Brutti’s Brings “Ameri-pean” Ambiance and Cuisine to Olde Towne Portsmouth

By Guest Blogger
Toi M. Wilson

Since 1993, Brutti’s has served as a regional attraction by luring patrons from throughout Hampton Roads to Downtown Portsmouth for its European-inspired classic American fare.  Over the past two decades, the restaurant has become synonymous with impressive accolades like Brutti’s famous BagelNutz and renowned Sunday Brunch.  In addition to bringing patrons to Olde Towne, owner Charles Greenhood takes the show on the road with Brutti’s Catering – expanding the business footprint as far as Williamsburg and Franklin for special events and weddings.  Having spent over 20 years in Portsmouth as a restaurateur and with over 40 years of experience, Charles brings a special “Ameri-pean” ambiance to the City and a story of entrepreneurship that will certainly leave a good taste in your mouth.

Brutti's "Ameri-pean ambiance in Olde Towne Portsmouth, VA.

Today’s Brutti’s opened at 467 Court Street fourteen years ago, and it all started with a dynamic journey beginning in Churchland and winding its way back to Olde Towne by way of the West Indies.  Prompted by the 1986 closing of Greenhood’s, a family business in Churchland, Charles moved to the West Indies and operated an ice cream and frozen yogurt shop for four years.  Charles subsequently returned home to Portsmouth to open Brutti’s Bistro.  As the orders grew, the thirty seat bistro grew out – and over to 467 Court Street.  Brutti’s as we know it today is a beautifully styled restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, dinner, and the famous Sunday Brunch.  The inspiration for the styling comes from one of Charles’ favorite New York City eateries – the Balthazar Restaurant.

Brutti’s has continuously evolved and is more than a restaurant.  On Friday nights the restaurant becomes a comedy club from 9:00 to 11:00 pm featuring local and national acts, including comedians from the famous Los Angeles Laugh Factory.  The banquet space available for private parties, wedding receptions, or corporate events is some of the most expansive and stunning on the east coast.  The three-story venue features two ballrooms and a penthouse lounge suite area which can, in total, accommodate hundreds of attendees with state-of-the-art audio/visual equipment under Swarovski crystal chandeliers – a real gem for the City and the region.

Brutti's sidewalk dining on Court Street in Olde Towne Portsmouth, VA.

For more information about BangelNutz, Sunday Brunches, Friday night Comedy Night, or to make reservations for your next special event, contact Brutti’s at (757) 393-1923.

Toi Wilson is a local economic development professional with private-sector, finance and banking experience, and academic background of finance and public administration. She is an economic development analyst for the City of Portsmouth, Virginia. Toi’s position focuses on local economic development for urban municipality. Development of business retention and expansion strategies, professional representation and marketing of the City of Portsmouth, event coordination and planning, analysis of financial reports and legal documents.