George Whitby started out selling freshly caught crabs and oysters from a pull-behind Scotty trailer parked in various locations around Richmond’s West End. He set out a yellow umbrella to let customers know that he was open and naturally folks began to refer to George’s fresh seafood stand as “the yellow umbrella.”

The rest is history.

In 1986, George opened his first brick-and-mortar store at our current location, 5603 Patterson Avenue. In 1994, he moved the shop across the street from the post office, where it remained for 20 years.

The Fishcow (or is it a Cowfish?) makes an entrance.

David Whitby purchased his father’s business in 2008 and moved the shop back to its original location in 2013. He renamed the shop Yellow Umbrella Provisions and introduced the quirky “Fishcow” to symbolize the integration of our butcher and seafood departments and enhanced product offerings.

New owners - same great service!

In 2020, the Brown family purchased Yellow Umbrella. Although much has changed over the years, our commitment to quality and exceptional customer service lives on. Don’t just take our word for it - come on in and see what’s under the umbrella!