Douglas W. Bryant

March 14, 2020
Douglas W. Bryant

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Douglas Wayne Bryant, loving husband, thoughtful son, successful restaurateur and longtime resident of Williamsburg, Virginia, passed away unexpectedly on March 14th, 2020 at the age of 61. Doug attended Virginia Tech School of Engineering and served as a liaison for the design and engineering department at Newport News Ship Building. He was a “cosmic” workaholic. As a young man, he began working as a head waiter at The Seafare of Williamsburg and managed the kitchen of Nick’s Pewter Plate. Doug’s dream to become his own restaurant owner materialized in 1988 when he opened his first franchised shop known as, Subway Station, in the Stoneybrook area of Newport News, Virginia. In 1990, he opened his first full-service restaurant, Courtyard Café, in the Williamsburg Crossing shopping center. In order to better serve his expanding clientele, he purchased and renovated a larger location in 2005, known as Victoria’s. He fulfilled his passion for the food service industry by providing delicious American Casual Cuisine for his local and loyal customers. One of Doug’s all-time favorite quotes was; “Where the elite meet to eat,” and he loved being the proprietor of just such an establishment. Throughout his journey, his wife of 32 years, Doris Evans Bryant, was by his side. In addition to his wife, he is also survived by his parents, Donna and Ray Bryant of Williamsburg, sister Debbie Sparlin and husband Dean, of Springfield, Virginia, nephew Christopher Sparlin of Seattle, Washington and niece Cindy Sparlin of Boston, Massachusetts. Doug was a beloved brother-in-law to Peggy and Tommy Mylum of Williamsburg, and Sue and Larry Cornell and their children, Tony Cornell and Kathryn Adams, all of Lake Jackson, Texas. Doug also leaves to cherish his memory his extended “Victoria’s” family. There will be a gathering to celebrate his life Thursday, March 19th, at 11:00 in chapel at Bucktrout. The family requests that remembrances or expressions of sympathy be made to the Heritage Humane Society at 430 Waller Mill Road in Williamsburg.


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  • March 18, 2020
    Fran and Jim Whitney says:
    We are so sorry to learn of Doug's passing. We have been a fan of his and Doris' for many years. He was always so friendly and had a smile on his face for everybody who came in contact with him. He was such a nice person to be around. Our condolences to Doris and family.

  • March 18, 2020
    Bill & Barbara Church says:
    We always looked forward to talking with Doug at the restaurant. His smile and firm handshake were more than that of a restaurant entrepreneur, they were of a true friend. Doug took pride in his special recipes, his restaurant and his friends. We will miss you Doug, but you will always be with us. Our deepest sympathies to Doris and all of Doug's family.

  • March 18, 2020
    Tammi & Rick Worley says:
    We are so sad to hear of Doug's passing. He was a wonderful, enjoyable person to be around. He will be greatly missed. Sending prayers for you and your family.

  • March 18, 2020
    Hoyt Davenport says:
    Doris I am so Sorry to learn Dougs passing. I can’t imagine what you are going through. My prayers are with you.

  • March 19, 2020
    Dewey & Mary Hurley says:
    Doris, We were saddened to hear of Doug’s passing. We will always remember him as a gentleman, who was always upbeat and positive. He was a good man. You and your family will be in our prayers. Dewey & Mary Hurley