Our Story
The Heart Behind Betty & Vi’s
Betty & Vi’s Cocktail Bar & Lounge is more than a bar—it’s a living tribute to legacy, love, and the art of bringing people together. Inspired by his great-grandmothers, Chef Perry Davis carries forward a tradition rooted in hospitality, flavor, and unforgettable experiences.
Betty P.K. Rogers, born in Chatham County, North Carolina, later made her home in Virginia Beach, where she became a highly sought-after caterer. For over 30 years, she prepared meals for some of the area’s most prominent and affluent families, earning a reputation for excellence—including cooking for a Budweiser owner. Betty was bold, honest, and full of personality—her kitchen was filled with flavor, laughter, and truth.
Viola Brown, lovingly called “Vi,” was born in Hume, Virginia. As the trusted family cook for the well-known Claggett family, she became the heart of their many lavish gatherings. Her meals were the centerpiece of every occasion, eventually leading to the publication of her cookbook, Viola’s Favorite Recipes. Though the rights remain outside the family, her legacy lives on through the generations she inspired. Vi was gentle, warm, and nurturing—her presence made everyone feel like family.
Viola passed away in 2022 at the remarkable age of 110, but her spirit continues to guide everything Perry creates. Having grown up at their feet in the kitchen—watching, listening, and learning—he absorbed not just recipes, but values, discipline, and the importance of community. Many of Vi’s published recipes were incomplete, as she never revealed all her secrets, making Perry’s recreations both a tribute and a continuation of her artistry.
While his foundation was built in the kitchen, Perry’s passion evolved beyond the plate. His journey led him behind the bar, where he discovered a love for bartending and the creativity of crafting custom cocktails. Blending culinary technique with mixology, he approaches every drink like a dish—layered, intentional, and designed to create an experience. Each cocktail at Betty & Vi’s reflects that same heritage of care, balance, and storytelling.
Though he has embraced the world of cocktails, Perry hasn’t hung up his apron. His culinary journey—shaped by years of experience and mentorship under Chef Renée—continues to influence everything he does, with plans to expand Betty & Vi’s into a full-service restaurant in the future.
At its core, Betty & Vi’s is about more than food or drinks—it’s about creating a space where strangers become family, just like they did in Betty and Vi’s kitchens.
Our Promise to our Patrons
Our Promise to You
At Betty & Vi’s Cocktail Bar & Lounge, our promise is simple—when you walk through our doors, you belong.
We are committed to creating an inviting, welcoming atmosphere where every guest feels seen, valued, and at home. Whether you arrive as a stranger or a regular, you’ll be treated like family—just as Betty and Vi would have done.
We believe in the power of community. That means actively supporting and collaborating with our neighboring businesses, building strong relationships, and growing together. We don’t see others as competition—we are the destination, together.
Every experience at Betty & Vi’s is crafted with intention. From the music and events to the conversations and connections, our goal is to create moments you’ll remember long after the night ends.
Behind the bar, we are dedicated to quality. Each cocktail is made with care, using fresh ingredients and thoughtful techniques, blending creativity with consistency to deliver drinks you can trust and enjoy every time.
At Betty & Vi’s, you’re not just a guest—you’re part of something.
Enter a stranger… Leave family.
