A Riverview Staple: Homestead Restaurant Turns 35

For 35 years, Homestead Restaurant has been a beloved Riverview staple, serving comforting, home-style meals that feel like a visit to your grandmother’s kitchen. Founded in 1991 by John Godfrey and his parents, Jim and Jane, the family originally purchased the building next door known as The Sandwich Hut. Their vision was simple: to create a welcoming space with good old-fashioned service and home-cooked food. When asked why Riverview was chosen, Linda Godfrey, John’s wife and the current owner, said it was a natural fit, as Riverview was John’s hometown. As the restaurant quickly outgrew its original space, the family relocated to its current home, a building that had previously operated as a nightclub. “At the time, Jim thought it was too big and that they wouldn’t be able to fill the space,” recalls Linda. That concern quickly faded as lineups soon began forming at the door.

From the beginning, Homestead has been very much a family-run restaurant. Over the years, John’s daughters, Devon and Gillian, along with other family members, worked at the restaurant, helping wherever they were needed and growing up alongside the business. That strong family presence helped shape Homestead’s warm, welcoming atmosphere, one that continues to resonate with both staff and customers today.

Linda joined the business 23 years ago and continues to carry on the legacy built by her late husband and in-laws. “It’s very important to me that we keep Homestead alive,” she says. Despite rising costs and changing food trends, the restaurant has remained true to its roots by doing things the old-fashioned way such as handwritten orders, no POS system, and a menu focused on consistency and quality. Many original dishes remain, including homemade bread, turkey dinners, fish cakes, and all-day breakfast, with most recipes passed down from Jane, along with John’s famous seafood chowder. With nearly everything made in-house, Linda says she feels especially fortunate for her dedicated team, noting that she now has 40 staff members, including several who have been with Homestead for over 30 years.

As Homestead celebrates its 35th anniversary, Linda reflects on the milestone with pride and gratitude. “It feels like a big accomplishment, especially during challenging economic times,” she says, pointing to the tremendous support from the Riverview community and beyond. To say thank you, Homestead Restaurant is marking the occasion with a special anniversary promotion from January 24 to January 31, offering buy one meal and get the second of equal or lesser value half price on select menu items, available for dine-in or takeout. Stop by, help celebrate this milestone, and enjoy some of Homestead’s most popular menu items.