In September of 1945, World War II ended with the official surrender of the Japanese. Walter Wilkerson, an Army Air Force pilot, returned home to Colonial Beach, VA, to join his father, Herbert, and his uncle, Stephen, in the restaurant business. This restaurant was called Wilkerson’s, and was the “Original Wilkerson’s.” However, there was not enough room or money to support everyone, so in 1946, Herbert and Walter decided to open their own restaurant and seafood business in town, and Herbert Wilkerson & Son, Inc. was born. The business was a family affair, with Herbert and his wife, Flo, Walter and his wife, Catherine working everyday operating and managing the new business. In April of 1947, Catherine gave birth to a boy, Jimmy, and he was soon a familiar face at Wilkerson’s.