CAPE CHARLES, Va. (April 18, 2025) — A beloved Cape Charles landmark is reopening its doors under a new name but with a familiar spirit. What was once Kelly’s Gingernut Pub will begin a new chapter as E&O Pub, welcoming the community back into a space steeped in local history and sentiment.
The pub, located in a historic former bank building, has long served as a community cornerstone. It gained a loyal following after Gene and Colleen Kelly transformed the space into Kelly’s Gingernut Pub in 2006. For nearly two decades, it was a favorite local haunt—filled with laughter, shared stories, and the camaraderie of small-town life.
Now, after several months of thoughtful renovations, the space is reopening as E&O Pub. The name stands for “The Elephant & Octopus,” and the new identity pays homage to the past while looking forward to the future.
“We are beyond excited to share that the doors to what we all knew as Kelly’s will be reopening tonight at 5PM as E&O Pub,” wrote Jon and the E&O Pub Team in a public message posted earlier today. “A few things have changed, but the soul remains—familiar, refreshed, and ready to welcome you home.”
The reopening reflects not only a physical restoration but a cultural one. With an eye toward preserving the spirit that made the pub such a treasured gathering place, the E&O team hopes to continue the legacy of warmth, community, and shared experience.
“This is more than an opening—it’s the continuation of something special,” the announcement reads.
The grand reopening is scheduled for Friday evening, April 18, at 5 p.m., and the public is warmly invited to attend and raise a glass in celebration.
For longtime residents and newcomers alike, E&O Pub promises to be a place where Cape Charles’ past and future meet—over good food, great company, and a toast to what’s next.
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You can’t keep a bar open when you drink away the profits! As for the new bar you BETTER be checking IDs! WE ALL KNOW YOU SERVE UNDERAGE ALCOHOL. Let’s see if we can get Jon Taffer up in there.
Kelly’s was a gem in the day, but became an overpriced inconsistent dive as Gene lost interest. Hopefully Jon will turn it around with a decent menu and reliable staff. Lord knows there’s a demand for it. With a pizza place, and a almost exclusive fried food establishment, add a third venue with something additional, he’ll have it wrapped up.
Is the name a play on words? E and O said really fast over and over again becomes “ya know”
Just wondering.
Note: Follow the tattoos, and you shall know.