shaw.
The crowd cheered when Shaw told them they plan to highlight more of Theismann, the Redskins and other DC-area sports teams as part of the restaurant's re-boot.
"We want to refocus the restaurant on its roots — Joe, first and foremost, and the Redskins and the other Washington team sports," said Shaw, from behind the bar.
Shaw's Alexandria Restaurant Partners got involved after former Alexandria Mayor Bill Euille reached out to Shaw noting that Theismann's business partner Vernon Grandgeorge was looking to retire to Florida, Shaw said.
"We got to know Vern over an extended period and got to know Joe," Shaw said. "We probably spent a year getting to know them before we bought the restaurant.
Part of that conversation with Joe was 'We love the restaurant and we'd only be interested in buying it if you stay on as our partner and would you be comfortable with us refocusing on you, the Redskins, the Caps, the Nats and the Wizards?'"
Theismann was enthusiastic about it and even dropped off his pro jerseys (#7) and his high school jersey at Shaw's house on Monday.
Game balls, helmets and a full-size replica of the Lombardi trophy will also be part of the sports memorabilia on display at the restaurant, Shaw noted.
Located at 1800 Diagonal Road A, the eatery was closed to the public for Tuesday night's invite-only event, where the crowd of well-wishers helped raise money for one of Theismann's favorite charities, St. Jude.
Dining on buffalo chicken wings, BBQ shrimp, spinach and artichoke dip, potato skins, spring rolls and cheese dip, they also bid on sports memorabilia and photos as well as items at the restaurant, after Shaw spoke.
Renderings of the restaurant's new look were also on display. (See them below.)
Top: Renovation plans. Bottom: Current.
