Enjoy dinner and a show at Barn Dinner Theatre—the country’s longest-running dinner theater. Learn more about the iconic dinnertainment establishment.
Dinner theater is a familiar culinary concept today, but several decades ago, when the first Barn Dinner Theatre opened, the idea was brand new—and became a quick success.
The Barn Dinner Theatre franchise was born in the 1960s, with the first location established in Roanoke, Virginia, in 1964 by Howard Wolfe and Conley Jones Sr., who are considered to be the creators of the dinner theater concept.
Shortly after the Roanoke outpost opened, another was established in Greensboro, North Carolina. Altogether, 27 Barn Dinner Theatre locations opened throughout the U.S., featuring a similar barn design and farm-themed decorations. The location in Greensboro is the only one still open today, making it the oldest continuously running dinner theater in the country.
Not long after the first Barn Dinner Theatre opened, more dinner theater-type venues started popping up across the country, with the dinnertainment boom reaching its peak in the 1970s.
Keep reading to learn more about the history of the Barn Dinner Theatre and what to expect from a performance today.
The Barn Dinner Theatre: The early days
In the early days, Barn Dinner Theatre shows were cast and staged at Wolfe’s studio in New York City before making their way out to individual theaters. In addition to acting on stage, cast members worked as wait staff for tips before each show. They lived on-site above the theater in small rooms with shared bathroom and kitchen facilities.
Most of the working actors at the theater were relatively unknown, but a few bigger names, including Mickey Rooney, Robert Blake, and Fannie Flagg, performed there. It’s also rumored that Robert De Niro appeared in a production at the Barn Dinner Theatre in Greensboro but was allegedly fired mid-show.
Some shows performed at Barn Dinner Theatre over the years include “Fiddler on the Roof,” “Not Now, Darling,” “Not With My Daughter,” and “Barefoot in the Park.”
Plays were performed on a “magic stage,” a platform that lowered from the ceiling on cables and was raised back up at the end of a scene and set up for the next one.
The Barn Dinner Theatre: Present day
The staff’s living quarters still remain at the Greensboro Barn Dinner Theatre. However, they’re now used as the box office, group sales office, and dressing rooms. Additionally, the cast gets to focus on acting while a separate team handles dinner service.
Dinner is a Southern-style buffet featuring dishes that change based on the time of year and what the chef wants to cook. Expect to see items such as cooked cabbage, mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, roast beef, and baked chicken. There is a salad bar during the summer months, and a cold pasta bar is available throughout the remainder of the year. There are also two or three dessert options to round out your meal.
Show-only seats are available for those who don’t want dinner, but they must be purchased on the day of a performance and are subject to availability.
The Barn Dinner Theatre’s 2026 season includes eight shows, ranging from tributes to music icons like Elvis Presley, Aretha Franklin, and Earth, Wind, & Fire to “Be Kind, Rewind,” a love letter to the music of the 1980s.
The Barn Dinner Theatre: Know before you go
Ready to purchase tickets to your first Barn Dinner Theatre show? Here are a few important things to know before you visit.
Address: 120 Stage Coach Trail, Greensboro
Ticket prices: Regular season matinee tickets start at $58 for adults and $29 for children. Adult and kids’ tickets for evening performances start at $63 and $31.50, respectively. Major credit cards are accepted at the box office, as well as cash, cashier’s checks, and money orders.
Dress code: The dress code is business casual, though guests are encouraged to dress to impress. Shorts, T-shirts, flip flops, and ball caps aren’t allowed in the theater.
Dietary restrictions: Food is cooked in a true Southern style, with butter and/or animal products used in most dishes. The buffet isn’t suitable for vegan diners.
