The Loyal Restaurant & Bar

Rooted in the steadfast spirit of Hokies, The Loyal is more than a restaurant. It is a gathering place that honors the character, traditions, and enduring connections that define Virginia Tech. Designed as a destination for exceptional food, meaningful conversations, and shared community, The Loyal welcomes alumni, faculty, students’ families, donors, locals, and visitors alike to experience the essence of Blacksburg, VA through a new lens.

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In partnership with REVPAR Hospitality, Crestline Hotels & Resorts, and Virginia Tech, Hickok Cole Creative, together with Baskervill’s hospitality interiors team, reimagined the university’s aging restaurant into a destination worthy of its setting and legacy. The goal was not simply to renovate a dining venue, but to create a new place people actively seek out, whether they’re revisiting campus, celebrating milestones, hosting events, or enjoying an evening with friends.

Originally named Preston’s Restaurant, the newly named “The Loyal at the Inn at Virginia Tech” is an elevated yet approachable dining experience that reflects authenticity, pride, excellence, and hospitality. Its name draws inspiration from the enduring bonds shared by the Hokie community, while also resonating with the broader Blacksburg, VA community and reflecting the restaurant’s new farm-to-table menu offerings. It reflects alumni loyalty, traditions passed from one generation to the next, and the lasting relationships built on campus.

When creating the name, it was important to strike a balance between honoring Virginia Tech’s legacy and establishing a welcoming destination for residents and visitors alike. Grounded in themes of legacy, character, and nostalgia, the name celebrates a spirit that extends far beyond campus grounds. It is a tribute to those who have shaped Virginia Tech’s story and those who continue to carry it forward, while celebrating the region’s culture, craftsmanship, and connection to the land.

Nestled within the natural beauty of Blacksburg, VA, the restaurant’s new brand identity embraces the landscape that surrounds Virginia Tech. Elements of Virginia Tech lore served as inspiration, from the oak trees that line the Drillfield, to Growley, the Corps of Cadets’ Labrador ambassador. Additionally, the region’s mountains, quarries, agricultural heritage, and forests helped to inform every aspect of the guest experience. Friendly typography and signage complement the farm-to-table concept, where interior and exterior spaces flow seamlessly together, creating opportunities to gather indoors, relax on the terrace, or host memorable events overlooking the landscape. The restaurant, bar, lobby, and outdoor spaces function as a cohesive experience, inviting guests to linger throughout the day.

The Loyal’s new color palette is rooted in rich earthy tones that echo both the Virginia landscape and the university’s enduring heritage. Deep greens evoke the surrounding forests and rolling mountains. Warm paprika and wine-inspired reds reference hospitality and tradition. Golden tones add warmth and optimism, while the soft khaki and flour-white neutrals create balance, comfort, and refinement.

Every element, from the name and identity to the interiors and guest experience, was thoughtfully crafted to create a space that feels familiar yet elevated, rooted in heritage yet designed for today. The Loyal invites you to pull up a chair, stay awhile, and become part of its story.