Meet the owners

It all started when Ken and Jennifer Beachley met, waiting tables at a restaurant in Richmond. While working together the two fell in love, got married, and went on to a career together in hospitality. After graduating from Johnson and Wales University in Charleston, South Carolina and Penn State in State College, Pennsylvania, Ken and Jennifer got married and had two children. They enjoyed wonderful adventures in places like NYC, Charleston, South Carolina, and Richmond Virginia.

In 2005, they had the opportunity to buy a restaurant and move back to Charlottesville, Jennifer’s hometown, so they did. Ken and Jennifer Beachley bought the old Expresso Italian Villa on Emmett Street near UVA. The business had an excellent location near the University, several hotels, and the John Paul Jones Arena. Over time, the Beachleys trimmed down the menu and increased our focus on quality and freshness. The Villa became a place for everyone in Charlottesville to come and enjoy, with tasty food, friendly service, and reasonable prices

They successfully operated their business for 13 years at the former location until their lease ended in May 2018. In June 2018, Ken and Jennifer relocated The Villa Diner to its new location less than one mile north at 1250 Emmet Street. The menu offers a great selection of breakfast food available all day, as well as homemade soups, fresh salads, and delicious sandwiches and burgers.

Please join the Beachleys and our fantastic managers and staff at the new Villa Diner. They look forward to seeing you!