The Yellow Brick Bank Restaurant building is the former location of Jefferson
Security Bank, Shepherdstown's main bank for 69 years. Jefferson Security Bank was constructed in 1906 in the "Beaux Arts" style of architecture that gives the building its signature look with rolled tin scroll work adorning the outer walls.
In 1976 the building was purchased to be used as a restaurant. The Restaurant was named "The Yellow Brick Bank" before discovering that paint, yellow or otherwise, would not adhere to the glazed surface of the bricks. In spite of this mishap, the name survived. In keeping with the name, the original teller line was preserved and
transformed into a bar in what is known as the "old pub." The original bank vault was also preserved and, to this day, is used to store and display the restaurant's outstanding selection of fine wines. Through the years, the restaurant steadily grew in popularity, thanks to the efforts of talented chefs and dedicated kitchen and floor staff.
A new kitchen and pub were added in 1997. The exterior was made to flow with the original lines of the establishment. A wood burning oven and grill quickly increased the quality and popularity of the restaurant. The eclectic decor of the new pub was a great addition to the distinction of the Yellow Brick Bank Restaurant. the ceiling is a replica of a cathedral ceiling at Glenstal Abbey (a Benedictine monastery) near Limerick, Ireland. The colorful hanging globes from a merry-go-round in Toronto, Canada and the larger than life goldfish artform add to the uniqueness of the room as well. An abstract styled painting by a local artist found a home over the wood and colored tile bar at Christmas 2008. the regulars at the pub enjoy discussing who is actually pictured in the painting that depicts "the pub bar at the Yellow Brick Bank." Could that be me," or is that you know who" and "was that on the night when such and such happened?"
In the spring of 2006, this beautiful 30 year old establishment was sold to Ken Lowe, Jr., a life-long resident of Shepherdstown. The Lowe Family takes great pride in continuing the legacy of this well known landmark.
The "Yellow Brick Bank" is truly unequivocal for its intriguing atmosphere and its extraordinary cuisine. We hope you enjoy your dining experience as have others for the past 30 plus years. Don't be surprised if you see a visiting president or presidential candidate, governor or former governor or foreign and local government officials. They are spotted in the area quite frequently!
History Of The Yellow Brick Bank Restaurant
Executive Chef Jeff McGee
Sous Chef Larry Messenger
Clifford Branson is the unofficial mayor of Shepherdstown. Born and raised here, he knows the town’s history and just about every resident. And people know him. They line up early on those special occasions when he cooks his “Clifford’s Fried Chicken" at the Yellow Brick Bank restaurant.
Clifford has worked at the restaurant for 30 years. He started out in the kitchen but was too much of a people-person to stay there, so he became a server. Over the years he’s waited on regulars and famous visitors, including Nancy Reagan, columnist George Will and former Secretary of State Madeline Albright.
Now in his late 70’s, Clifford can remember a time when, as an African-American, he couldn’t dine at the type of restaurant where he has worked for decades. He has lived through segregation, the Great Depression, several wars, and the Civil Rights Movement. He’s lived to see an African-American elected President of the United States, something he admits he never thought to witness.
A religious man and very active in his church, Clifford has always had a positive attitude about life and opportunity in America. As he has said many times, “I can’t find bad people, to me, people are all the same”.
Clifford was a 2011 National Restaurant Association national finalist for the Faces of Diversity Award, recognizing and honoring the diversity of the restaurant and foodservice industry.
Clifford Branson
Restaurant ManagerLaird Marshall
A native of West Virginia Larry knew early in his life he was on a path of one day becoming a chef, Larry grew up watching French and Italian chefs on television create there master pieces. And after high school he traveled to Pennsylvania to enroll at the International Culinary Academy where he soon realized his place was in the kitchen learning hands on and not in a class room, So from there he traveled up and down the east coast and out west searching for his own culinary style and experiencing different aspects of the culinary world. His travels brought him back to West Virginia to the small historic community of Shepherdstown, where he was offered the Sous Chef position at the YBB, Larry continues to bring fresh ideas and creativity to everyday operations at the Yellow Brick Bank.
Started at YBB Sept 1989, Training and background in cooking, wine, service and bartending. Fine Food & wine recommendations at whatslairddrinkingnow.com
Chef Jeff McGee has Thirty years of culinary experience, Prior to coming to Shepherdstown he started his career at the Piccadilly Restaurant in Washington DC. After that he worked at the Bavarian Inn where he repeatedly won the prestigious AAA Four Diamond Award. He has worked at the Yellow Brick Bank for four years, and enjoys the small town atmosphere of Shepherdstown.
