— Civil Cricket History —

Inspired by the history of the Shenandoah Valley and the energy of Wayside Theatre, Rob Mangus purchased the eighteenth-century log cabin just across the street. After settling into the charming cabin, Rob began volunteering as an usher at the theatre. With many patrons asking him where they might find a little bite or coffee before or after the show, Rob saw the opportunity before him; and thus, the Civil Cricket Café was born September 1, 2006.

— The Cabin —

In the 1760s, Jacob Brookover, an English tailor, built the Brookover-Mangus Log Home at 7868 Main St. for his bride Ann Braithwaite.

— Meet Rob Mangus, Proprietor —

Originally from Indiana, Rob Mangus followed his mid-life awakening to an interest in the arts, to Virginia Beach where he received a M.A. in Communications and Performance from Regent University.

After some dissatisfaction with the urban Manhattan and the expensive suburbia of Fairfax, VA, Rob drove west and fell in love with the beauty and history of Shenandoah Valley. Loving the quaintness of Middletown and his proximity to the arts via Wayside Theatre, Rob is proud of his new home. In addition to his interests in food and the arts, Rob is also a children's book author, avid hiker, and gardener.

— Meet De, The Culinary Talent —

De, Rob's sister, is a passionate cook. Her idea of a good time is reading labels at the grocery, trying out new recipes or settling down with a good cookbook. And though she works full-time with the government, she still finds time to grace the kitchen at the Civil Cricket.

At first De simply consulted for Rob via post-it notes around the kitchen, getting him on his feet for soups, quiches, and sandwiches for the daily menu. Finding a demand for finer-dinning (especially pre-theatre), De prepares every weekend fabulous meals like Pan seared Salmon, Filet Mignon, Crab-Stuffed Tilapia and other wonderful presentations. Rob deams his sister the culinary talent of the restaurant.

— On Our Name & Nature —

Our name combines two historical and cultural ideas. Middletown, Virginia is known for the Battle of Cedar Creek, the Civil War Battle that marked the beginning of the end for the South (but we are also civil in nature–so that works too.) The cricket is known as a sign of luck, especially when placed on your mantle. In some places the cricket is also known for hospitality–a value we hold dearly.