VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — Rockafeller’s, a longtime seafood destination on Rudee Inlet, will close its doors Sunday, Nov. 2, after nearly 37 years in business, the owner announced.

Elizabeth “BJ” Baumann, who has run the restaurant since the death of her husband Frank Baumann in 1999, said it’s time to step back from the demands of operating a high-volume restaurant.

“After 35 incredible years, Rockafeller’s will be closing its doors on November 2,” Baumann said. “While change is never easy, we’re deeply grateful for every guest, every memory, and every moment shared by the water.”

The restaurant, known for fresh fish specials, crab cakes, Oysters Rockafeller, and she-crab soup, earned numerous accolades, including Virginia Living Magazine’s Best Oyster Award, the National Restaurant Associ

See Full Page