Then and now...

MG started as a part-time catering business in 1980. While working for a large contractor, Marie “Rie” Meriwether Godsey became convinced (and so did her husband, Eddie) that they could provide what the global operators could not: personal attention, real partnership, and fabulous food. They believed that hands-on ownership, which is often found in the finest restaurants, would also benefit residential dining. In 1985, with this ideal in mind, they successfully launched Meriwether Godsey with two accounts in Lynchburg, Virginia: Randolph-Macon Woman’s College (Rie’s alma mater) and Virginia Episcopal School. Almost entirely by word of mouth, today we are a family of nearly 500 talented and dedicated “owners” — managers, chefs, and service staff — and operate throughout Virginia, the District of Columbia, Maryland, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania.  We remain regional in focus so Rie and our long-tenured senior management can assure our service is true to our standards.

Fabulous food, exceptional people

Founded on the belief that true hospitality can exist in a "cafeteria", we have built a family of employee owners who share our passion for food and commitment to service. As we grow, so does our family. Existing staff are extended the opportunity to grow within the company and new faces are given the chance to join us.

In an industry plagued by typically high turnover rates, Meriwether Godsey has created a culture that values its employees — the result being satisfied employees who stick with us. We expect greatness from our employees and give them the support and opportunities they need to achieve it. In return, they are dedicated to excellence.

Our restaurant days

In addition to growing the company with new partnerships, Rie and Eddie’s love for food led them to open two restaurants, Meriwether’s Market in 1996 and Isabella’s Italian Trattoria in 1999. Many passionate “foodies” open their own restaurants; however, few sustain success. MG successfully managed both of these for 12 and 10 years respectively. Both were happening, cool spots featuring seasonal menus, daily specials, local ingredients, lots of experiments, and Wine Spectator Awards of excellence every year. Isabella’s continues today under former MG restaurant leaders.

Retail frontiers

With the purchase of the farmbasket (home, garden, market, café) in 2007, MG stepped into another market segment. A Lynchburg icon since its humble beginnings as a farm stand in 1964, this gift shop and lunch café has opened up a whole new world of both on-site and virtual retail sales.