After Decades in Luray, Dan’s Steakhouse to Close Its Doors
LURAY, Va. — The owner of a well-known Page County restaurant has announced that the business will close its doors permanently.
Dan’s Steakhouse, located at 8512 U.S. Highway 211 West in Luray, has been a favorite dining spot for both locals and visitors for decades.
In recent months, the restaurant’s Facebook page regularly featured updates on menu specials and live entertainment schedules. Suddenly, however, the following message was posted on September 11, 2025:
With a heavy heart, I want to share that the time has come to close the doors of Dan’s Steakhouse. This restaurant has been more than just a business — it’s been a gathering place, a piece of my life, and a home for so many memories.
To our loyal patrons, thank you for every visit, every laugh, and every special moment you chose to spend here. To the staff, I’m grateful for your hard work and the time you’ve put in trying to help me along this journey.
Dan’s has always been more than just a steakhouse—it’s a piece of our community—and has always had a soul of its own, and I know its story isn’t over yet.
Thank you for the love and support.
— Neil Custer
The restaurant’s original building dates back to 1949 and has seen multiple additions over the years.
The restaurant has operated under at least three different names but has been most-commonly known as Dan’s Steakhouse.
Longtime owner Gene Sisson, who managed the business for many years, also ran the “Dan’s Steakhouse” in Front Royal, although that location was eventually rebranded as “Dean’s.”
Sisson eventually sold the Luray restaurant to Earl Vaught, who later passed it along to Jerry and Christie Baker. The Bakers operated the restaurant for more than two decades.
After purchasing the restaurant from the Bakers, Custer reopened the eatery in October of 2021, and at first, it seemed to be a great success.
Under Custer’s ownership, however, the restaurant drew a fair share of negative feedback, including online reviews critical of the food and service, as well as complaints by former employees.
In August 2024, Custer was charged with animal neglect involving a pet dog. He was later found guilty and ordered to pay fines, though the animal was ultimately returned to him.
In the recent closure announcement, Custer gave no specific reason for the end of the business and did not mention a final day of operation. Unconfirmed social media posts, however, claim that the restaurant has already closed.