Headin’ On Down To The Love Shack

Imagine a place where you can get brunch all day, and the menu has items named after some well-known songs from the 80s. You don’t need to imagine it because that place exists—a small restaurant in Henrico County, VA where you can get a “Big as a Whale” breakfast, “Bang Bang on the Door” benny, or “Knock a Lil’ Louder” sugar buns. There’s also salted caramel maple syrup which is made from scratch.

That place is SB’s Lakeside Love Shack. 

The restaurant is not B-52’s-themed like the name may imply. Instead, the theme of the restaurant, owned by Sarabeth Hagen is love.

“’Love Shack’ [by the B-52’s] was on the radio and how often does that song come on the radio?” Hagen said. 

The quaint restaurant, located on Lakeside Avenue, features decor that Hagen took from her home such as photos of her grandparents. While dining in, patrons will see love everywhere they look—but there is more than what meets the eye. Hagen and General Manager Joe Ewens pour every ounce of love that they have into each menu item. 

“All of the recipes are from my grandpa,” Hagen said. “They are simple, cooked and delicious. That was a big thing; I wanted it to feel like home.”  

SB’s Lakeside Love Shack, which has only been open six months, has been well received by people who live in the Lakeside community. Customers have been really supportive of the small business and Sarabeth is thrilled that “they love the love.”

“When you come in here, I want you to feel the love. When you sit down, I want you to eat the love,” Hagen said. “When you leave here, I want you to spread the love. That’s what it’s about.”

Hagen and Ewen make it a point to make sure that every customer is treated with respect and receives the best customer service. The restaurant is small and they don’t take reservations; a wait list is not uncommon for them. Most of their customers understand that there will be a wait, but they are there for the good food and the great service.

“We love the customers and they love us. They know that when they come here, they’re VIP,” Ewen said. “We got you ... It may take 20 minutes for your food, but we got you … We want you to come in here, and just enjoy. We want you to get every penny’s worth because it’s our pleasure to serve you.”

When you dine in at SB’s Lakeshore Love Shack, you will be filled with so much love.