Jan 16, 2026 - Politics

The Richmond diner that kept showing up in Youngkin's political career

Sabrina Moreno

Exterior of McLean's Restaurant at night with a red, white, and black striped awning, holiday lights around window, a person standing near entrance, and a red car blurred in motion on the street. — The breakfast spot has been around for nearly 60 years. Photo: Sabrina Moreno/Axios

As Gov. Youngkin's term ends, we're looking back at one of his most-visited stops here: McLean's.

The big picture: Youngkin, who flipped eggs at a Virginia Beach diner when he was 15, publicly hosted at least seven events at the Broad Street restaurant between 2021 and 2024.

Three of those stops were in 2021, including the day after winning the governor's race.
He also swung by during the June 2022 primaries, then again in March and December of 2024 — when he donned an apron, flipped pancakes and promoted eliminating state taxes on tips.

Yes, but: While McLean's was his most locally visited diner, Youngkin also hit up:

The Museum District's Texas Inn in 2024
Shorty's in Henrico twice last year to campaign for Winsome Earle-Sears.

Fun fact: Youngkin is said to tip well, leaving over 30% on his bill at McLean's in 2024 on top of the 10% already included, per a Facebook post.

What we're watching: Whether there are more campaign diner stops ahead for Youngkin, who's been tightlipped about his next move.

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The Richmond diner that kept showing up in Youngkin's political career

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