Riverview Inn - Our History______________

Irwen W. Burns, Sr. founded the Riverview Inn in 1946. His vision put the Riverview Inn on the track it follows today. His committment then is the same as ours today - provide excellent value and service!

Captain Windy greeted customers for many years. His real name was Gilbert Wincherter and his love of our customers and their children can never be replaced. Thank you Captain Windy from all of us at the Riverview Inn!

Riverview Inn was built in 1946 in an old broom sage field on the back waters of the Catawba River by Irwen W. Burns Sr. It has been in the Burns family for all 59 years and is now operated by his two sons Irwen W. Burns Jr., and Jon Burns. The original building was of rough sawed slab oak, seated 60 people in 10 booths. The cooking equipment was two "GI"fiield ranges, gasoline fired and two sheet steel pots. The menu was all you can eat pan trout (.75 cents) and catfish ($1.00, tax included!).

On New Year's Eve, 1973, we completely lost the old building due to lightening coming in on an outside antenna. We were able to rebuild and in the fall of that year we were able to re-open. Thanks to our wonderful and loyal customers we were back in business!

We cater small and large parties up to 250 inside the Inn. We are slso proud of our complete mobile kitchen which enables us to cater parties of 40 to 1,000 people at their own location. You supply the appetites and a place to sit down and we supply everything else!

Our building on the river is a weathered gray and made to look like a pirate fort. We try to create a colorful setting and provide excellent food and service to make your visit a great experience!