The Blue Willow Inn, a beloved and iconic establishment in Social Circle, Georgia, is currently under renovation and is expected to reopen soon. The inn, which has been credited with putting Social Circle on the map, was last used as a church before being acquired by Louis and Billie Van Dyke in 1991. The Van Dykes transformed the old house into a restaurant, naming it after the Blue Willow china pattern that Billie was so fond of.

The Blue Willow Inn has a rich history and has hosted many notable guests, including the late popular writer Lewis Grizzard, who wrote a nationally syndicated column and shared his affection for the restaurant. Lewis was not the only one to enjoy its magic as it has been visited by guests from all 50 states and 180 countries, including celebrities like Carroll O’Conner, Clint Eastwood, Larry Hagman, and Helen Mirren.

In the past the Blue Willow Inn was reknown for the southern fare is served, often in a buffet style with endless choices. Think Paula Deen before she started going light on butter. You can even indulge in those dishes at home today, as the cookbook by Billie Van Dyke is available on Amazon today.

A little history

As is far too common in real estate ventures, plans to expand the restaurant into a commercial destination, collided with the economic downturn of 2008. As we all remember, we didn’t hit “bottom” until 2013 and it was a slow road back. There is more to the story since then but fast forward to Fall of 2023 it is under new ownership and looking to launch anew very soon.

Executive Chef Carmenia Morgan-Tyrus has been named to organize the manage the new restaurant and will be part owner. According to The Covington News, it will be “a family restarant with a bar for cocktails, beer and wine and will also include a quick lunch menu.” Chef Carmenia is taking care to craft a new future for the property while honoring its past.

We recently had a very quick visit to Social Circle on our way to tour nearby towns Madison and Rutledge. We cannot wait to come back and be in line to try the new fare!! We look forward to this icon’s reopening and hope it will garner the loyalty of celebrity and regular visitors as The Blue Willow Inn did in years past.

The Covington News Article

Keep up with announcements about the restaurant HERE OR on Instagram