On August 15, 1945 — Victory over Japan (VJ) Day — Austinite Johnny Holmes opened the Victory Grill, a restaurant and bar catering to African American soldiers returning from the war. Many top blues performers played at the Victory Grill, including B.B. King. It attracted a multiracial audience, a rarity in the segregated South. Today, it remains a multicultural hub on Austin’s east side hosting concerts, art exhibits and dances.