Austin: Victory Grill

Austin: Victory Grill

  • <p>Victory Grill</p> <p>Building mural with two women and a stove saying The Victory Grill presents</p>
  • <p>Building mural with three people</p>
  • <p>Men playing guitar and trombone on small stage with sign saying Victory Grill</p>
  • <p>Family of Victory Grill founder, Johnny Holmes, and Texas Historical Commission leadership unveil a historical marker at the Victory Grill.</p> <p>People standing around a narrative marker</p>
  • <p>African American soldiers relax at the Victory Grill.</p>

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On August 15, 1945 — Victory over Japan (VJ) Day — Austinite Johnny Holmes opened the Victory Grill, a restaurant and bar catering to African American soldiers returning from the war. Many top blues performers played at the Victory Grill, including B.B. King. It attracted a multiracial audience, a rarity in the segregated South. Today, it remains a multicultural hub on Austin’s east side hosting concerts, art exhibits and dances.

Victory Grill