Victory Grill, Austin, Texas
historical marker
In Austin, Texas, in Travis County, stands the Victory Grill. This site received a historical marker in 2010 from the Texas Historical Commission. The Victory Grill opened in 1945, founded by entrepreneur Johnny Holmes. It was established on Victory over Japan Day as a gathering place for African-American soldiers returning from World War II. During this period, Austin was racially segregated, limiting options for Black servicemen. Located at 1104 East Eleventh Street, within Austin's predominantly African-American Eastside, the Victory Grill became an important stop on the "Chitlin' Circuit." This network of venues across the segregated South provided performance spaces for African-American entertainers. The club hosted notable artists such as James Brown, Ike and Tina Turner, Billie Holiday, Chuck Berry, Etta James, and B.B. King. After a period of decline and a fire in 1988, the Victory Grill was restored and reopened in 1996. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1998. Today, the Victory Grill continues to operate, preserving its legacy as a significant cultural landmark in Austin's history.